Yet Another Van Staal Question

[BatesBCheatin]

Question for you Van Staal owners:

I have been noticing a slight scraping noise when retrieving at high speed. It happens every revolution of the handle when cranking fast. Almost sounds 'dry', but I have noticed no oil leaks. The reel is less than a month old. Is this 'normal' for these reels. I really don't want to send it in, especially this time of year - but don't want to prematurely kill it either. Thanks.

[JeffH]

Sounds like the pickup roller, both of mine make a similiar sound. Hit the roller with a little oil or reel without any line, I'll bet you the sound goes away.

[Clogston29]

that sounds right.

reel it fast without the line on the roller and see if it makes the same sound, if not Jeff is right

[BatesBCheatin]

It makes the sound even without line on the roller... and I did oil the roller as well. Sounds like a should have someone look at it I guess... darn it.

[Clogston29]

try turning the handle without the spool on the reel and see if it still makes the same sound, something may be rubbing between the rotor cup and the spool.

[BatesBCheatin]

I tried that already. Same noise...

I spoke with the guy at River's End and let him hear it via speakerphone. He did think something wasn't right, but was difficult to be sure. He said it's very rare for the reel to develop any problems of this nature (oil leak, etc) being so new. I think I may take a trip down there soon... oh well. Thanks for all responses though.

110 miles one way! Argh.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Did it get dropped by any chance, any little kids in the house that may have knocked it down.

look and see if the spool is rubbing (or coming close to doing it) on the casing when its spinning....the shaft could be out of alignment.

the reason I mention this is I had bought one used (in like new condition) and it made that same exact sound you are describing.....the spool was coming close to rubbing the casing on it.

I sent it back to the guy I bought it from and he completely refunded my cash....but it does sound pretty similar

[Adam_777]

My reel foot was leaking from the factory.I got it with no oil.I fixed it myself on my own dime.I think it is easy to service so I do it.Not everyone else agrees.

[BatesBCheatin]

Although not mechanically un-inclined, I don't dare pull that thing apart, especially since it's still under it's 1 year warranty.

DadFisherman: Definitely not a spool issue and the only 'abuse' it has taken is frequent dunkings.


Spoke with a local reel guy. He says he's fairly certain there is a bearing issue... He said he could hear and 'feel' it as well when cranking. Looks like I'm taking a trip to Old Saybrook when things slow down at... well you should know where.

Thanks all once again.

[Chris in Mass]

Before you take the long trip, will they fix it on the spot? If not and you don't want to live without it this fall, is it "useable" with the described problem? If so, would this be covered as part of the annual maintenance? If yes to last two questions, consider waiting till the winter to send it in. Also, request a waiver on the maintenance fee if bearing is the issue on a brand new reel. Food for thought. Best maybe to talk this through with River's End. Hate to see you taking a long trip without knowing some of the options associated with fall fishing.

[BatesBCheatin]

Originally Posted by Chris in Mass

Before you take the long trip, will they fix it on the spot? If not and you don't want to live without it this fall, is it "useable" with the described problem? If so, would this be covered as part of the annual maintenance? If yes to last two questions, consider waiting till the winter to send it in. Also, request a waiver on the maintenance fee if bearing is the issue on a brand new reel. Food for thought. Best maybe to talk this through with River's End. Hate to see you taking a long trip without knowing some of the options associated with fall fishing.

I am definitely leaning that way since it is very usable and River's End will most likely fix while I wait - probably for no $$$ I would expect. VS in Okie said that if I mail it in it will only be a 2 day turnaround time since it is under warranty for the first year. Things could be much worse... Just glad I still have a dunkable and functioning reel for October. It's good to have some options.

[piemma]

I have a Crack 300 that developed the same problem. Turns out the shaft got bent. I'm damned if I can figure out how.

[Chris in Mass]

Originally Posted by BatesBCheatin

...and River's End will most likely fix while I wait - probably for no $$$ I would expect. VS in Okie said that if I mail it in it will only be a 2 day turnaround time since it is under warranty for the first year...

Good Deal! Sounds like you are covered. God luck this fall.

[cardnial77]

i had a grain of sand get inside the aread where the handle connects to the reel body, was making a squeeking noise. took off the handle gave the area a quick flush and a shot of lube fixed the issue.

[ivanputski]

The van staal is the only reel that feels like you are winding up one of those crank-power/no battery flashlights... I honestly was not ready for what I felt the first time I picked one up... I expected it to be silky smooth while cranking it... anyone know why it feels so tight, almost putting up some resistance?

[Chris in Mass]

Heavy oil, strong gears - love that machine shop feeling!