Penn 506HS Issue

[Smols]

I am having a problem with a new-to-me Penn 506HS. It has a stainless steel gear sleeve and new carbontex drags installed. It free spools well and everything seems to be working fine. However, when I went to test the drag, it seems to be binding somewhere. The sensation is like a very sticky drag. When I hold the spool and crank the handle with some drag, the drag washers seem to be working normally, and the drag feels smooth. But as soon as I pull line off the spool with a medium to high drag setting, the binding, sticky drag issue occurs. The reel is not fishable as it is. I looked at the gears and they seem to be fine, the gear sleeve looks new and the drags are new. Is there something else I should be looking at? Has anyone experienced this problem with these reels? Thanks.

[Bryan Young]

Try pulling line straight off the spool. Then through the guides. I suspect your guides may be grooved. If not, try wetting your line before testing the drags through the rod

[Shark Hunter]

Are the drags Greased with Cal's?

[Smols]

I do not have the reel on a rod. I am pulling line straight off the reel. Drags are greased with Cals.  

[foakes]

Hi Paul --

Is that the reel I just sent back to you?

If so, there were (4) issues that I corrected, but it is possible that the aftermarket SS sleeve is still binding under outward drag pressure.  Depending on who manufactured the sleeve -- sometimes things are off enough to cause issues.

Can't recall if I tested that part ot not -- but there are sometimes issues with the pin lining up with the groove.

Under pressure -- it may be acting up again.

If you send it back, as soon as I return from back East (30 days) I will switch out the sleeve, bridge, or whatever is necessary to make it work properly -- then get it back to you.

Best,

Fred

[Tightlines667]

Fred,
I thought you were on vacation? 

Enjoy yourself, the reels and your administration duties will certainly be there when you get home in a month.

[Smols]

Fred,

Yes, it is the same reel that you just sent back to me. I knew you were on vacation so I decided to see if I might be able to fix the problem with some help from others here so that I could get it on the water. It seems though, that it may not be a simple issue and I don't have any spare parts for these reels laying around. I do have a jigmaster 500 that I may try to swap the gear sleeve with and see if that solves the problem. If I can't figure it out, I will send it back to you after you return. Enjoy your vacation! and like Tightlines said, the reels and your admin duties will be there when you return.

Paul

[foakes]

Thanks, Paul --

Go ahead and send it to me around the 3rd week in May.

The Post Office is holding all packages and mail for us for 30 days.

I will take care of the issue -- plus reimburse you for shipping -- and take care of the return shipping charge.

I have any parts necessary to switch out what is required.

Thanks for allowing me to look at it again -- and make it right...

Best,

Fred

[Smols]

Fred,

Thank you for your generous offer to fix this reel. I tried switching the gear sleeve with a stock brass one from a jigmaster 500 and the problem still existed. So I am thinking that is is the shaft of the bridge that is causing the issue. Does that make sense to you?  Anyway, I will pm you when you return from your trip and we can come up with a plan for this reel. I think if we can narrow down the issue, I can install the part myself and save you the trouble of shipping the reel.

Paul