Penn 525 GS running slow

[Haysieboy]

I used to get some real distance out of my penn 525gs (paired with penn inxs extreme 2), but its got gradually worse so I followed tuning instructions and cleared out the bearings with petrol, let it dry and put a drop of yellow rocket fuel in each one. The brass ring that the brakes friction against was tarnished so i brasso'd that smooth. The nut which stops the spool moving around was pretty tight so I loosened that off too. All this in the hope of a free running spool.

I remember when I first got it and flicked the spool round with my thumb in freespool it spun for ages before gradually stopping. Now... even after all of the above... it does spin, but then stops as if there is a bit of friction somewhere!?!

The only other thing I did was opened up the main gear chamber and greased all the cogs up (taking care to avoid the spool/bearings etc). This shouldn't affect the freespool action should it?

I'm averaging field distances of 110-120 yds (not bad!) with a plain 5oz weight and 2 brakes, but it feels like the reel is slowing it down and pulling me forwards slightly (more than just brakes) and could do further. Not dared to try no brakes yet... don't want to birdnest my new 20lb diawa tournament line! I know 15lb is best for distance, but I do a lot of rock fishing and don't use less than 20 these days.

Any thoughts welcome

[spudgun]

Test the spool and bearings on their own.

Did you fully dismantle the bearing to clean them?



Gear side could effect the spool when free running because the spool and shaft are fixed si it could be the pinion gear rubbing on the spool shaft. (oo eer)

Make sure the lock ring (part no. 67) is in position. (Schematic)
Make sure the spool is floating loose (free to move side to side).
Make sure the spool isn't too far to the left (none gear side). Plastic clicker gear could be interfering.
Make sure the brake blocks and housing are clean and dry.
Clean any salt/corrosion off the spool edges and cage.

I've not got one of these reels so I'm guessing really.

[Haysieboy]

Thanks for that spudgun.

Will have a look at the points mentioned to make sure everything's covered.

All I did was soak the bearings in a couple of changes of petrol, didn't know you could strip them down! They seemed to run pretty freely when dry but may be worth having a look. How do you go about removing the split keeper washer thingy?!

[spudgun]

Thanks for that spudgun.

Will have a look at the points mentioned to make sure everything's covered.

All I did was soak the bearings in a couple of changes of petrol, didn't know you could strip them down! They seemed to run pretty freely when dry but may be worth having a look. How do you go about removing the split keeper washer thingy?!

To be honest if they are spinning freely then it's probably more hassle than it's worth but to get the bearing side plates off you need to get a pin and pull the circlip out. One end of the circlip has an angled edge so help get the pin behind it. Be careful they don't ping across the room when they come out or you'll never find them again.

http://i17.photobucket.com/player.swf?f ... gCover.flv

Easier to hold the outside of the bearing in a small container of petrol (or other degreaser/thinner washing up liquid) and spin the centre of the bearing.

[Haysieboy]

Cheers!

[Dave Kam]

I would make sure you have it together right

http://www.scottsbt.com/catalog/store/i ... /525gs.pdf

You only need a washer out of place for the reel to not run right and check that one of the brake blocks has not come off

[spudgun]

I would make sure you have it together right

http://www.scottsbt.com/catalog/store/i ... /525gs.pdf

You only need a washer out of place for the reel to not run right and check that one of the brake blocks has not come off

Good point Dave.
40c and the bearing would be the one to check.

[Steve Duffy]

I would make sure you have it together right

http://www.scottsbt.com/catalog/store/i ... /525gs.pdf

You only need a washer out of place for the reel to not run right and check that one of the brake blocks has not come off

Good point Dave.
40c and the bearing would be the one to check.

I thought that as well.

[gmonkman]

Any feedback on this from OP?