Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Fin-Nor => Topic started by: redsetta on September 25, 2011, 10:59:15 PM

Title: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on September 25, 2011, 10:59:15 PM
My work's cut out for me today - it's gonna be great... ;D
Mowed the lawns and dug the potatoes before breakfast, so the rest of the day will be spent in the workshop.
A good assortment of reels, but only one that's not been profiled here before, so welcome to the Fin Nor 9500OS (Offshore).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_12_20113802.jpeg)

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_12_20114911.jpeg)

Righto, let's get inside - off comes the spool and side plate.
The main gear slides right out as it uses a spur gear (#37A) on the right side.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_13_20115531.jpeg)

Continue with the disassembly till you're down the the pinion gear (#31A) and small pinion bearing (#45).
This reel is basically new, so I've decided not to pull the large pinion bearing (#29) and gear.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_13_20116501.jpeg)

Paint a thin layer of grease on all internal surfaces and replace the O/S gear (#37) and bearing retainer (#46).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_13_201171813.jpeg)

You'll need the rotor assembly in place to finish off the internals, so disassemble the bail arm as shown, clean, grease and reassemble.
I quite like this simple set up for beach fishing/surf casting as there are no bearings to fail (nylon bushings only - #15) and it'd take a considerable amount of salt build-up to compromise the line roller (#16).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_14_201181328.jpeg)

Replace the anti-reverse pawl (#28) and anti-reverse actuator spring (#30A) etc, along with the retainer plate (#29A).
Apply a thin coat of grease to all internal surfaces and reassemble.
Back to the internals... Grease and replace the O/S slider (#38), insert the spool shaft assembly (#26) and fasten down the retainer (#38A).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_14_20119262.jpeg)

Flip the body over and slide in the greased spur gear (#37A), then replace the cleaned and regreased right-side bearing (#40).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_10_201062201.jpeg)

Fasten down the crank collar (#41B) and flip it back over to insert the main gear (#31B).
Clean and grease the left-side bearing (#40).
Replace the main gear washer (#31C) and slide the bearing onto the main gear above it.
Close up the body with the cleaned and lightly greased left-side plate (greasing the screws/screw holes as you go).
Fasten down the bearing cap (#44) and you're done with the body/internals.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_10_201051211.jpeg)

Now, onto the spool assembly. Flip it over and remove the spool retainer (#9), followed by the drag washer (keyed - #8C).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_11_20107146.jpeg)

Remove the drag friction washer (#8B) and the last drag washer (eared - #8A).
Clean the underside of the spool throughly and apply a thin coat of Cal's.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_11_201082157.jpeg)

Replace the drag washer (eared - #8A) and the greased drag friction washer (#8B).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_11_20109277.jpeg)

Replace the drag washer (keyed - #8C) and the spool retainer (#9), and fasten down.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_11_201101343.jpeg)

Flip the spool over and remove the top spool retainer (#2), along with the drag stack (seven plates in total).

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_12_201111468.jpeg)

Separate and clean each component. Regrease with Cal's and reasemble as follows:
Slide the spool back on the main shaft and fasten down with the cleaned and lightly greaased drag knob assembly (#1).
Wind the handle firmly into the crank collar/main gear (holding the spool to fasten in down) and the job's done.

(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_04_08_17_6_47_12_201121063.jpeg)

The frame is all alloy and reminiscent of the Penn SS series in the approach to overall construction.
The spool sleeve is plastic, which is an obvious weak point, but I've yet to hear of any issues arising from this.
The internals appear to be a mixture of alloy and stainless and there's been considerable discourse on the use of weaker cast aluminium for the main gear.
(Though it's worth noting that Fin Nor isn't the only manufacturer to have had some issues with alloy quality.)

This aside, the single biggest issue I found with the 9500OS is the weight.
Compared with its competitors (the ones I had to hand, at least) revealed the following...

Undeniably, it's a monster and wouldn't be my first choice for slinging poppers all day.
I've never fished a Fin Nor, but - in design terms - it appears to be simple, considered and utilitarian.
The drag set-up is solid and, barring failures elsewhere, is likely to handle itself well against most pelagics.
A couple of striped marlin have even been taken locally.
As noted, it'd benefit from better quality alloys but, naturally, this would push it into a higher price bracket.
I expect it's a balancing act of price versus quality for new (or revitalised) companies trying to generate market share.
All the big brands have had their issues - particularly in the early stages.
Hope that's of some interest/assistance.
All the best, Justin
PS Schematic here: http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/albums/fin-nor/Fin-Nor_Offshore_OFS95.pdf (http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/albums/fin-nor/Fin-Nor_Offshore_OFS95.pdf)
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Alto Mare on September 25, 2011, 11:36:29 PM
Very nice Justin, that reel looks a lot like the Penn 9500SS. It appears to be a decent reel, I'm just not crazy about the anti reverse bearing, that's one of the reasons why I don't like the Penn SSM models. I'm old fashioned, what can I say. Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy your detailed tutorials. Keep'em coming bro. Sal
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on September 26, 2011, 12:02:47 AM
Thanks Sal.
No a/r bearing in this one, just the fairly agricultural-looking a/r pawl that binds against the inside of the rotor.
Despite being simple and effective, I'm not mad about the design either.
A (double) dog-and-ratchet man myself...
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Alto Mare on September 26, 2011, 12:18:50 AM
I see it Justin, I just wasn't expecting to see it on that reel.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: wallacewt on September 26, 2011, 12:34:12 AM
hi justin,interesting reel,dog at 90 deg to the teeth looks a bit suss;but if it works ::)
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on September 26, 2011, 01:07:49 AM
Yeah, fair call Wallace - wouldn't be my preference either.
I can't speak for its performance, but it's overall design isn't too far off the mark.
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Tile on October 01, 2011, 01:57:21 PM
The antireverse design on this reel has one advantage: no twisting is applied to the rotor shaft. The antireverse crown should have been made out of bronze with the option of replacing it if it wears. I wouldn,t recommend this reel for heavy saltwater fishing especially for larger species. I see this reel perfect for freshwater fishing and especially for wels catfish and large carps coupled with a 3,7 m specimen rod.

By the way I noticed the 220GTO.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: wong2a9 on April 28, 2012, 01:07:00 AM
took apart my 7500os and serviced it but now the clicker doesnt sound.  anyone know how to fix this?
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on April 28, 2012, 01:28:40 AM
G'day wong,
The tension spring is likely to have jumped off its post under the spool.
The pic below shows how the spring 'legs' sit on either side of the post.
Let us know how you get on.
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: wong2a9 on April 28, 2012, 03:35:14 AM
ok got it working. thanks
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: strike115 on May 17, 2012, 03:12:10 PM
Hi...what do you think about removing the clicker? it doesn't look so strong...
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on May 17, 2012, 09:13:46 PM
G'day strike,
Removing it would have no impact on performance, but you wouldn't hear line being stripped or the pace at which it was peeling.
It's under no real load, so I don't think it's a weak point as such.
Over to your personal preference really.
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: strike115 on May 17, 2012, 11:21:05 PM
Hi Red,

i'm not concerned about the noise/scream of the reel...even because i will be still able to hear the line running out during the fighting, but i'm rather scared if the clicker falls apart during the fighting...i want to avoid any kinf o f trouble.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on October 04, 2012, 03:54:06 AM
QuoteHey I read your post on the disassembly of your OFS 9500. 
I have a 6500 and the A/R just stopped working all of the sudden and the reel has only a limited amount of use. 
I spoke with someone at Fin-Nor and they instructed me to order the A/R pawl, spring etc. to possibly solve the problem. 
Do you have any experience with this?  And/or do you know how I can disassemble the reel to the point of replacing these? 
I am relatively new to actually fully servicing the reel in this fashion as I have always been lazy and just sent any reels in for servicing.  I am unable to find anything about this on the web. 
I love this reel, and it has a bit of sentimental value so I would like to fix this situation if possible. 
Any help would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

QuoteG'day and welcome ww,
It should be fairly straightforward.
Remove the drag knob, then the spool.
Undo the the rotor nut and remove the rotor plate beneath.
The rotor should just slide off the spool shaft now.
Once that's off, you should be able to see the pawl and spring.
It's actually a 'torsion' spring, rather than a 'compression' spring and is quite delicate.
It's likely the spring is either broken, bent or pinched.
Let me know what you find and we'll figure out what action to take.
If you run into any difficulties, let me know.
I'll post your question and this response on the tutorial page because that'll allow you to post photos - pics always help when things get confusing ;)
Good luck, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: snappercatcher on April 28, 2013, 09:01:18 PM
Hi Justin
The only issue with these reels as far as I can tell is if not maintained the anti-reverse pawl does get clogged up with salt and doesn't move, so a good clean and all ok. Have seen the odd snapped pawl also.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on April 29, 2013, 02:43:18 AM
Agreed SC - they're pretty strong overall (if a little heavy), but the pawl spring let's it down if ill-maintained or over-greased...
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Three se7ens on July 29, 2013, 05:08:34 AM
I had one that I sold a while back. I just didn't trust that little tiny oscillation block. My much smaller fin nor Sportfisher 60 had a significantly larger oscillation block, and handled 15 lbs of drag better than the ofs7500. That oscillation block is what transfers all of the drag force to the body of the reel, and the wings and the thin stamped plate that locks it to the shaft kept bending on me with the ofs7500, even at low drag settings.

I think it's a decent reel for 20-25 lb mono where you need lots of line capacity, but I don't think it's up to par for braided lines.   All that weight, the SS gearing, and well designed drag just seem kinda pointless when such an important part is so weak.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: saltydog on July 31, 2013, 11:03:34 PM
I have been using a 60 for two years and have had no problem with them if they are fished with some common cents. They say 60# of drag but anyone who has fished spinning reels knows that that is a little white lie to catch fisherman not fish. I have fished mine with 50# braid and 10-15# of drag and have never had a failure, even of an 8' Hammerhead and many tuna to there credit. I don't see failures of my customers reels either.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Jason Groombridge on March 01, 2015, 11:04:24 AM
G'day,

I've serviced a couple of these reels in different sizes now. One had been completely immersed in salt water and then not given to me until 3 months later and the other had just seen normal use but no servicing.

The main issues with these reels are the AR dog and the drag under the spool. Both I saw had the AR dog bound up with salt and not working. If they had been properly pre-serviced it wouldn't have been an issue.

Both the reels I saw had corrosion between the large stainless steel drag washer and the spool. Obviously because one was immersed lots of salt water got in there and caused some serious corrosion of the aluminium. The second reel was not as bad but still had corrosion there. Greasing the drag would obviously help a lot here.

I don't mind these reels, I think they are pretty good value for money and pretty solid. They just need a good pre-fish service. But then what reel doesn't benefit from that?

Cheers

Jason
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Wolli on March 02, 2015, 03:28:05 PM
i replace the canvas washers for increased performance and more drag with cf washers
dimensions: 3pcs 9x23x1 mm, 1pc 10x58x1 mm
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: NovaSS on March 11, 2015, 03:19:44 PM
i have a 9500os spooled with 80lb braid and I like it a little more then my penn usa 9500. i like it most because i can put 500+ yards of 80 braid on a spinning reel. I use it for surf casting shark reel. Ive caught a few 40lb bull red fish and they dont put up that much of a fight on this reel. I also used it last year for snatching gator on a gator hunt and it preformed well. when i bought this reel i was told the only thing it wont hold up to is jigging because of the anti reverse.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Wolli on March 11, 2015, 11:38:44 PM
du to the click click of the anti reverse its not recommende for jigging.
Thats why i sold the reel to a catfish angler.
But its one of the strongest spinners on the market i had in my hands.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: basto on October 15, 2015, 03:13:14 AM
I like the anti reverse system on these reels. It is the same friction wheel type that Avet now use and Okuma on their Makaira reels.
The pawl is massive and the position of the ratchet on the rim of the rotor is a much better position than at the centre of the rotor because it puts less force on the pawl.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/AR2_zpsinvyewqw.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/AR1_zpszbbetg1s.jpg)

These reels also have stainless main and pinion gears.
I like!!!
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: FatTuna on October 30, 2015, 09:49:52 PM
Does anyone know if there is supposed to be a little bit of play on the anti reverse pawl? The one I'm working on has a little bit of  verticle movement. It also makes a slight ticking noise as the rotor spins. Im not talking about the backplay when the dog engages but as you are reeling the reel. Is this normal as the pawl is ticking against the inside of the rotor ? 
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Cooky on February 06, 2016, 01:17:51 AM
Hello all, this is my first post, I own 2 Fin Nor 9500 and am having drag problems where as the line is being stripped from spool the drag knob turns with spool and tightens drag, so much that drag is so tight that my 80lb braid is breaking , i have spoken with fin nor and they will replace spools and drag knobs, any other ideas on why this is happening, they are both brand new.
regards cooky



Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: cbar45 on February 06, 2016, 02:12:08 AM
Hello,

The drag stack is sitting too low, so when you tighten the knob its underside catches the spool--resulting in them turning together as a unit.

I've seen this on a few of the Offshore series. One fix is to add a smaller keyed drag washer (metal) to the top of the stack.

This allows the drag knob to sit slightly higher up and avoid catching on the spool.

A Penn 710 keyed metal washer will fit the Offshore 4500/5500 reels, but I'm not sure about the larger sizes.

Chad
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: cbar45 on February 06, 2016, 02:13:29 AM
P.S.

The added washer is more of a spacer and does not need to be the same diameter as the ones you already have.

It just needs to be keyed to fit your spool shaft, as well as thick enough to prevent drag knob from touching the spool at full lock.

Another, probably easier, option may be the addition of a soft washer to the bottom of the stack in order to get the same results.

It all depends on how much room you have to work with, as the retaining ring won't fit if the stack is too high.

Such was my case, and so I opted for a smaller metal washer at the top of the stack--basically an extension of the drag knob downwards.

Chad
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: exp2000 on February 06, 2016, 05:44:25 AM
The A/R pawl design on these reels is really primitive. It is a pretty unreliable design normally found on cheaper reels.

With SS gears, these reels are built like tanks. Alan Hawk states they are the strongest reels available for under U$300 making them a popular choice for our local blue water charter boats. They are cheap enough that many just replace them when they eventually stop working.

Most fishos here completely abuse them. They spool them with "rope" and use them to winch things off the bottom before the sharks can nail them.

The general quality is far superior to that of a Spinfisher.

Apart from the A/R pawl, the main weakness in these reels is the lack of proper bearing lubrication making them vulnerable to corrosion and seizure.

They would benefit greatly from a proper bearing lube before being put into service.
~
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: jason_purdy on March 09, 2016, 11:58:50 PM
Justin,

Great tutorial! I've got a 7500OS and 9500OS and this makes it a lot less intimidating to crack them open. Thanks!

-Jason
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on March 10, 2016, 12:34:52 AM
Glad to be of service Jason.
Let us know if you have any queries.
All the best, Justin
PS Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: barkley1956 on April 17, 2016, 03:24:10 PM
Good Day All,

I have a milk crate full of 5500 OS from a head boat.I am unfamiliar with the drag type on these as it loos like a cross between a carbon fiber and canvas. My question is: can I leave these "wet" with grease or do they need to be greased and then wiped dry?
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: redsetta on April 17, 2016, 08:21:14 PM
G'day Barkley,
Excess grease will generally be squeezed away from the contact surfaces once under pressure, but I still always wipe it away with a cloth before reassembly.
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: barkley1956 on April 17, 2016, 10:05:12 PM
Quote from: redsetta on April 17, 2016, 08:21:14 PM
G'day Barkley,
Excess grease will generally be squeezed away from the contact surfaces once under pressure, but I still always wipe it away with a cloth before reassembly.
Cheers, Justin

Thank you Justin!
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Pierce on April 18, 2019, 12:13:54 AM
Anyone know the size of the big drag washer(under the spool) and small drag washer (inside the spool lip) for 10500A offshore?  Thank you.

Sorry, just read the Pg.2 sizes are 1pc 58x10x1 & 3pcs 23x9x1 but this is for 9500, but is 10500 the same size as well?

The Carbontex maximum ready cut size in only till 55x20x1.16, so I have to order a custom cut for me?
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Porthos on April 24, 2019, 03:52:01 AM
If you can get the calipers, do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIj532KL3kg
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: exp2000 on April 24, 2019, 04:57:40 PM
Quote from: redsetta on September 26, 2011, 12:02:47 AM
Thanks Sal.
No a/r bearing in this one, just the fairly agricultural-looking a/r pawl that binds against the inside of the rotor.
Despite being simple and effective, I'm not mad about the design either.
A (double) dog-and-ratchet man myself...
Cheers, Justin

Primitive as it may be, they chose this design feature to keep the reel at a cost point.

A Roller clutch bearing capable of handling a drag this powerful would be very expensive.

Because these reels are relatively cheap quite a few charter operators use them disposable items.
~
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Donnyboat on April 24, 2019, 11:54:16 PM
The video, off cutting CF washers, I believe is the best & cheapest way, if you don`t have to cut them often, cheers Don.
Title: Re: Fin Nor Offshore 9500OS - standard servicing
Post by: Pierce on May 05, 2019, 09:02:06 AM
Good education video, thanks Porthos.

I just use a pair of scissor to cut the outer diameter and a punch set for inner diameter.  My inner diameter is 8.5mm so I just use a 9mm punch set.  A .5mm different wont have any effect on the drag???