Lews TLCP1H TLCP1SH TLCP1XH TLCP1SHL

Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Guide: Team Lew’s Custom Pro (1st Gen)

Models: TLCP1H, TLCP1SH, TLCP1XH, TLCP1SHL

The 1st Generation Team Lew’s Custom Pro is built on the narrow LFS (Lighter, Faster, Stronger) platform. It is distinguished by its one-piece aluminum frame and the specialized QuietCast® ACB (Adjustable Centrifugal Brake) system. Because this reel was designed for high-performance professional use, maintaining the synchronization between the centrifugal brakes and the spool tension is vital.

Series Model Variations

The mechanics remain consistent across the series, varying primarily in the gear set installed:

• TLCP1H: 6.8:1 Ratio (Jigs and heavy cover)

• TLCP1SH / TLCP1SHL: 7.5:1 Ratio (All-purpose / L is Left-hand)

• TLCP1XH: 8.3:1 Ratio (Burning baits/flipping)

Step 1: External Disassembly

1. Handle and Star Drag: Remove the handle nut retainer screw and the 10mm handle nut. Note: The TLCP1SHL (Left-hand) uses a clockwise-to-loosen thread. Remove the handle and the star drag. Take care not to lose the small clicker spring and pin located under the star.

2. Palmside Access: Push the release lever on the bottom-front of the gear side and rotate the palmside plate to remove. Slide out the 32mm Duralumin spool.

3. Side Plate Removal: Unscrew the three housing screws. Note that the Custom Pro often uses a "captive" screw system or varying screw lengths; lay them out on your workspace in the exact pattern they were removed.

Step 2: The Drive System and Internal Cleaning

The 1st Gen Custom Pro utilizes a hard-anodized aluminum alloy drive gear to save weight.

1. Gear Inspection: Pull the main gear and pinion gear. Inspect for "fish-scaling" or wear on the teeth. Aluminum gears are lighter but softer than brass; if the reel has been used heavily for high-resistance baits (like deep crankbaits), look for micro-shavings in the old grease.

2. Degreasing: Submerge the gears and the drive shaft in a cleaning solvent. Use a soft-bristled brush to clear the gear teeth.

3. The Drag Stack: This reel features a rugged carbon fiber drag.

   • Wash the carbon washers in solvent to remove oil.

   • For the 1st Gen, a "dry" drag provides the highest max pressure, but a very light coating of universal drag grease will provide a smoother startup.

Step 3: ACB QuietCast® Braking System

The hallmark of the Custom Pro is the 27-position QuietCast® ACB system.

• Cleaning the Hub: The internal centrifugal hub has 6 pins that move outward. Ensure there is no dried grease on these pins. They must move with zero resistance.

• The Pipe/Ring: Clean the brass friction ring inside the side plate with a cotton swab and a tiny amount of alcohol.

• Lubrication Note: Do not grease the brake ring. It requires a bone-dry surface or a microscopic film of very light oil to function consistently. Grease here will cause the brakes to slip, resulting in erratic casting.

Step 4: Lubrication Points

• Spool Bearings: This reel uses premium double-shielded stainless steel bearings. Flush them entirely until they spin for 5+ seconds on a bearing tool. Apply one drop of high-speed oil.

• Main Gear: Apply synthetic grease to the teeth. Ensure the grease fills the valleys of the teeth but does not overflow.

• Level Wind: Clean the worm shaft of any grit or wind-blown sand. Apply a light grease or a heavy oil. Since the level wind is exposed on the LFS frame, it is a magnet for debris.

Step 5: Reassembly and Testing

1. Pinion Yoke: Ensure the pinion gear is seated in the yoke with the notched side facing the spool. Replace the two yoke springs.

2. Side Plate: Reinstall the gear-side plate. Do not over-tighten the screws into the aluminum frame to avoid stripping.

3. Spool and Tension: Slide the spool back in. Before fishing, tighten the tension knob until the spool has zero side-to-side play (the "sweet spot"), then adjust your ACB external dial to your lure weight.

Maintenance Checklist

Pro Tip: The 1st Gen Custom Pro features a built-in lube port on the underside of the gear side plate. While useful for a "quick fix," it is always better to remove the side plate for a full cleaning to ensure old, contaminated grease is actually removed rather than just pushed around.