Senator Special 113H - spool tension

[elcarlstono]

Got my first Senator a few weeks ago, 113H 4/0 Special (well it says Special on the side (red), but built more like the original Senators).  Got it broken down and serviced and it's a pretty nice reel.  I noted that it has a good bit of play in the spool tension, and that's with the side bearing cranked down all the way (had to loosen it with pliers). Then today I got a Longbeach 65 that has a spring behind the side bearing to keep tension that the Senator does not. 
Now the more I play with it, I noticed I can push in on the handle side bearing which will also cause the spool to lose engagement with the main gear. Not ready to go fishing. What am I missing?   I'm guessing I have a version that requires a spring but doesn't have it.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Sounds like a new bearing cup assembly in your future. I'll see if I have as many as I think I do

[alantani]

not sure why you are having spacing issues, but that's is what they are, jut spacing issues.  i'd shim the right and left spools so that the spool is centered.  the pinion gear should engage just fine at that point.  you'll need to find some shim washers with the same outside diameter as the bearings.  calipers will be very helpful here. 

[elcarlstono]

Here is what I have.  And to clarify, when I say "play" I mean it moves about 3/16":
And it is the older version with the externally serviceable drag, with the 3 thick washers.

[elcarlstono]

Well, with the bearing tightned all the way down I can remove all but what I would consider "acceptable" play.  Just didn't expect to have to turn it so much with pliers.

[oldmanjoe]

       Looking at your picture , you have a washer on top of the bearing .
   The washer / shims go under the bearing , that moves the bearing further out of the cup and centers the spool with adjustably .
 

[Maxed Out]

It does appear to look like the race for your bearing is down too far in the cup, as Joe already mentioned. Here's what it should look like

[MarkT]

I've removed that retainer from the bearing and put a spacer behind the bearing to raise it up plus removing the seal on the bearing that faces the spool. Helped center the spool and freespool better!

[Gfish]

Joe, I think that washer that Ted pictured and Mark mentioned is that jagged-edged retainer that shouldn't affect the spool shaft. IMO, Penn's use of ball-bearings in the Senators is not designed well for longevity. Maybe that's why they aren't in stock Mystic Penn Parts.

The spring in your LB 65 sounds interesting elcarlstono. Picture?

[elcarlstono]

The spring in your LB 65 sounds interesting elcarlstono. Picture?

It's in the schematic. Part #41. Apparently the old senators had a similar setup. 
https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/images/pennparts/schematics/65.pdf

[Gfish]

Ok, thanks. That's a bushing-bearing. The LB's all have them. I think ALL the Senators should be that way, too. The bushings are easily removable on BOTH side-plates from the outside. Check-out #26