On 2 of my 3 reels I have had problems with the reeling part loosening up and then it rattles back and forth. Has anyone else had this problem. I switched to a shimano calcutta 251 and it is a jem. I Love it. I am going to get a calutta 400 soon. Does anyone know if they make a 401? I reel lefthanded.

Plug,
I own a couple of 6500's and have had a few problems like yours, also, just recently the line guide wants to jam on one side while retreiving the line, spoke with a friend who repairs them and he said he could fix the problem for around 7.00. Might be switching to the calcutta myself.
Matt

Calcutta 401's will be avaliable around Christmas.

The problem you have described sounds like a worn worm gear and/or pawl. I have experienced the same with an old 6001, replaced the parts I just mentioned and problem solved. Not that hard to do once you get the parts locally and it's a lot cheaper than buying a new reel. Keep the small parts in a bowl to keep them from mysteriously going bye-bye.

I called Abu-Garcia and got a exploded parts drawing for an old 550 plus I have. I was able to order a pawl directly from them for the bank breaking cost of $3.57. That included shipping and handling. Nice people on the other end of the phone also. You can also get drawings of their newer reels off of their website.

worm geers wear out on all reels, just a fact of life, don't curse the reel because that happnes, just happens when you use a reel a lot. normally those parts (as stated above) and inexpensive and easy to fix

Try calling Ollie Damons in Portland (503)-232-3193 or drop in @ 236 S.E Grand av. Portland Or. They are real good reel guys and can either repair and clean your reels or will sell you the parts. Talk to Rich. I'm sure you can send them via mail, if you live out of the area. But if you have decided you just cant stand your Ambassaders, I'll gladly buy your old ones. I own a Calcutta 400 & feel it was greatly overpriced ($199.99). Concidering a new 6500 costs $75-85, holds about the same amount of line, has a great drag system, and if you remove the spool brakes it casts excellent.