Problem w/ 200 Surfmaster

[Recoil Rob]

I have a 200 I cleaned up but have run into a problem. I sometimes get spool drag, sometimes not. I have narrowed it down to this...

If I loosen up the left side bearing a couple turns and push the spool (metal) to the left everything works as it should when I crank the handle. If I push the spool to the right it drags when I turn the handle. It's a new spool so it's not bent.

As a matter of fact, with the left bearing loosened, if I hold the reel left side down the spool will spin freely but as soon as I turn it right side down the spool shifts over from gravity and binds.

Any ideas on how I screwed this up?


thanks,

Rob

[Ron Jones]

This is pretty common. I have lately become a huge fan of Teflon dots. You put them in the right side bushing until the spool will no longer fall far enough to rub.

If the frame is not square you can run into what you are experiencing also.
Ron

[Recoil Rob]

Ron, thanks but I think it's more than that, the spool spins fine in free spool, it's only when I crank that it binds.

[Alto Mare]

Ron, thanks but I think it's more than that, the spool spins fine in free spool, it's only when I crank that it binds.

From your explanation, I don't believe so.
Try doing what Ron has mentioned, he's spot on!

Better yet, get yourself one of these:
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Parts/26-155.aspx

The $5 would be money well spent.
Some here mention the tip of the spool shaft, to me that would never be the case.
The stainess steel shaft is much stronger that that bushing, this is why it wears out.


Sal

[oc1]

Center the spool.  The lip of the spool flange should tuck under the rings the same amount on both sides.  You can do it by eye.  Shim the right side as Ron and Sal suggest and tighten the left side bearing until there is just a few thousandths lateral play with the spool centered.  If it still binds then look for rub marks on the rings and/or lip of the spool flange.  If it's rubbing the rings then the frame may be twisted.
-steve

[Maxed Out]

You say it's a new metal spool.

Did you have the same issue with the original spool ??

Ted

[swill88]

This is pretty common. I have lately become a huge fan of Teflon dots. You put them in the right side bushing until the spool will no longer fall far enough to rub.

If the frame is not square you can run into what you are experiencing also.
Ron

Teflon dots.  Where to get them?

Steve

[Recoil Rob]

The old spool was plastic I believe, it's been a while since I did that.

I tried pulling out the spool to mark it with a magic marker hoping to see what was binding. And when I reassembled it...problem gone. Not sure what I did right but I started with the left bearing loose and then tightened it down, everything seems fine noe.

I don't like not knowing what it was but I'd rather be lucky than good...

Thanks to all.

[wfjord]

This is pretty common. I have lately become a huge fan of Teflon dots. You put them in the right side bushing until the spool will no longer fall far enough to rub.

If the frame is not square you can run into what you are experiencing also.
Ron

Teflon dots.  Where to get them?

Steve

   X2

[Recoil Rob]

Yes, what are Teflon dots and where do we get them?

[Bryan Young]

The old spool was plastic I believe, it's been a while since I did that.

I tried pulling out the spool to mark it with a magic marker hoping to see what was binding. And when I reassembled it...problem gone. Not sure what I did right but I started with the left bearing loose and then tightened it down, everything seems fine noe.

I don't like not knowing what it was but I'd rather be lucky than good...

Thanks to all.

Likely now the assembly is now square whereas before it could have been a little twisted.

[Ron Jones]

Teflon dots are made by cutting them from teflon sheet with a punch like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Tools-Heavy-Duty-Revolving-Punch-Pliers-73/206722234?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD27E%7C27-11_TOOLS_%26_ACCESSORIES%7CNA%7CPLA%7c71700000034238984%7c58700003943782712%7c92700031954542176&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjvXeBRDDARIsAC38TP5UCUYvkjeaVEcKEnTs9DQUt3X1Aj0-jpl64ve46P0_jqT3CfHytyAaAqiWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You find the size that fits the bushing best and put in just enough to remove play.
The Man

[Gfish]

Good source for teflon sheets?

[Recoil Rob]

The old spool was plastic I believe, it's been a while since I did that.

I tried pulling out the spool to mark it with a magic marker hoping to see what was binding. And when I reassembled it...problem gone. Not sure what I did right but I started with the left bearing loose and then tightened it down, everything seems fine noe.

I don't like not knowing what it was but I'd rather be lucky than good...

Thanks to all.

Likely now the assembly is now square whereas before it could have been a little twisted.

Don't think so as I didn't take the frame apart, I just used the quick release on the right sideplate to take it off and remove the spool.

[Bryan Young]

It's possible the sideplate was not square when assembled the first time. I've had that same issues with jigmasters.  I don't know why. I figured if it's in the grooves and pulls the sideplate as you screw tightens but there is still slight misalignment for some reason