Penn Reel problem/question

[CaptainE]

I have a 440ssg Penn spinning reel. When any line is pulled from the spool when using the drag, the drag automatically tightens. So it gets real tight real quick, and then there is no drag left to release any more line.
Anybody know why? And more importantly, how do I fix the problem?
Thanks for any suggestions!

[captdavdavis01]

replace the whole knob that holds the spool on.

http://www.pennreels.com/exp_views/spin/407_440SSG_Rev_9.pdf

key no# 52 is the knob
key no# 56 &57 for the drag washrer

while you have it open, either clean your drags or replace them. Should take longer to open the package the new drags come in then wipe the crap off the old drags... maybe 5 mins on the whole deal.