I decided to strip down the dodgy Lineaeffe KAM1000 trolling reel that has failed every time it caught a fish! Nothing major, basically the alarm falling off but one time it did result in something getting stucking in between the gears so I wanted to check it out and see what was going on.
The first parts to be removed:
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01674.JPG)
Here's the right side removed
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01671.JPG)
And the underside
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01670.JPG)
Two views of the main body with the left sideplate attached as I have one screw that's stuck with salt so still need to work on removing that.
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01672.JPG)
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01673.JPG)
Main spool - See the rust where the main pinion gear sits
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01675.JPG)
And the opposite end also with some superficial rust
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01676.JPG)
Slide the main shaft out again some more superficial rust
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01677.JPG)
A slightly blurry view showing the click pawl which is heavily greased and the drag cover
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01679.JPG)
The two bearings inside the spool at each end are leaking? causing superficial rust
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01680.JPG)
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01681.JPG)
Click pawl removed along with protective cover
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01682.JPG)
Blurred photo of the underside also showing another bearing with removable shields
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01684.JPG)
Believe it or not! this is the drag, it's not fiber, certainly not carbon, but it feels like some sort of hard plastic?!!!???
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01683.JPG)
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01685.JPG)
This is the rear of where the drag washer sits where you could see water with salt deposits as there was no grease
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01686.JPG)
Right side gears removed and bearing showing overall condition
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01691.JPG)
The parts that came out from that removal:
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01692.JPG)
Parts from near drag washer area:
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01694.JPG)
Spool bearings removed:
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01695.JPG)
And finally overall shots of the parts:
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01687.JPG)
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01688.JPG)
(http://www.maltafishingforum.com/images/Lineaeffe/DSC01689.JPG)
Findings:
Well basically whilst this reel has four bearing with removable shields, I found superficial rust around 3 of the 4 bearings which had me very curious to see the state inside them. They were lubed with some kind of light oil, no grease in sight because when I removed the shields they were basically dry!! Not a good sign at all, and will definately replace all four bearings with ABEC5 rated ones and pack them down with grease as don't need freespool.
Next, I'm no expert on reels but that plastic drag washer has me perplexed as I thought all reels where either fiber type on the cheaper ones or carbon on the more expensive ones.
The reel is in desperate need of a thorough application of Yamaha Outboard Engine Grease just about all over and in every cavity, the gears etc. I will clean them all up first with a soft wire brush, but considering this reel is like 3 seasons old and has been back to Pirotta twice I expected better inside.
Jonathan mentioned that Lineaeffe dont make their own reels, they are basically fabricated in China and I guess it shows here and there especially with a lack of grease everywhere, especially the bearings. I'm no reel expert so can't comment on the overall design.
I am going to try and see what can be done about putting a better drag washer in and will keep you posted. Alot of ppl have complained about crappy Lineaeffe trolling reels so good to see what's on the inside of them!!
Skip
As an update, it seems Plastic Drag washers do exist on the cheapest fishing reels!! So in my humble opinion that just about sums up Lineaeffe!!
I also have a Lineaeffe reel. Surface rust is visible even if you do not open the reel. I wash it every time, but still just after a couple of months this is the result. I will have to give a look in the inside too now i guess! I think your conclusion is quite right.
Change the bearings Claude, and make sure the new ones are well packed with grease, something like Yamaha Engine Grease (the blue stuff). You don't need freespool on a trolling reel so packing with grease rather than oil is better for longetivity.
I haven't gotten around to doing anything more to this reel as I was thinking of custom cutting a carbon drag washer to get rid of the plastic one, but due to its shape will require some work.