[spynet000]

I just replaced the existing drag washers in my Penn Long Beach 66 with fiber washers and feel a little strange about it. The drag works fine but the crank feels a bit tight (harder to reel than before). Is this normal or did I do something wrong? It seems that the 3 fiber washers I used make it a bit packed in there. I tried only using two just to see what happened but when I would pull out some drag the star drag would release backwards when pulling out line. Anyone have any input for me? I would appreciate it. Sorry for always aking so many questions but I like to fiddle w/ my fishin stuff

Dave

 

[27 sailfish]

Take the washers out and lay them in the order you put them in- then post a photo.That will help a lot.

Did you tighten the small knob that controls the spool tension (side to side play ) ? Too tight can make it tough to reel.

 

[Abter1]

Something sound wrong there (you knew that though). As simple as Penn reels are, it is certainly possible to get things back together not quite right. Believe me...I know from experience !

Skip's suggestion about the tension knob on the left side is a great thing to check!

I have found when I experience similar things that I have messed up getting the eccentric jack, pinion yoke, and pinion (the small gear) combination of parts in wrong. I even managed to get one back together with the pinion yoke in upside down once (and I didn't even think that was possible). Try taking it apart down to that level, and go from there.

If you haven't looked at one of Alan Tani's wonderful "how to rebuild a Penn" discussions, you should. He now has them all at Fishing Reel Repair by Alan Tani - Index. Alan takes incredibly clear step-by-step close up photos. Try the one for the Penn jigmaster; the 66 and the jigmaster (model 500) are very similar (the dog and dog springs are slightly different) and the jigmaster photos should look very familiar. Alan's jigmaster "how to" is at 500/501 jigmaster

 

[Waynesboro]

Since we're on the topic of drags and Alan Tani's rebuild discussions - any recommendations on which reel rebuild to follow for a Penn 209 or 309? Thanks (sorry for the hijack)

 

[Bay Bob]

IIRC the new Penn HT-500 drag washers are thicker than the original washers.

They should be used in conjunction with the newer, thinner stainless washers rather than the original brass washers.

Using old washers and new thicker drags makes your stack too tall, and you have to use a smaller drag sleever or cut down your exixting drag sleeve.

BB

 

[spynet000]

Here are some pics guys. Thanks for the replies.

The two washers up top are what I took out and the three fibers are what I put in. Obviously the three that I put in are stacked much tighter than the two I took out but is this right?

 

[spynet000]

IIRC the new Penn HT-500 drag washers are thicker than the original washers.

They should be used in conjunction with the newer, thinner stainless washers rather than the original brass washers.

Using old washers and new thicker drags makes your stack too tall, and you have to use a smaller drag sleever or cut down your exixting drag sleeve.

BB

Bob, can I just take the drag sleeve to a grinding wheel and cut it down that way?

 

[27 sailfish]

That's what I thought the old one would look like.

Try calling Jerry at Reel Perfection (Bluefins in Dundalk) 410 477-9244.He might stock the parts for the older Penns.

I've ran into the same problems - the newer parts do not fit the older reels.

You can also clean up the brass real well and most likely re use it.You'll only need a drag washer.

 

[spynet000]

Skip- I figured if I couldn't figure it out with TF then I would call Jerry. The reel worked OK before I broke it down but I really had to crank down the drag in order for it to work right. I figured i'd give it a shot.

 

[ReelSmith]

I just replaced the existing drag washers in my Penn Long Beach 66 with fiber washers and feel a little strange about it. The drag works fine but the crank feels a bit tight (harder to reel than before). Is this normal or did I do something wrong? It seems that the 3 fiber washers I used make it a bit packed in there. I tried only using two just to see what happened but when I would pull out some drag the star drag would release backwards when pulling out line. Anyone have any input for me? I would appreciate it. Sorry for always aking so many questions but I like to fiddle w/ my fishin stuff

Dave

Dave - more than likely, the new fiber drag washers are going to be thicker than the originals; using 3 washers as required, check the spool tension knob as Skip suggested... this may solve the problem by relieving pressure on the spool

Another thing to check is to make sure that the metal washer with the "ears" on it is proberly set in the grooves of the gear and not sitting on top of the gear.

Using only 2 fiber washers doesn't make the drag stack tall enough, causing the gear to slide up, which allows the dog to fail by sliding up and off the anti-reverse rachet on the bottom of the gear stud.

Give me a call if you have any questions....443-848-1074

 

[ReelSmith]

make sure you removed all the washers...there should be 3 fiber washers and 3 metal washers...
you could grind down the spacer sleeve too or you can order a shorter one...9-60 Sleeve - Variations (allowing for more/less play in handle)

 

[captain puggs]

i take all my reels to ReelSmith

 

[Bay Bob]

Bob, can I just take the drag sleeve to a grinding wheel and cut it down that way?

You seem to be missing some washers in your drag stack, and I believe the fiber washer goes under the shaft that the handle attaches to.

I'll pull up some penn drawings and check.

There shoud be one "eared" washer and two others - - - but let me post a drawing - - -

Once you get it set correctly you can shorten your drag sleeve by rubbing the flat on a piece of emery cloth, or lightly filing it, does not take much. But I would look for the thinner stainless washers, they work better with the new drag material.

 

[Bay Bob]

Here is the drawing - - - it is for the 209-309 series, but as I recall the 65 is very similar.

http://www.pennreels.com/exp_views/conv/209M.pdf

The fiber washer goes under the main gear.

Three HT-500 washers, the black stuff, and three flat washers, one with ears.
Little spring washer tops it all off to give you some tension.

You can shorten the sleeve, or hone the brass washers a bit on some emery cloth.

In any case be sure to check Alan Tani's rebuild tutorial.

 

[ReelSmith]

Since we're on the topic of drags and Alan Tani's rebuild discussions - any recommendations on which reel rebuild to follow for a Penn 209 or 309? Thanks (sorry for the hijack)

Look at Alan's tutorial for the 330 or the senator 113...it won't be the same exact parts but the steps for the rebuilding the bridge assembly should be the same...give me ashout if I can help

 

[Bay Bob]

Since we're on the topic of drags and Alan Tani's rebuild discussions - any recommendations on which reel rebuild to follow for a Penn 209 or 309? Thanks (sorry for the hijack)

The 500 / 501 jigmaster seems to be pretty close, scale might be off, but parts count is about right, but note closely how your levelwind comes off.

BB

 

[spynet000]

ok so it turns out that im more of an idiot than I thought Note in the picture that I did not take all of the washers out. There is more behind the gold washer with "ears". The fiber washers worked perfectly and the reel is smooth again. This reel was handed down to me by my grandfather so I want to make sure I keep it fishin'

I called Ralph (ReelSmith) and he walked me through everything:clapping2: What a nice guy. He will be speaking about reel maintenance at the MSSA meeting next week. I will be there:yes:

 

[smellslikefish]

So your saying we can call you a "Dummy" now???

Just kidding Dave..........been there, done that.

 

[spynet000]

So your saying we can call you a "Dummy" now???

Just kidding Dave..........been there, done that.

Bill, im just trying to let this thread ..fade away.. like it never happened and you aren't helping

 

[ChrisBowers]

To the top! :thumbup: Just kidding Dave. Looking forward to fishing those in the Spring. They've caught a lot of fish. Engine is going in for a rebuild Monday!