Freespoolin fiasco.

[t-billy]

 My Ambassaduer C3 has started kicking itself into freespool when I pop my bait over limbs, rocks, during hooksets, etc. without the thumbar being depressed. Basically any time I give a sharp snap of the rodtip. It's caused a couple nasty backlashes and a couple lost fish. Anyone ever experience this problem or know what's causing it?---Tim.

[ctom]

The gear grease under the side plate may have hardened a little and doesn't allow the anti-reverse roller to engage fully. Mine did that after I owned it for 6 years or so. I had a guy look at it and he thought that that was the problem and after cleaning it has been fine. He suggested I lift the cover and add a drop or two of Quantum Hot Sauce each spring. I do and I am back to having a super reel again.

[t-billy]

 Thanks,Tom. That makes sense. I'll strip it down and give it a thorough cleaning and relube this evening. I kinda figured it would have to do with the anti reverse bearing, but I was thinking maybe it was getting wore out. I didn't service it this winter because the reel is working smoothly. That's what I get for being lazy.
 The ambassadeurs are still my favorite flipping/pitching reels. Thanks for the help. Hope you get dug out and back to fishin soon.----Tim.

[ctom]

T Billy....

I take new spinning reels right out of the box and wash the gears and shafts with alcohol to remove as much of the sludge grease they use in them out and then I give everything a super good dose of Hot Sauce, re-assemble and lay the reel on a couple paper napkins to catch any drips from excess.. Nothing will mess with reels more than all that thick grease crud found inside them.

[Bassman2169]

Ten four on the grease.  Its a dirt trap.  I have an ultra sonic cleaner I use to clean my reels.  And like you said Ctom, the hot sauce is good stuff.  Joey

[ctom]

I don't know how many of you do this, but I pull the spools on my reels several times a season and dis-assemble the drags. All of the drag components get a thorough washing in alcohol and then lubed with the hot sauce when they get re-assembled. One thing I cannot stand is a drag that stutters when line is pulled off with a closed bail. Dust and sand or any fine grit can get blown into the drag at the edges and can work its way down into the discs where binding can occur. Keeping the drags cleaned and the reels running super smooth makes for much more enjoyable fishing.

[t-billy]

 Problem solved. Thanks again, Tom. I stripped, cleaned, lightly greased, and re-assembled the reel Fri. night. It's working better than new. 
 I tried a new grease. I like Hot Sauce, but the price is rediculous. I picked up a 14oz tube of Mystic JT6 multi purpose grease at tractor supply for $4. The label says it has outstanding extreme pressure, water resistance, and rust/corrosion protection. It's recommended for marine applications. I like it so far. We'll see how it performs over time. ---Tim.

[ctom]

Happy the clean-out works for you. Go Get'em.