Penn 80

[Marlinmate]

Just replaced the original asbestos drags woth new Ht100 drag plates.

Now, when in free spool, the handle moves...almost like it still in gear

Now what? Could the new drag plates be thicker than the originals?

[alantani]

possibly.  it could also be bad spool bearings or bellevilles on the spool shaft are in direct contact with the spool.  the drag pressure plate might also be in contact with the cover.  sometimes setting the drag to within a normal range shifts the drag pressure plate away from the spool cover so it floats freely.  

[Marlinmate]

Spool bearings are brand new.

I'll get in there and play around with stuff.

[Marlinmate]

Where do I starting shimming?

[alantani]

let's start by assembling the reel without the drag cover.  you are basically turning the reel into an avet.  this is just to see if the drag cover is the problem. 

[Marlinmate]

Update.....tore into it.  Tried it without the drag cover.  same thing issue.   Tried an old inner drag and a new outer drag....same thing.   Tried a new inner drag and old outer drag....better.

Then just for S & G's....tried both new inner and outer drags again.  Smooth as butter.  Something must not have been seated right.

All good.

[alantani]

just glad it's working!!!!