
Finally got round to doing this tut. This is a work in progress, stuff will be added as I complete it...
This tutorial can be applied to all models from the 4500 through to the 8000.
Only difference is the Drag washers are less in the 4500/5000 models and there is an extra washer below the Pinion gear in the smaller models.
Bearing sizes will also be slightly different for the smaller models.
This Tutorial was based on the Larger 6500 model.
***Disclaimer***
Ultimate Angling accepts no responsibility for DIY services that go wrong.
While I try my best to try help you with accurate photo's and information, you use this Tutorial entirely at your own risk.CLICK HERE for the Schematic Parts diagram
After opening this reel up, I now realize why Alan Hawk raved about it so much in his Review. Awesome, simple, solid reel.
Alan rates this reel in the top 5 spinning reels of all time!!

Of ALL TIME! Let alone a $100 reel!
Here is the review done by Alan - with his metallurgy background, his reviews are unsurpassed!
http://www.alanhawk.com/reviews/bg16.htmlNeed to thank him for allowing us lesser mortals truthful and unbiased insights into the mechanics and functioning of our toys!
BEFORE USING THIS REEL!!
At the outset, let me be clear that Daiwa have made no claim or attempt to waterproof this reel. While they have made excellent attempts at sourcing the best sealed bearings , these are not impervious to Corrosion.
The reel is sparsely greased out the box, all bearings should therefore be coated with a thick layer of grease prior to use, especially the Side Plate bearings, as these are not protected by any seals.
Because of the lack of waterproofing, this reel will probably require ongoing maintenance, especially if dunked or dropped in the sand.
Further to this, there is no attempt to waterproof the Pinion gear leading to the Anti-reverse bearing. The top part of this reel will be prone to water ingress underneath the Rotor.
I foresee many Anti-reverse bearings failing on this reel if not maintained meticulously.
The BG has 6 Bearings and an AR bearing.
My reel weighs 886g loaded with 500m of 50lb JDB X8.

The Gearbox can be accessed by simply removing the Rear cover, and Left Side plate! HUGE PLUS for those wanting to do quick lubes!


Large capacity spool!



THE SIDE PLATES
These 2 areas should be packed with grease prior to use to prevent water reaching those bearings.
Remove the Drag knob and spool

Underneath the Drag Knob

The spool

Underneath the spool







The nut plate is a clever addition. Nut fits metal on metal rather than on plastic, which is more prone to wear.




Underneath the Anti-reverse bearing.
Superb design with each roller having it's own metal spring as opposed to the plastic V springs that will lose efficiency with use.







The rubber spool stop. On bail activation, a lever connects with this ring to prevent movement on the cast. Keep it will lubed for longevity.


5 screws open the Gearbox. Note that only 3 of these screws have cover springs.
The Drive gear is a huge Die cast Zinc gear with a stainless steel machined axle.

The side plate screws x5. ONLY 3 Spring washers!?

The 3 spring washers go in specific screw holes. Pay attention to this as it was important enough for Daiwa to specifically allocate their positions in the Schematics.
Not sure why this would make a difference?

Inside the LH Side plate



Stainless steel stabilizer bar that inserts through the Main shaft oscillating attachment.

Note the massive teeth on the Drive gear.






This system is great! Most budget reels have the Pinion sitting flush against the Body of the reel. When this wears, the reel is basically toast. The collar and bearing prevent this, also helping with stability and strength of the shaft under stress.



This is what we have...
Clean all parts in Benzine and regrease where necessary.

Service the Line Roller.
Excellent simple system, easily serviceable and with no bearings that tend to be the first to fail on a SW spinning reel.



To re-assemble, follow the Tut backwards.
A few tips on re-assembly:


Simple to service the Drag system:



All in all, an outstanding Reel - low cost, simplicity and solid, solid, solid. Not much that can go wrong in this reel, so it will continue the legacy of the old BG reels of being bullet proof and long lasting;
PROVIDED that they are well maintained. The Reel should be greased heavily out the box, with attempts to block water at the Side Plate bearings, and underneath the Rotor, where the Pinion juts out. Failure to do so and use it heavily in Salt Water will reult in failure of the bearings and AR Bearing.
Here are the bearing sizes for the 6500 version:
Oscillating gear bearing - 8x12x3.5
2x Side plate bearings - 9x17x5
Outer Pinion gear bearing - 10x20x5
Inner Pinion gear bearing - 8x12x3.5
Drag spool bearing - 5x9x3
Speaking of bearings... this is what
Alan Hawk has to say about the bearings used in the BG:
"A minute later I took out the pinion's ball bearing, and was shocked again. These ball bearings are from the Japanese company Minebea. They are made in Thailand, but that's where the company makes particular sizes of bearings now. All the bearings in the BG SW are Minebea. Do you want to know how good these bearing are?"
"This photo is from a Saltiga I had laying around. Most of the non mag-sealed ball bearings in the old and currect Saltiga/Expedition/Dogfight are the same Minebea bearings made in the same plant, as well as several bearings in the 2013 Stella SW. You will also see these exact same bearings in an upcoming $1000 high end reel of which I can't talk now. Up till a few years ago I considered Japanese made bearings to have a desired prestige, but with globalisation some top Japanese companies began making certain sizes and styles exclusively in their factories abroad, therefore I stopped whining about prestige and just appreciated the supreme quality. I wouldn't have expected in a million years that this $100 reel will have the same bearings as in Daiwa's and Shimano's cream of the crop reels, and I actually would have bet good money that I was going to find the Shanghai Mos Precision Bearings which are used extensively throughout the industry, sometimes even in reels costing up to $700. "
