Long shot but wondering if anyone has any clues. I have a Penn International 50w that has a drag issue. I can't set the drag I want/need. Unless I end up with no free spool, ie too much pre load.

So..... I replaced the drag friction washers. Nope.  So I replaced the belville load washers. Nope. So I replaced the drag cam. Nope. I did all these individually - rather than throw all new parts and no idea what worked. A tear down each time. Filled in a day. But the end result is I am still 1-2kg short of the drag setting I would prefer, and on the verge of no free spool. I figure it has to be one of the above, but these were new parts I threw at it, and no change.

I can live with what I have, but would prefer to sort it - if  I knew what was wrong.

Any suggestions welcome.

Alan 

Thanks for the suggestion. I am presuming you mean the one at the opposite end of the spool - with the anti drag plate. There could be some gunk or corrosion behind it - guessing.

Thanks

Alan

Alan, this is a good site for problem solving amomgst other things. Theres a whole section dedicated to Penn reels.

http://alantani.com/index.php" rel="nofollow - http://alantani.com/index.php

These are old/'obsolete' reels now.  Mine have manufacture dates going back to the 80s I think. Parts are no longer made. Just what stock is in hand. 

But I like them, and they are what I have. So keen to sort it rather than ditch it. They haven't let me down.

Thanks

Alan 

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=32993.0" rel="nofollow - Penn 50W - Washer/Spacer ??

It may not be the issue but I can see the logic in adding a spacer washer as other parts wear,

On re-reading your issue Alan, I did a service on a Penn 70VS 2speed recently for a mate who I dont think has ever serviced this reel since buying it, was a real challenge taking it apart due to a lot of corrosion. I replaced both sets of disc clutch springs (4) at the time I didnt realise that each pair are of a different size, one set is about 1.2mm and the other about 2mm from memory. When testing drag setting I found that only 2 clicks from free spool and I had drag preesure I would usually have at strike, this is how I found out that the clutch springs are different thickness. I have left the thicker set infor now for my mate to try but if he has any drag issues I told him I will replace one set with the old thinner ones as they are not cheap to buy as you pay for them indivdiually not as a pair.

Perhaps this could be your issue??

Not sure if this is of any help

So I had a look at the rear bearing (it is a windy as day - verandah rather than boating). Can't see an issue.

So still a bit stumped. But what I did was take one of the old lighter clutch springs and add it to the 4 in there (new ones). (( )( )

That has fixed it. Bit mickey mouse - but it is performing like it should - I can dial up plenty of drag and have spare free spool.

Alan /Krow- mine are 2 spd. I will have a read or google spacer washer. Was there supposed to be a link?

They no longer make parts for these reels -  mine are 40+ yrs old at a guess. But if anyone is interested - you can still source some/most bits from Mystic parts (US). The only problem as I recall, is they don't ship outside the US. I went to a lot of trouble a few yrs ago to buy a stock of spare bits. I have 5 of these reels.

Regards

Alan

 

Right, I get it. It is as the reply posts state - worn drag washers or Bellville (clutch) washers. I replaced both - individually and no change.

It could be a combo of both. Maybe I am overthinking it. But I have done something similar  - by adding an old bellvile washer as a spacer - and as clutch washer. 2 for the price of one. Seems to have fixed the issue. These reels are old and done a LOT of work. Can't complain at all really. I still like them. A LOT.

Alan