Help for Shimano Calcutta stuck reel spool

sharkbait · July 21, 2009, 04:22:58 PM

Can anyone help with some maitenance advice? I disassembled a Calcutta CT-400 by loosening the 2 thumb screws. After I did this, I pulled the right side plate with the spool assembly out of the reel body. However, the spool is supposed to release from the right sideplate bearing so I can clean and oil the bearing, etc., but it won't release. I disassembled the handle, star drag, etc., as well as the 2 additional phillips screws, but the spool is still stuck and I can't access the drag washers. Please help!

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Mike Cork · July 21, 2009, 05:44:29 PM

Have you taken the spool tension knob off? There will be a plastic washer under it that actually grips the spool. Make sure that is what is holding it and not a corroded bearing, and then you can use a small flat head screw driver to work the washer off. Be careful as it could go flying when it let's go.

If that's not it let us know

sharkbait · July 21, 2009, 09:52:26 PM

Thanks Mike, but that wasn't it. However, when I removed the spool tension knob off, I could see the end of the spool assembly sticking through the center of the bearing. With a little gentle tapping with a hammer and more pulling I was finally able to get the spool to release. I cleaned the bearing with cotton swabs & alcohol, but the bearing sounded and felt a little rough while spinning it. I put 2 drops shimano oil, reassembled and it still feels and sounds dry and rough, even after regreasing drag washers and gears. How do you replace the bearings on each side, are there other additional upgrades you would recommend for this 15 year old reel, and what would you charge for each of the upgrades if I sent the reel to you? Thanks again for your kind help.

Mike Cork · July 22, 2009, 08:12:39 AM

Yep sounds like the bearing is corroded internally. I'm not in the office right now and don't remember what the stock bearings are, I believe the ABEC 7 ceramics are $25 a set but I would have to make sure. I'm not in business anymore, however you already have taken it apart once, changing the two bearings is easy.

sharkbait · July 22, 2009, 12:12:10 PM

In all my years of fishing, oiling bearings, and greasing drags and bearings I've never had to change bearings. Is there a video or photos with instructions and tools for changing them? I'm sure it's a simple process once you do it once, but I'd like to be familiar with the process so I don't turn something simple into a bigger mess.

Mike Cork · July 22, 2009, 12:18:22 PM

The bearing comes out as an assembly (you don't have to worry about the balls coming apart) On your reel one of the bearings is under the spool tension knob as you have already seen. There is a small wire clip that holds it in place and can be removed with a pair of tweezers or a small flat tip screw driver. Then the bearing comes out. To get to the other bearing simply take the spool out and look at the left side of the reel and you will see the bearing, again it's only held in by a small wire clip. remove the clip and then pull the bearing out.

I promise it is very simple, especially on your reel.

sharkbait · July 22, 2009, 03:31:47 PM

Thanks again Mike, especially for putting up with a "bearing greenhorn". Sounds simple enough. I'm gonna order a pair of bearings, and upgrade the drag to carbonex whilst I'm at it. Any other upgrades that you'd recommend? I use this reel in both salt and fresh, and have caught catfish to 80 lbs, striper to 40 lbs, cobia to 90 lbs, grouper to 30 lbs, sharks to 150 lbs, and a host of other bonito, snapper, kings and bottom dwellers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Cork · July 22, 2009, 04:04:23 PM

New bearings definately. With those kinds of fish the carbonex will be great! The only other thing I would reccomend is get some line and lure conditioner and use it regularly. It will help your line and prevent corosion in the reel from the salt water.

sharkbait · July 23, 2009, 05:08:01 PM

Thanks for the tips. I have used blakemore for years, but I'll be much more methodical and regular in its use. I'm also going to upgrade the plastic spool bushing to a stainless ball bearing, but the upgrade on the spool bearings I'm going with stainless sealed with ceramic balls. She oughtta act like she's new or better when I get through. Your help has been very much appreciated.

Mike Cork · July 23, 2009, 09:08:53 PM

No problem. Be careful pulling the pin that keeps the plastic bearing on so that you don't damage the spool shaft.