Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: wombat on July 25, 2017, 10:42:35 PM

Title: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: wombat on July 25, 2017, 10:42:35 PM
My Penn Fathom FTH25NLD has worked perfectly for the last year or so and has caught plenty of good fish. On my last trip I was suprised to see that the reel started binding up when the lever drag was pushed forward under normal drag settings. Can anyone point me in the right direction to fix the issue? I'm thinking side thrust on a bearing perhaps.
When the drag adjustment knob is loosened and the lever pushed forward the reel seems OK. Tightening the drag knob sees the handle gets hard to turn. I think the reel has slightly more resistance even when the drag is backed off. There are no noises coming from it when turning the handle.
This has been a great little reel, punching well above its weight so I hope its an easy fix
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B on July 25, 2017, 11:13:50 PM
look at your thrust n pinion bearings. also check the left spool bearing...

hope this helps!
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: johndtuttle on July 27, 2017, 09:07:11 PM
Quote from: wombat on July 25, 2017, 10:42:35 PM
My Penn Fathom FTH25NLD has worked perfectly for the last year or so and has caught plenty of good fish. On my last trip I was suprised to see that the reel started binding up when the lever drag was pushed forward under normal drag settings. Can anyone point me in the right direction to fix the issue? I'm thinking side thrust on a bearing perhaps.
When the drag adjustment knob is loosened and the lever pushed forward the reel seems OK. Tightening the drag knob sees the handle gets hard to turn. I think the reel has slightly more resistance even when the drag is backed off. There are no noises coming from it when turning the handle.
This has been a great little reel, punching well above its weight so I hope its an easy fix

Yep, look at the left side stuff first, may be as simple as a re-lube.

IF you got salt inside, some parts may need to be replaced.

Solid reel, the answer should not be complicated once you open it up.
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: sbsyncro on August 04, 2017, 09:59:02 PM
Exact same problem here with a 40NLD2.  I disassembled it, cleaned, and regressed it and didn't find anything amiss - the bearings all looked good, and I cleaned and regreased the thrust bearing, which exhibited no corrosion or pitting. (the reel was used for one trip last year and then put away for the winter).    After reassembly, the spool sure spins nice in free spool but with 15# of drag at Strike, I can barely crank the handle... :(
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: johndtuttle on August 04, 2017, 10:32:42 PM
Quote from: sbsyncro on August 04, 2017, 09:59:02 PM
Exact same problem here with a 40NLD2.  I disassembled it, cleaned, and regressed it and didn't find anything amiss - the bearings all looked good, and I cleaned and regreased the thrust bearing, which exhibited no corrosion or pitting. (the reel was used for one trip last year and then put away for the winter).    After reassembly, the spool sure spins nice in free spool but with 15# of drag at Strike, I can barely crank the handle... :(

I would recommend posting a thread in the Penn University forum. They likely know precisely what the issue is...something simple or they will be happy to take a look at the reel asap.


best
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: sbsyncro on August 09, 2017, 07:55:13 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 04, 2017, 10:32:42 PM
I would recommend posting a thread in the Penn University forum. They likely know precisely what the issue is...something simple or they will be happy to take a look at the reel asap.


Where would one find the "Penn University Forum"?  ??? I'm assuming you're not talking about this one
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-pennsylvania/
;D

Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: RowdyW on August 09, 2017, 08:24:05 PM
Go up one line on this forum.         Rudy
Title: Re: Penn Fathom Lever Drag issue
Post by: johndtuttle on August 09, 2017, 10:48:49 PM
Quote from: sbsyncro on August 09, 2017, 07:55:13 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 04, 2017, 10:32:42 PM
I would recommend posting a thread in the Penn University forum. They likely know precisely what the issue is...something simple or they will be happy to take a look at the reel asap.


Where would one find the "Penn University Forum"?  ??? I'm assuming you're not talking about this one
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-pennsylvania/
;D




Ya, its the official Penn reels forum for any and all questions Penn reels :).

I'm sure they can help solve this dilemma....;D