Alcedo micron bail return conundrum

[Matthooper]

First of all for some reason this reel doesn’t have a model number. The bail only returns half way due to not enough tension on the spring. Nothing is damaged and everything is there. The spring is in perfect condition and fits like a glove in the spinner cup and bail cam. I’ve compared the reel to pictures of others and everything seems correct on mine. Id really like to know what I’m missing here. Here’s some pics of the assembly.

[Midway Tommy D]

It sounds like you are not getting enough tension on the bail spring.

Remove the bail completely from the bail arm. Install the bail spring into the recess. My suggestion is to not use grease as a bail spring lubricant as it slows down the spring action and collects dirt, which then slows the action even more. I use ArmorAll, but if you feel the need to lube it with oil use a light weight synthetic.

Next install the bail arm. When you install the bail arm screw leave it slightly loose. Once the bail arm is installed pull the bail trip lever back so that the bail arm point passes by it and rotate/turn the bail arm around to increase the tension. You may have loosen the screw a little for the bail arm to pass by the end of the trip lever. Be careful not to turn the spring so tight that it gets over turned and deformed. Once you get tension on the spring tighten the bail arm screw and test it to make sure it springs back correctly with good snap.

Before reinstalling the bail and bail nut tightly onto the bail & arm check the bail alignment to make sure there is no binding and that the bail will open and close cleanly and easily. If you need to, bend, twist or realign the bail so that it lines up perfectly and moves freely. Bails can get bent or twisted out of shape easily. That is the main reason why bails close slowly or incorrectly. They often require some periodic adjustment to work as they were originally designed.

[Matthooper]

Midway Tommy D life got a little hectic and I forgot to thank you for your advice. I did get the bail to work correctly (kinda ashamed I couldn’t figure it out myself as how obvious it was) so I just wanted to let you know I greatly appreciated you taking the time to respond to my post. These boards are a wonderful place (even in the most obvious of situations) to find a solution to pretty much anything.

[Midway Tommy D]

You are welcome, Matt. Glad it all worked and you got your reel working correctly. Those Microns are nice little ultra lights and fun to use!