Speedmaster 2CFS

[OHTer]

Was rooting around in the cupboard under the stairs the other day n came across one of these I didn't know I still had
Anyway, took it apart n gave it all a clean, regrease, oil etc and noticed the crack in top middle of cage, only a small crack, but a crack nonetheless. Doesn't seem to affect the reel at all mind. After reassembly though, and finally working out the fightin star drag system reasseble, I noticed that upon turning the handle, at one point in the complete turn, it seems ever so slightly stiffer than the rest of the way round. Now, I dont think you'd even notice it when fishing, but it is noticeable when just spinning the handle.
Aside from that, the reel still seems to work perfectly, despite being stuck under the stairs for god knows how many years. Drag still seems fine, spin speed is still pretty darned quick, all it really needs to get it back up n tunning again is a set of blocks (breakaway grip lead rollers cut in half make a good DIY substitute, if I remember right).
My question, before I decide whether to keep or sell it(also found a spare spool ) is: What u guys think may be causing the handle to feel ever so slightly stiffer at that one point? Like I said, dont think it would be at all noticeable in a fishing scenario. I know it has nothing to do with the small crack in the cage, as it's the same even with the spool removed completely.
What you think guys?

[g-force]

Same thing happened to one of my sloshes recently - a bent shaft was the problem.

Gary

[OHTer]

Same thing happened to one of my sloshes recently - a bent shaft was the problem.

Gary

Main gear shaft?

[g-force]

Yeah; on the slosh there's a narrow point on the shaft where it's held in place on the sideplate, just above where it fits into the brass bush. This had bent slightly, causing the handle to develop a stiff point on every turn, just as you describe.

I'm not sure of the design / fitting of the shaft on the reel you describe (never had one myself so never had one in bits!) but it'd be the first place I'd investigate. Hope this helps mate.

Gary

[OHTer]

Hmmm, if that is the case, I think I'm just gonna have to live with it, as spares for these are like the proverbial rocking horse wotsit
Thanks.

[g-force]

Only other thing I can think of offhand is that there might be a bit of damage to one or two teeth on the gears, if so you could probably file them smooth. If there is a slight bend to the shaft you may be able to straighten it (it may snap though - could try heating it up on the stove first), or if you know anyone who's a whizz with metal & a lathe I'm sure you could get them to knock you up a new shaft.

Gary

[OHTer]

Only other thing I can think of offhand is that there might be a bit of damage to one or two teeth on the gears, if so you could probably file them smooth. If there is a slight bend to the shaft you may be able to straighten it (it may snap though - could try heating it up on the stove first), or if you know anyone who's a whizz with metal & a lathe I'm sure you could get them to knock you up a new shaft.

Gary

Cheers for the tips Gary, but it's not really that big a deal m8. Like I say, it's only very slight, and in a fishing scenario, with lead and rig attached, I dunno if I'd even notice
Still leaves me with one too many reels though, so I suppose my other Speedmaster 2C will shortly be for sale, with the spare spool