International II 50TW Drag Help

jdupree · August 24, 2021, 04:49:59 PM

First of all, thanks for having me! I have really been amazed at all of the knowledge on this board!

I have a 50TW International II that I am servicing. It appears to have the original "doughnut" woven drag washer in it. I can post pictures if needed, but the washer is worn fairly badly and smooth in some spots. I think it needs to be replaced. If I have read correctly, the replacement from mystic would be the 117DN-50? Based on the price $66.00, I really don't want to go that route. Is it possible to find the original drag washer and replace it? Would someone on this board have any? From what I have seen they are hard to come by.

I am a "weekend warrior" (if that), when it comes to fishing. I don't need to make all the updates to this reel, but would like it to be functional. I have a bearing that I am replacing as well and I want to keep the cost as low as possible.

Thanks in advance!

John

Robert Janssen · August 24, 2021, 07:44:29 PM

I might have a used-but—better-condition one you could have. I can check tomorrow, as in about 24 hrs.
I live overseas though, so it can take some time, unless someone else pipes up in the meantime.

Tell y'all something else too, that i don't think has ever been mentioned here.
The friction material on those discs is two-sided. With a bit of skill, patience and luck, the friction material can be removed, reversed and re-bonded to the disc, providing a new friction surface.

Use gentle heat (boiling water or hot air gun, hot iron) and a dull scalpel or dull razor blade to prise the friction material from the disc and importantly the factory adhesive.

Call it the Rob Method. I haven't done it in well over ten-twelve years, so i might have lost the touch, but it can be done.

.

jdupree · August 24, 2021, 07:51:44 PM

Thanks so much for the suggestion Rob! I will look into that if I can't find one.

Navidad Nutcase · August 24, 2021, 10:32:56 PM

I'm sure I also have a used one in better shape. P.M.me if Robert does find one. I am in mexico but will be traveling to Idaho within a month
Greg

Robert Janssen · August 25, 2021, 03:52:08 AM

In the meantime, jdupree can try just cleaning it. Seriously, those drag washer can last a very, very long time. Try cleaning it with a degreasing agent or just soap and water and a toothbrush or something. Maybe it is in better shape than it seems to be.
.

jdupree · August 25, 2021, 12:33:21 PM

Thanks Greg and Robert! Let me clean it up as suggested and I will post a picture. It has just lost some "texture" and is smoother towards the top. I will get a picture posted this evening.

Greg, when you have a chance maybe you can post a picture of the one you have.

Thanks!

Robert Janssen · August 25, 2021, 06:43:56 PM

What kind do you need? Top or bottom?
(My 50TW uses the type to the top)

Robert Janssen · August 25, 2021, 06:56:23 PM

This is the Rob trick

Navidad Nutcase · August 25, 2021, 10:55:59 PM

Well, when you read a posting CORRECTLY - the answer changes. I read "50W" when I responded to this posting. It wasn't until I saw the pictures that I re-read and saw my mistake. I thought you were speaking of the old asbestos donuts.
I don't have any of the ones you need. Sorry
Greg

jdupree · August 26, 2021, 12:47:10 PM

Greg - no worries and thanks for checking.

Rob - I have the one on the bottom. I ended up cleaning it up as you suggested. It turned out much better so put some cal's drag grease on it and installed it back in. I think the top one pictured was the updated version if I am not mistaken. If you are interested in selling one (or both) please let me know. It would not hurt to have 1 or 2 as a backup. Thanks!