#3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

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canesterdf
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#3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by canesterdf »

Hi Paul Narlesky here. Recently picked up a nice looking #3 Horton Meek free spool. Well as you may have guessed it doesn't free spool. It works fine when cranked but spool will not spin without handle also spinning. Is there anyone who can help me fix this ? The small parts look glued together and since it does not work I hesitate to just try and go in blind. Thanks very much, Paul
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sdlehr
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by sdlehr »

Paul, can you post pics of what you've got? I'm referring to the glued guts.
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oc1
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by oc1 »

Is there a split ring around the pinion that looks like this?

Image

... or something that looks like this?

Image

-steve
canesterdf
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by canesterdf »

neither of those parts are apparent. just the small gear and what looks like a matching gear on the spool down in the recess of the spool. I have carefully removed the glue as best I could but the gear is still quite glued... Thanks Paul. I am sending the reel off to JE so he can assess the reel. Thanks again for your responses. Best.....
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Mike N
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by Mike N »

“I am sending the reel off to JE so he can assess the reel.“

Smart move. I too have sent many a wayward reel to Dr. Elder’s Home for Wayward Reels, and all have been appropriately diagnosed and rehabilitated.

Mike N
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Steve
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by Steve »

The clutch in the Horton Meek is an adaptation of Medley's clutch, used originally in his automatic reel, later in his large trolling reel. The Horton should have a ring like the #25 ring shown in the patent drawings. If it's missing, the clutch won't work. The presence of glue is not a good sign.

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john elder
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by john elder »

Yes, first fear was that Paul’s reel would be missing some vitals. Will have a look and get schooled by mine, which is working as it should.
ORCA member since 1999
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Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Teal
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by Teal »

Steve wrote:The presence of glue is not a good sign.
It rarely is, when it comes to reels or fishing lures.
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john elder
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Re: #3 Horton Meek Free Spool troubles

Post by john elder »

Well, i got Paul’s reel and as feared we are missing free spool parts. Not sure what the glue was about, but its a great reel that just needs to be complete. Here’s what Paul’s reel has:





And here’s what a working horton free spool should have:






If anyone has a parts reel or parts to spare, please check in!
ORCA member since 1999
Honorary Life Member

Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
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