Abu 4501 Royal

[Fishit 2]

I just picked this reel up, was looking for a small baitcaster to fish the surf mostly for bait, was thinking of using 14lb Fireline on a 6'6 rod, would like to get a power handle for it(hate the double paddle handles on stick Abus) I can't find any info on this reel, only thing I do know is that it is made in Sweden, has a graphite foot and I cannot decipher the numbers on the foot that reads: 6000 60
Any info would be of help, thanks
http://twitpic.com/crzt54/full

[Ken_D]

Hi. The Royals/Royal Express models (if memory serves) were made for one of the big box outlets. I suggest you reverse your reel, when you read the serial number. It will make more sense then. There are several runs of Abu reels, where unsuspecting sports interpret the number backwards.

This is a result of those numbers that are the only ones in the number.  6-9-0, etc, no odd number like a 3  or some such to be really evident that the reel is being held backwards.  Just like yours is...  

The fastest way to deal with Royals, is to open a few drawings, then do the same with regular 4-5-6 reels. For the most part they share the same internals, style for style. (solid axle vs ultracast, for examples)
a 45 Royal Express equates to a 4600 regular. A plain Royal will be a regular Abu, no thumb bar.

Pretty much all Abu parts that fit regular reels will fit Royals/Royal Express'.... handles, sideplates, frames, spools, etc, so you can easily change out things to suit.   I'd be tempted to lose the el cheapo line shroud, and change the frame to a nice chrome one, from the nylon/graphite ones used on many Royals.

I like the layout of schematics Nutter Reel uses. http://tinyurl.com/4juru6w  All on one sheet, in order, to the low 2000's.  This will make it easy for you to pull prints, and play what's wrong with this picture.  
http://www.nutterrodandreel.com/pdf/Abu%20Garcia/2000/royal%204501%200900.PDF

A few of these types of walkabouts thru the drawings, will show you why Abu is favoured by many...common parts, ease of repair, and quite possibly the biggest drawing card: parts availability for the common older models.

Also: if you check earlier posts, there's one here, where Alan's kept the post with links to the Japan Purefishing site. That's because they've got nomenclature to go with the part numbers.

[Fishit 2]

Thanks Ken, I have seen the Royal Express reels before and they do look like the cheap chain store reels but this reel just says "Royal" so not sure if its different but I did read the reel foot numbers correct, here is a pic with the numbers upside down:
http://twitpic.com/cs0dx7
And another shot of the reel:
http://twitpic.com/cs0ec3
Sorry for the links, can't seem to post pics with this iPhone

[Ken_D]

Hi... your opening first post reads 6000 60  etc, while your pic shows the number correct. (09-00) Since you posted, I put your drawing up. Also, when you read my long post in depth, the diff between royal and royal express is there. Regular frame, and thumb-bar frame.

[Fishit 2]

Men would you happen to know what replacement bearings would work in this reel? I ordered a set from Boca Bearings but they sent me the wrong size, I took the bushings out and tried installing the new spool bearings but they are 2 different sizes, not sure why the kit wouldn't include 2 of the same size?

[Ken_D]

Hi. within the Boca web pages are .99 cent bearings. 10 for 9.99. That's an option for fresh water fishing.
I use these all the time, and they are just as fast as the spendier ones. When I get a reel like the drawing link, I add a bearing and pull the bushing no charge to the rodster.

http://www.nutterrodandreel.com/pdf/Abu%20Garcia/1996/6000c%200106%20(bk).pdf

You want bearings the same as your bushings... 4 x 10 x 4 mm's, regardless of the price point and style you opt to buy, from anyone. In several cases, a bearing comes in less spendy than a bushing.   In the drawing link attached, the bushing's down by the spool gear, and the bb is up by the transmission side of the spool.

Hope that helps.  I suspect they sent you 3 x 10 x 4, the ones that would fit an older 45, with a solid axle not your ulstracast spool style. The older Royals could have used the sideplates with bearing pockets fitted.

http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-applications/bearing-applications/rc-car-truck-bearing-ten-packs/-99-cent-bearings

[Fishit 2]

Hi guys I got the correct bearings and washers for this reel but my problem is now when I tighten the drag I can't turn the handle. I have to really back off the drag just to turn the handle and this obviously won't do, never ran into this oroblem begore on any reel i own, what could be the problem?

[Ken_D]

Hi guys I got the correct bearings and washers for this reel but my problem is now when I tighten the drag I can't turn the handle. I have to really back off the drag just to turn the handle and this obviously won't do, never ran into this oroblem begore on any reel i own, what could be the problem?

Hi. sounds like you have a couple of things going on sight unseen, which is the harderst thing to figure out, blind.
CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT....

-the little shim is on the driveshaft post on the brake plate,
-this post is not bent, and plumb,
-the crank boss itself is plumb and square to the side plate,
-the drag array is in the right order if your gearset is the 3-inside type. Ensure the eared washer is in the middle, not on the top,
-the sideplate itself is not caved in anywhere.
With no reel in hand, that's about all I can think of, off the top.

Now then watch the _next_ guru come up with the answer !!  LOL......

[Ken_D]

oops.. I forgot the most obvious rookie mistake.... take a good look at the little white flyweights... I now suspect you have neglected to place them full inboard on the spokes, so they fit inside the circle underneath the brake plate, and have squished either one or both, on the rim of the circle.

If this is it, you will need to re-straighten the spokes, and either make or buy more weights. When squished like this, the crank can't... the friction is too great when this error is made.
Don't worry, I suspect most every abu freak has done this..I sure freaked when I did it, and could not figure out why the reel froze. Worse yet, I was attempting to fix it for a friend back in the 80's. Re-Oops,

[floating doc]

I've got a pair of these, one in this size and a 6500 sized one. Been using them for years; caught lots of fish.

[Ken_D]

So, how did this all turn out ?