Levelwind not so level??? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Rob Rockcrawler · 12-01-2007, 09:55 AM

I have an abu 6500 chrome rocket that needs a V8. The line doesnt lay evenly, it builds up on the right. Its not very bad and doesnt effect the reel that much but i would like to know what causes it. I tried respooling and that didnt do the trick. Any ideas? It has been doing it since it came outta the box.

fishonnelsons · 12-01-2007, 10:05 AM

Would think that the pawl travel isn't centered, and it goes further to one end than the other versus 50/50. Also, maybe a slight imperfection in one end of the worm gear, causing the pawl to stick ever so slightly on one end on the retrieve, and a few more wraps of the line goes on the spool at that end. Also possible the whole worm gear isn't seated properly.

I would take it apart, look at the worm gear for any slight imperfection, also look at the pawl, then re-assemble making sure everything is really seated well. If you see any imperfections, either try to finely file them out, or else just send it back to the manufacturer.

Good Luck

animal · 12-01-2007, 10:07 AM

I don't know about the rocket,but most abu's have a knob on either end for centering the spool on the frame.Is it possible you're not centered and therefore the levelwind doesn't reach its full travel potential,causing it to build up?

Stewie · 12-01-2007, 10:09 AM

That is almost normal. Try pushing the wire part of the levelwind traveler to the left (the wire is a press fit in the traveler and will kinda twist in the direction you want, no permanent change). Also try tieing off to a tree or bumper and walking all the line off the reel. Hold the line to the left with your thumb at the foregrip while reeling it back on. Since you only cast a part of the line, if the stuff underneath is good, the problem will be minimized. But don't worry, all my Abus pile a wee more on the right side and it's never been a problem.

The knurled knob on the right sideplate doesn't have an o-ring. If you use it to center the spool, it won't necessarily stay where you put it.

JohnR · 12-01-2007, 10:13 AM

If this is a reel you've put a few miles on it is possible you've worn out the worm gear. Cut the line so you can crank the reel freely. Cranl looking down on the LW and watch if the line feeder guider spends an extra second on the side that is building up the line. Keep cranking as it may not happen every time. Sometimes the line guider immediately changes direction when it gets to one side and when worrn, it may pause a bit before turning the other way. This pause is what lays the line higher on one side.

I have actually worn out a few more worms than pawls on my Abus

Mike P · 12-01-2007, 11:14 AM

If it came out of the box doing it, the spool isn't centered.

The pawl would be the suspect if it just started doing it all of a sudden.

Big Dave · 12-01-2007, 05:29 PM

Actually its a pretty common problem with ABU. tip the reel upside down and look at the worm gear. At each end you will notice a mechanical stop which stops the travel and allows the worm to change directions. if the stop is not centered correctly order another part and install it. if your not ok with working on the reel. Now that its winter just mail the reel to a ABU service center and they should take care of it for you. but talk with the service dept first so they are aware that is a factory defect and you should not be charged for the repair.. Big Dave

Nebe · 12-01-2007, 07:36 PM

I'll take it

gone fishin · 12-01-2007, 10:38 PM

All suggestions are correct. If the reel has been doing that since it came out of the box, it sounds like the spool is not centered. The 6500 has the spool bearings in the spool itself. On one side there is a fixed bushing and on the other side there is an assembly that holds the shaft that holds the spool. Under each is a copper colored shim or two. The only way you can shift the spool is by taking a shim from one side and putting it on the other side. That is the only spool adjustment available on that reel. My feeling is that either the worm or the pall is giving you trouble.
Also if you are reeling line in and holding the reel cocked to one side it will also cause the line to load on one side unevenly as you describe. Are you cleaning the worm and keeping it lightly oiled? No grease on the worm or pall!

Rob Rockcrawler · 12-02-2007, 05:37 PM

Thanks guys. Definatly not scared to tear abu's open. A few years ago one vomited on me and it took forever to get back together. They are wicked easy to work on. I will look for the things you guys mentioned. Gotta do it soon for that big wave of cows that are coming

rockyroady · 12-02-2007, 06:36 PM

I have spooled abu's with fresh line and noticed this happen. I found the cause to be the tension I placed on the line while spooling. Not enough tension sometimes leads to backlashes. My problem was running the line through my fingers and onto the reel, holding the line close to the reel and off center, it packed up on the side my hand was holding the line on.

Saltheart · 12-03-2007, 09:05 AM

This will happen if you guide the line in with your fingers. If you hold the line between your left thumb and forfinger , the line will pile up left. If you hold the line through your right thumb and forfinger , the line will pile up right. best is to put the line thropugh a rod when re spooling.

You also get this if the pawl is skipping on either side. Sometimes this happens with a worn pawl , wouldn't expect it with a reel out of the box.

OOPs , guess rockyroad said the same thing.