shimano tekota reel issue

My shimano tekota reel has been a champ but my last trip out it was acting a bit rough.  Decided to lube it a bit and started pulling the handle off.  Ive done this on really old Penns with no problem but this reel has a tiny little metal dohickey that is spring loaded in the handle.  Its seems to be what makes the start drag click.  When you remove the washer, if youre not careful, will lose this part.

I heard it fly off, hit the floor but never did find it.   The reel works without it but the micro adjustments to the drag are gone.  Will probably have someone service it for me and get the part.  Anyone know a good reel repair place, ideally in the Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Jose area?

Its a spring loaded pin which clicks into indents on the inside of the star drag wheel.  Its purpose is to provide tactile and audible feedback when you turn the star drag wheel, and also hold the drag in place.

go to http://fish.shimano.com --> customer service -->  reel schematics, look up your reel, find the part # on the schematic.  Call 877-577-0600 , tell them what you need, they will ship it to you.

Theres always alan tani or  shimano authorized service centers (fishermans warehouse in the SJ area)

Eugene -

If you have trouble getting the part, I have an Okuma Catalina which I canabalize for parts which has a spring that would work on your Tekota. I will be at MBK in a couple of weeks. Let me know. BTW, you are correct, the reel works fine without it, just doesn't click when you adjust the drag.

Scott

Hi Yaker:

         I would talk to Allen T. "the Reel Guru" Don't take it to FW or it will sit all all Season which, happen to me.
                                                                   Good Luck
                                                                   Ernie

Yes, chances are Allen T. has the part to you lost!

Eugene -

If you have trouble getting the part, I have an Okuma Catalina which I canabalize for parts which has a spring that would work on your Tekota. I will be at MBK in a couple of weeks. Let me know. BTW, you are correct, the reel works fine without it, just doesn't click when you adjust the drag.

Scott

thanks Scott and all for your suggestions.  I took the reel down to Bayside Marine at the SC harbor.  Hope all goes well.  I have seen many articles by Alan Tani, I assume you just contact him and ship him the reels?