Lews BB3N

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB3N)

The Lew’s BB3N is a legendary artifact from the era when Lew Childre teamed up with Shimano to revolutionize the baitcasting world. The BB3 designation identifies it as a robust, standard-speed workhorse, while the "N" indicates the Narrow Spool configuration.

This reel is a tank—built with a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and massive brass internals. If yours feels like it's reeling through molasses, it’s not broken; the 40-year-old grease has simply turned into a localized tectonic plate. Here is how to bring this classic back to life.

Step 1: External Disassembly (Right-Handed)

1. The Handle: Remove the screw from the handle nut retainer. Use a 10mm nut driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen). Pull off the handle.

2. Star Drag & Tension: Spin off the star drag. Beneath it, you’ll find the Belleville Washers (the bowed spring washers).

   • Note: On these vintage BB models, the stack order is vital. They should face each other like this: (). This provides the spring tension required for the drag to function.

3. Palm Side Plate: Unscrew the three screws on the palm-side plate. Because this is the Narrow (N) model, the spool is significantly thinner than a standard BB1. Extract it carefully—the spool shaft is long and can be bent if you pull it at an angle.

Step 2: Accessing the Brass Drive Train

1. Side Plate Removal: Remove the housing screws on the gear-side plate. These vintage screws are often softer than modern stainless steel; use a high-quality screwdriver to ensure you don't strip the heads.

2. Main Gear Inspection: You will find a Heavy-Duty Solid Brass Main Gear.

   • Cleaning: Use 90% isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush. You must scrub every tooth until the brass shines like a new penny.

   • The Drag Stack: The BB3N uses a traditional multi-disc drag system. If the washers are brittle or papery, they need replacement. If they are intact, wipe them with a dry cloth. These older systems generally perform best when run completely dry.

3. Pinion Gear & Yoke: The pinion gear (the small gear the spool shaft slides into) is also brass. Check the "slots" on the end—if they are rounded off, the reel will slip when you try to set the hook.

Step 3: The Mechanical Anti-Reverse "Dog"

Unlike modern reels that use a silent roller bearing, the BB3N uses a mechanical Anti-Reverse Pawl (often called a "dog").

• The Mechanism: This is a small metal arm that clicks against a notched ratchet at the base of the drive shaft.

• Maintenance: This area is the primary cause of "back-slap" (where the handle moves backward). Clean the pawl and the ratchet teeth. Apply a single drop of oil.

• Warning: Do not pack this area with grease. Heavy grease will make the pawl "float," preventing it from grabbing the teeth, which results in the handle spinning backward when a fish pulls.

Step 4: Centrifugal Braking & Tuning

The BB3N features a simple but effective 2-Pin Centrifugal Brake System.

• Brake Weights: On the end of the spool, you’ll see two plastic collars. Ensure they aren't cracked or melted from decades of heat.

• The Hub: Clean the metal ring inside the side plate where these weights rub.

• Pro Tip: For maximum distance, the ring should be bone-dry. If the reel "screams" during a cast, put a tiny amount of oil on a cotton swab and wipe a "ghost film" onto the ring to dampen the vibration.

Step 5: Lubrication & Reassembly

1. Gears: Apply a moderate coat of synthetic grease to the teeth of the main gear and pinion gear. Don't overdo it—excess grease just migrates into the drag stack.

2. Bearings: These vintage bearings are incredibly durable. Flush them with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil.

3. Worm Gear (Level Wind): This is the most exposed part of the reel. Apply a light coat of grease. If the line doesn't stack evenly on the narrow spool, check the Pawl (the small tooth inside the line guide) for wear.

BB3N Technical Summary & Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

• Handle won't turn after assembly: The Pinion Yoke is likely upside down or the springs aren't seated. Re-open and ensure the yoke is flat against the frame.

• Loud clicking when reeling: This is normal for a vintage BB3—that's the anti-reverse dog doing its job. If it’s excessively loud, a tiny dab of grease on the back of the pawl (not the teeth) can dampen the sound.

• Poor casting distance: The narrow spool has less inertia but higher friction. Check the level wind—if it's gunked up, it will kill your cast.

The BB3N is a piece of history. Treat it to a deep clean, and it'll likely outlast any modern graphite reel in your boat.