Penn 506 Freespool Shift Question

[Delcampo]

Hello,
I recently recently rebuilt a 506 Jigmaster with new drags, stainless steel gear sleeve/yoke and Tiburon frame and spool.  Everything works great except when I try to shift into freespool.  The lever hangs up about halfway, and with a little coaxing I can get it into freespool. I've noticed the same thing in the past with other Penn reels.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks, Greg

[Alto Mare]

Hello Greg, just for a test could you put back the original yoke and keeping everything else as you have now? Let me know if that lever shifts better.

[Delcampo]

I'll give a try.  Thanks

[Bryan Young]

Try checking the yoke and the eccentric jack for any sharp edges.  Usually it's something that file could round off.  The other thing could be the spool shaft is sticking to the pinion gear.  This is the least likely but I've seen it on a few reels.

[Alto Mare]

There are a few possibilities, the yoke, jack, spool shaft, pinion, cluch springs and eccentric spring. Lets try one thing at a time so you can pinpoint the problem.

[alantani]

sometimes the eccentric spring pokes up too high and catches on the jack.  it grinds down quick and easy. 

[Alto Mare]

What are you doing answering our questions....you're on vacation!

[Bryan Young]

Sal, if you haven't learned already, fishing reels brings him peace of mind.

[Norcal Pescador]

Sal, if you haven't learned already, fishing reels brings him peace of mind.

Good one, Bryan!

[Bryan Young]

And after reading his day 1 report of his vacation, his girls are probably shopping, so...  he's checking up on me... 

[Delcampo]

Thank you for all the input.  I think I have some work to do.  You know for the money I spent rebuilding this old reel, I could have bought a newer model.  But I probably would have taken that one apart as well.  I can't help myself.
Greg

[Alto Mare]

Don't feel too bad about that reel.  You mentioned that you could have bought a newer model  for the money that you spent, don't compare that reel with the newer models ( there is none ). I'm sure that what you're dealing with on that reel is only a minor issue, hang in there!

[Delcampo]

The problem was the eccentric spring tang was too long, just as Alan had diagnosed.  It was interfering with the movement of the eccentric jack.  I adjusted it with my handy-dandy dental handpiece and voila the interference is gone.  I also adjusted the sharp edges on the yoke as well.  Yesterday I caught a 20 lb yellowtail with it on the Aztec out of Seaforth.  Thanks again for all the input; it was greatly appreciated.  Greg 

[alantani]

glad it worked.  it was either that or the yoke was hanging up on the eccentric jack.  this happens as well, but it is not as common.