Thinking in convert a Newell 540 to narrow conversion

[Newell Nut]

If this is the model that has the screw that holds the gear sleeve in place then the handle nut can touch it when tightening the nut down. This makes it hard to turn the handle.
The fix is to add a thin washer under the plastic washer that is under the nut. I normally just put a 3-16 washer on each side of the handle. If you have the cir-clips that hold the gear sleeve in place then you have another problem somewhere.

With the 500s always be careful putting the bridge back in the side plate. The tip of the rear dog spring can get pinched between the side plate and the bridge which can create problems.

[fishtaco]

Thanks for the info
I'll put it together tonight
And post pics

I'll fish it next week for 30# home guard yellows

[fishtaco]

it is looking awesome

smooth like a weasel

next week I'll take it hunting for deep yellows at Coronado islands

thanks  guys

[Tunacious]

Congrats! Go slay 'em...

[fishtaco]

The only thing I noticed is the drags is very tight
a 1/4 turn of the drag tights it up
do I have an extra washer somewhere?

[Newell Nut]

Did you install Bryan's 5 stack? If you did then it will tighten up quick since you lose some of the free play in the star but it will change a little when the Cals squeezes out.

[Bryan Young]

The only thing I noticed is the drags is very tight
a 1/4 turn of the drag tights it up
do I have an extra washer somewhere?

It should loosen up a bit when you seat the drag washers by pulling a few yards under drag pushing out excess grease while working the grease into the CF washers.

Which set did you receive?  The 4 metal washers with belleville or 5 metal washers with the belleville?  Thr 4 metal washers plus one thick Newell washer loads up a lot faster because the newell washer fills up any gap that was there.  I figure that you will not be fishing these reels with minimal drag of 2# so considered it a design liveable flaw.  It will not hurt the drags and will definitely keep water out of the drag system all the time because will always be slightly pre-loaded.  If you don't like this, and I have a few that commented that they don't, I've added a 5th metal washer so there is a slight gap and you can get 1/2# of drag with the star backed off.

I hope this helps.


Bryan

[fishtaco]

Thanks guys
I have not fished the reel yet
So I'll try to put some pressure
On that 5 stack drag system
One thing is for sure,I like them a lot
They are steady smooth and strong
At the end of this month I will be fishing
Yellows at Mexico, (San Carlos, Sonora)
And it is all yoyo or knife jig fishing
I'll pair the reel with a butterfly jig rod
Trevala H

[Newell Nut]

You will really enjoy that reel. I have a bunch of those conversions and I have had a lot of fun with them and they cast great. It should hold 250 yds of 40 lb mono. There is a photo somewhere on the site showing me lifting a 40 lb dumbbell using my 533 5.5NK and it was with 40 lb momoi diamond with the SDJ knot.

[fishtaco]

Cool thanks for all the info.

I tested the reel in a friends pool and it recovers like 45 inches per turn
making the knife jig swim beautiful
tried with the 6x jr. yoyo jig and makes it spin a little, it brings it fast
I guess I'll use it for the bigger size yoyos
but I fish the knife jig a lot more

[fishtaco]

My favorite Jig

River to sea Knife jig 200grams

black dog figure 8 solid ring
6/0 assist hook
the knot goes on top by itself
Assist hook at bottom part of the figure 8
also the split ring, and the jig on the split ring, no hooks on jig.

the Newell narrow conversion makes it swim very very nice
eddie

[fishtaco]

The reel was very sweet and performed with precision
When it comes to the right action of the jig.
I lifted the rod tip, or jerked the jig, once every second
And turned the handle one revolution
One lift, one turn and hooked 11 yellow tail
Lost 4 boated 7. The reel lost some screws by the gear/ plate
My fault, I should of just seal them instead of using grease
Right now the reel is at kenny's tackle shop, Montclair CA
They are servicing it and replacing the screws.

We participated in a 2 day  yellow tail tournament , sucked on Saturday
And won first place on Sunday, second overall.

Thank you all.

[Newell Nut]

If you are referring to the bridge screws they probably were not snugged up. I have never seen one loosen up from fishing. If you are referring to the screws in the frame, they need to be greased or they will be locked in that aluminum frame and may never come out for service.

[fishtaco]

The bridge screws, came loose
All that movement on the reel, up and down and cracking
All day for 2 days, and big yellows tugging and running, somehow
I lost 3 screws, noticed a noise and the missing screws
And put the reel away to fight another day.

I guess the reel is designed for a more stationary fishing position..
Like bait or trolling, but hey, I love jigging

[Newell Nut]

I fished mine hard for 45 trips last year without a problem. If you put them together right they just keep on going. There is something you are missing on the assembly.