During my last few years of fishing I made the swap from spincasting to baitcasting and have finally adjusted. I own several 5500c3's and recently purchased a 5600c4 with the thumbbar. What is up with the Abu's not engaging when you turn the crank. One of my c3's does it, but after much use. But now my 1 month old c4 will not engage unless I give it a good whack with my hand. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there an easy fix, or is it time to upgrade to a calcutta or other bcaster
Thanks for any help

It sounds like your reel is in need of a cleaning. I have several 5500's, though, and none of them have done that until they have been thoroughly used a while.

The little "dog ear" clip that slips over the side of the main gear is the clip that controls the anti-reverse, and the big sliding clip that you will see when you open it up controls the clutch engagement. A good cleaning with WD-40, followed by a very light application of the oil that came with the reel should solve your problems.

They do have lifetime warranties, so you could always have them looked at and professionally cleaned or maintained, but I generally find this unnecessary unless a big problem, like something broken, comes up.

Hope this helps.

Todd.
Wild Steelhead Coalition

I have three 6501 C3's and one 6001 C, and have never had that type of problem. In fact I've used them pretty hard and never had any problems at all. But the type I have don't have the thumb bar either. Maybe it's a problem with that design.

ABU's are good reels for the money,I have around 10-12 of them.ABU's and the thumb bar = junk in my book,I've had problems with them.I solved the problem by buying a calcutta and curado for my bait casting need's.I leave the 5501's and 6501's
for pullin plugs/diver's and other rod holder tech's.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Rock Lizard:

Just spend the "bucks" for a Shimano Curado....just fish, don't have to worry about things falling apart or sticking. Have 2 Left hand models, they have been with me for "many yrs.", have never had any problems. Use them for summer/winter steelhead, silvers, kings, dogs, and even fish jacks with them. Granted, I have a small jet boat and can chase a fish but the reels have come thur time and time again...

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"

PS.....I have a Abu Garcia XLT Plus LH...still in the orignal box with extra spool......but that's where its been since I bought the Curado's.....

DO NOT use WD40 for lubricant. It contains solvent that will over time deteriorate any plastic,nylon parts like you might find in drag discs. The light machine oil is a good suggestion.

Thanks for the help guys.
I do clean them pretty regularly, but the problem comes back after a just a few trips. And it definately shouldnt happen on the new one.
Thanks again

Next time you service them, try replacing the drag washers with PENN washers. Last longer and stand up to bigger fish better.

I have quite a few ABU's. All I have to say is most built late 80's to present aren't quite the quality of the older ABU's. I haave yet to have any problems with any of my 5001c's and 6001c's. I have onlly bought about 3 ABU's that are post late 80's. I had to return two within first trip. Had one 6501c lose it's drag completely upon setting the hook on a fish. Caused a major backlash and snapped off a nice steelhead. It basiically went into freespool mode without hitting the release. Then had on same trip (Had to switch over to one of my driftrods) my 5601UC with thumbar do just theoposite. Had the brakes lock up on another stelhead. Couldnt get reel to turn so it snapped off too. Luckily I always cary 3 rods with me so used one of my old 85c's with an old 5001c on it rest of day. I took the long drive back from the Hoh and got to GI Joes before the closed. Was royally pissed when the kid (he was maaybe 19) tried to lecture me on how to roll back the star drag after every use because you'll ruin the drag. Then this kid tried to tell me he's never seen an ABU come back before, let alone 2 so assumed I'd done something wrong. After reeming the kid out (basicaly told hiim I was throwing an ABU baitcaster well before he was born) and knnow how to use themand put them away after I use them. Since then I don't buy new ABU's. I stick with my old ABU's nd pick them up when I have the chance.

You can haave decent work done on your ABu's at the antique angler in Sumner. He does good work aand has alot of sspare parts, especialy for older ABU's.

Good luck