Lews American Hero AH1HL

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s American Hero (AH1HL)

The Lew’s American Hero (AH1HL) is the foundation of the American Hero series—a reliable, high-value baitcaster built on a lightweight, one-piece graphite frame. The "L" in the model name is the most critical detail: this is a Left-Hand Retrieve reel, which means several internal and external components are "mirror-imaged" compared to standard right-handed models.

This reel features a 5-bearing system, High Strength Solid Brass Speed Gears®, and an externally adjustable magnetic brake system. Because it uses a graphite frame, it is resistant to corrosion but sensitive to over-tightened screws.

Step 1: The Left-Hand Disassembly Trap

Before you reach for your wrench, remember that on a left-handed reel, the threading on the handle nut is reversed to prevent it from spinning off while you're reeling.

1. Handle Nut: Remove the small retainer screw. Use a 10mm driver to turn the handle nut Clockwise to loosen. Pull off the 95mm aluminum handle.

2. Star Drag: Spin the star drag Clockwise to remove it from the drive shaft.

3. Belleville Washers: Beneath the star, you will find two bowed spring washers. To ensure a smooth drag, they must be reinstalled facing each other ().

4. Spool Access: Locate the side plate release pin on the bottom of the palm-side plate. Rotate the plate and remove it. Slide out the Anodized Aluminum U-spool.

Step 2: Magnetic Brake Maintenance

The AH1HL uses an Externally Adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS). Since there are no moving parts like centrifugal shoes, maintenance is simple but vital for distance.

• Magnets: Use a dry cotton swab to wipe the bank of magnets inside the palm-side plate. Never oil or grease the magnets. Any lubricant here will attract dirt and create a "drag" that ruins your casting distance.

• Spool Surface: Wipe the flat outer rim of the spool with a dry cloth. This is the "braking surface" the magnets act upon. If it gets oily, your brakes will feel inconsistent.

Step 3: Interior Brass Gears & Rulon Drag

1. Opening the Housing: Remove the three screws from the gear-side plate.

   • Graphite Caution: You are threading metal screws into a graphite composite. Always start the screws by hand to ensure they aren't cross-threaded. Tighten them until they are "snug," but never force them, or the frame will strip.

2. Brass Gears: You’ll find solid brass main and pinion gears.

   • Action: Scrub the teeth with 90% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to remove the "black gunk" (metal particles mixed with old grease).

   • Lubrication: Apply a thin, even coat of synthetic grease to the gear teeth.

3. Rulon Drag: This reel uses Rulon washers (15 lb max drag).

   • Maintenance: Rulon is self-lubricating. Wipe the washers with a clean, dry cloth. Do not grease them. Greasing Rulon washers usually results in a lower max drag and a "mushy" feel.

Step 4: Lubrication for the 5-Bearing System

• Casting Bearings: There are two main bearings responsible for your cast (one in the side plate, one under the tension knob). Apply one drop of thin high-speed oil to each.

• Worm Gear (Level Wind): Clean any debris or "pond scum" out of the level wind track. Apply a single drop of oil or a tiny dab of grease.

• Zero-Reverse Clutch: This is the large roller bearing in the side plate. Keep it clean and dry. If it is noisy, one drop of oil is the limit. Never grease this bearing, or the handle will slip backward on hooksets.

AH1HL Troubleshooting & Specifications

Common Issues:

• Handle Slaps/Back-play: This means the Zero-Reverse bearing is contaminated with oil or grease. Flush it with alcohol and leave it dry to restore the "instant" stop.

• Screeching on the Cast: This is almost always a dry bearing inside the Tension Knob. Unscrew the knob, remove the shim, and add one drop of oil to the bearing.

• Thumb Bar Stiffness: Apply a tiny dab of grease to the sliding plastic "clutch cam" inside the gearbox where the thumb bar engages.

Pro Tip: Since the American Hero series supports a great cause (Veterans' programs), keeping it in top shape is a tribute to the reel's mission! Always store it with the Drag Star backed off to keep the washers from compressing and losing their smoothness.