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Disassembling a spinning reel with a baitfeeder is not hard…its the putting it back together that can be the problem. My goto surf fishing reels are Okuma ABF60s and there is very little documentation out there (other than the spec that comes with the reel). This post is going to go into excruciating detail on how I clean my reels after each surf fishing trip.
Materials Needed
- Okuma ABF65 (or other baitfeeder)
- Penn Reel Oil and Grease
- Ronson Lighter Fluid
- Cotton Swabs
Cleaning the Reel
Cleaning the Bail Assembly
Step 1: Unscrew and Remove the Drag Adjustment Knob
Step 2: Remove the Spool
Step 3: Remove the Drag Stack
Step 4: Remove the Shaft Nut and Shaft Nut Screw
Remove the gold shaft nut. Before you can remove the shaft nut, you will need to remove the phillipshead screw securing it.
Step 5: Remove the Bail Assembly
Step 6: Remove the Gold Screw Securing the Line Roller and Disassemble
Upon removing the Line Roller, you can twist to remove the bail wire from the opposite hinge.
Step 7: Unscrew the Bail Hinge Opposite the Line Roller
Step 8: Remove the Spring-loaded Bail Hinge
Carefully, remove the spring-load hinge screw to expose the spring.
Step 9: Remove the Spring Assembly Plate Cover
This is an optional step if the spring is showing signs of rust. If not, there is no need…but if rust is showing, remove for cleaning. Remove the rust with steel wool or using a ultrasonic cleaner.
Step 10: Reinsert Spring, Replace Cover and Bail Arm
Carefully replace the spring being careful not to shoot the spring across the room.
Using a rotating action, place the far metal arm into the single hole and the closer metal arm into the slotted hole.
Screw in place.
Step 11: Clean the Line Roller Bearing
Using lighter fluid, soak the line roller bearing. The bearing should spin easily and freely.
Step 12: Reassemble the Line Roller and Bail Assembly
Step 13: Oil the Bail Assembly
Oil the hinge points and line roller.
Cleaning the Shaft Assembly
Step 1: Remove the Top Plate
Remove the 3 screws cover the top plate to expose the shaft bearing.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Shaft Bearing
Remove the shaft bearing. Soak and agitate the bearing in lighter fluid.
Step 3: Remove the Anti-Reverse Spring
Carefully remove the anti-reverse spring using precision pliers. You don’t want to shoot this across the room..ask me how I know.
Step 4: Remove Remaining Shaft Components
Pay close attention to the orientation of the plastic bearing housing in the newer baitfeeders. There are typically small marking indicating orientation. If you misalign, the anti-reverse will not work properly.
Step 5: Oil and Grease Appropriately
Replace grease on gold gear shaft. Oil inserts in the plastic bearing housing.
Step 6: Reassemble Shaft Components
Replace parts in the order of removal.
Step 7: Oil Shaft
Place two drops of oil on the shaft.
Cleaning the Housing
Step 1: Remove the Handle
Unscrew the handle screw and remove the handle.
Step 2: Remove the Drag Cap
Step 3: Remove the Baitfeeder Lever
Remove the bait feeder lever screw. Pull the lever off the notched tab and remove.
Step 4: Remove the Sideplate
Remove the three screw securing the side plate and the sideplate to expose the inner reel housing.
Step 5: Remove and Clean the Bottom Drag Assembly
Loosen the bottom drag and remove the retaining clip. Clean any sand or debris and replace the stack and retaining clip.
Step 6: Remove the Anti-Reverse Lever
Paying careful attention not to lost the spring, remove the anti-reverse lever.
Step 7: Remove the Side Bearing
Remove the side bearing and clean using lighter fluid. Add two drops of oil. Remove the washer under the bearing to ensure it isn’t lost.
Step 8: Remove the Shaft Retaining Clip and Shaft
Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry the shaft retaining clip out of the grooves of the shaft.
Step 9: Remove the Main Gear
Pull the main gear and clean any debris and old grease. If a newer Okuma reel with an oval shaped gear, pay careful attention to the orientation and plan to replace in the same orientation.
The older circular gears are easier to position (given its circular).
Step 10: Remove the Shaft Guide
Step 11: Remove the Inner Gear
Unscrew and remove the inner gear paying careful attention not to lose the screw or inner collar.
Step 12: Remove and Clean the Far Bearing
Remove and clean the far bearing using lighter fluid. Add two drops of oil. Replace the bearing.
Step 13: Grease and Replace the Inner Gear
Step 14: Replace the Shaft Guide
Step 15: Grease and Replace the Main Gear
Step 16: Replace and Secure the Oiled Shaft and Retaining Clip
Step 17: Replace the Anti-Reverse Lever
Step 18: Replace the Bearing Washer and Bearing
Step 19: Replace Sideplate and Baitfeeder Lever
Step 20: Replace the Drag Cap
Step 21: Replace and Secure the Bail Assembly
Step 22: Replace the Drag Stack, Spool and Spool Cap
Step 23: Replace and Oil the Handle
Oil the joint so the handle and reattach.
That’s It!
Your reel is now clean and ready for another round in the surf.
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