Penn Jigmaster rough freespool engagement

[Barishi]

Hi all, I've recently reassembled my Jigmaster. Everything seems to be working fine, except that engaging the freespool lever feels "rough". So when I shift the reel from cranking mode to freespool mode, the action feels a bit rougher. I own a feel penn reels, and I can say that the freespool switching action feels snappy and smooth in comparison.

When the reel is in gear/in freespool, it works fine. What could be going on here? I only had this problem after reassembling the reel after a service. If it matters I've installed a stainless steel gear sleeve and dog for the reel.

The feeling is akin to switching to freespool while the reel is under load.

[thorhammer]

try reversing the yoke.

[alantani]

if you'll take a look at the eccentric spring, sometimes a small amount pokes out of the eccentric and catches or rubs.  i would use the sanding wheel of a dremel to knock it down.  that usually works.  um, if that is the problem.   

[Barishi]

So I took out the sideplate today to check, the pinion gear is rubbing against the bridge plate when the lever is flipped. Any ideas on how to solve this?
 

[Bill B]

That is normal when the spool is not installed. When the spool is installed the spool shaft will center it in the bridge.  Check the eccentric spring, it should be flush with the eccentric.  If it sticks out it will rub against the eccentric jack.  A couple passes with a file should knock it down.  You might add a little more grease to the gizzard, looks to be dry, but that could be my tired eyes.  Bill

[Swami805]

Try flipping the yoke too as thorhammer suggests. Some of them have a bit of a bevel on one side. That eccentric spring could be it too

[jurelometer]

Since you have found  that the reel works fine when in gear and freespool, and the problem only occurs when switching  between the two, it has to be the eccentric mechanism and related parts.

I agree with Bill on the pinion.  If the pinion alignment was an issue you would notice it when turning the handle in freespool and/or in gear. The pinion hole would have to be severely worn for it to catch the bridge.

My apologies if you already know this stuff:  I see some roughness from  the surface corrosion that you cleaned off, and no grease on sliding surfaces  that are pressed together under spring tension - the eccentric, yoke, and jack.  I would expect roughness in this condition. 

Smoothing off the corrosion on the sliding surfaces with some fine grit sandpaper (maybe 400) and a light coating of grease on all of the metal surfaces should help with smoother freespool lever action and help protect from future corrosion.

Alan mentioned the tip of the spring, that is worth a look.  Also ensure that you are using the sideplate screws with long shoulders (non-threaded section) to go through the yoke.  Ensure that the screw shoulders are not too badly scratched and put a bit of grease on them.   Here is Alan's photo of the screws.

-J

[Barishi]

Thanks for the info guys.

[thorhammer]

if you'll take a look at the eccentric spring, sometimes a small amount pokes out of the eccentric and catches or rubs.  i would use the sanding wheel of a dremel to knock it down.  that usually works.  um, if that is the problem.   

Had this on a build last week.