Penn mag power 970 side plate removal??

[jurelometer]

5. As a side note, the Boss posted a video of him removing a stuck reel foot screw, badly corroded in the anodized aluminum frame.  He applied a generous (A LOT) of heat with a propane torch.  My fear was the melting of the anodized finsh.  In the end the screw came out and the frame wasn't damaged.

A good tip when the parts involved are all metal, but in this case we are discussing  a stuck thermoplastic sideplate. Polycarbonate gets soft at around 250F, and fully melts around 600F.  I would not consider using heat  in this specific situation.

Folk here are more  used to messing around with Bakelite sideplates.  Bakelite is a thermoset resin based plastic, and can withstand higher temperatures without deforming compared to thermoplastics.
-J

[Gfish]

Myself, I really need to see and clean the inner workings of an old used reel, to the point of obsession. Probably mainly the thought while I use it that it could be better. Also, the internal structure might be something new and interesting.

I might try repetition with low-temp. heating and cooling, hoping that at some point the metal and plastic will separate enough to break loose with gentle non-damaging pressure.

[Keta]

Heat and prying need to be done with care.... and sometimes heat should not be used, ecpecialy around plastic parts.  And never use acetone on plastic.

I have carefuly pried apart reels starting with a knife and working around, never in one place.

[Bill B]

5. As a side note, the Boss posted a video of him removing a stuck reel foot screw, badly corroded in the anodized aluminum frame.  He applied a generous (A LOT) of heat with a propane torch.  My fear was the melting of the anodized finsh.  In the end the screw came out and the frame wasn't damaged.

A good tip when the parts involved are all metal, but in this case we are discussing  a stuck thermoplastic sideplate. Polycarbonate gets soft at around 250F, and fully melts around 600F.  I would not consider using heat  in this specific situation.

Folk here are more  used to messing around with Bakelite sideplates.  Bakelite is a thermoset resin based plastic, and can withstand higher temperatures without deforming compared to thermoplastics.
-J

Good point Dave.  I definitely would not roast it like an International.

[Bigpatty]

So much good info here. And some very good info by PM.
So,,, as I like to update for others.
I have freed up the clicker side bearing cup by soaking it in petrol and then I used the exact size drill (the chuck end) inserted into the first washer to lever slightly out. Then the rest of the bearing cup components came out. The bearing that side was solid. Grease was like hard mud!!!
Soaked bearing in petrol for few hours and it freed. More soaking and spins freely now. Currently soaking in 70-90w gear oil (my preferred oil for all my reels). Clutch side bearing was good,,, soaking in same.
I still can't get the side plates off but as a result of all the great feedback here I have decided to leave them. I can get enough lube in the reel to make it useable and the most important thing is that the bearings are good and the clutch (feels) ok. It does feel good.

As I said I have another one boxed never used so due to this I will open it and make sure bearings are good and maybe!!! those side plates will come off. If not no biggy as that reel seems to be sweet.

Hopefully next week I will get to use them both in the surf and that will be just amazing.
Really appreciate the advice. I'm pretty sure I would have just kept working on the plates till they either broke or got seriously damaged if it had not been for all the advice here. What a great thing sharing experience is,,, long may it carry on.

Cheers guys. 

[Ramblers Lad]

Hi Bigpatty,

I'm probably a bit late with this, but perhaps not

If you've already opened the unused 970, there should be the 970 980 Magpower 'Instruction and Parts Manual'. have a close look at the chapter 'Internal Lubrication', the 2nd paragraph describes the procedure of taking-off the right hand side plate....and mentions to hold on to the spool whilst you're pulling at the handle.

What it doesn't say, is that you need to pull the handle very hard and do this above a soft surface, because when it feels as if you're imminently going to bend the handle, the plate will come away like a shot and if you aint holding on to the spool very highly, the chances are that the spool will fly out and drop.

I had one of the 970's when they first made it to the UK..... there's no need to ask me how I know
 know

All the best

[ez2cdave]

I have an idea on how to remove a sideplate on your 970.

1 - Strip all of the line off the reel.

2 - Remove all of the screws from the Clicker-side Sideplate.

3 - Use a short section of 3/8" 1/2" ( 9.5 mm - 12 mm ) diameter wooden dowel, about 6" long ( 15 cm ).

4 - Wrap a soft cloth around one end of the dowel, for protection.

5 - Place the wrapped end of the dowel against the endplate of the spool, near the Spool Arbor ( NOT the EDGE
    of the Spool) and LIGHTLY TAP on the uncovered end of the dowel with a small hammer ( like a Tack Hammer )
    ... TAP the uncovered end of the dowel, GENTLY !!!

6 - Shift the position of the dowel to prevent cocking of the sideplate, as it moves outward.

7 - If all goes well the sideplate should come off, gradually.

8 - Once the sideplate is off, re-insert the spool and repeat the procedure for the opposite sideplate. DO NOT 
    insert the dowel & start driving the sideplate directly ( use the Spool ), to avoid cracking or breaking
    the sideplate !

Be CAREFUL ... Be GENTLE ... Be PATIENT !!!

https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/images/pennparts/manuals/om970_980.pdf

Tight Lines !

Dave

[ExcessiveAngler]

That's so funny. I was typing up something earlier and didn't have a chance to post it and then of course it was deleted, when the page refreshed. I can usually use the spool to get these reels apart. Normally, I can get the handle side off, just by prying underneath the handle gently with something. Then I pop the spool out and then I can usually push the clicker side off with my thumbs. Sometimes I have to tap them part. I have also beat them apart with a rubber mallet, when I was extremely mad before too and got lucky lol! But I'll be home shortly and maybe, I'll be able totake one out and rip it apart, because I'm in one of those moods! Also just picked up a nice Penn Baja special and gotta figure out, how to get all the slightly?corroded screws out of that?

[ExcessiveAngler]

Well, I did get one 970 out. But before I can even do anything, I have to soak all the screws in penetrating oil. Gave it a decent rinse, and wiped it down, last time I used it. Some of the screws, have verdigris on them, and currently won't budge! Same thing with the Baja special, I just picked up. Those screws have some slight corrosion on them, but they are tight as hell. And I had to switch penetrating oils! Picked pm up some 3in-one fast acting penetrant m in a 4 ounce bottle. Guess we'll find out?

EA

EA

[JasonGotaProblem]

Well, I did get one 970 out. But before I can even do anything, I have to soak all the screws in penetrating oil. Gave it a decent rinse, and wiped it down, last time I used it. Some of the screws, have verdigris on them, and currently won't budge! Same thing with the Baja special, I just picked up. Those screws have some slight corrosion on them, but they are tight as hell. And I had to switch penetrating oils! Picked pm up some 3in-one fast acting penetrant m in a 4 ounce bottle. Guess we'll find out?

EA

EA

Lots of tricks on here. Just take your pick.

[ez2cdave]

Lots of tricks on here. Just take your pick.

Whatever you decide to try, be careful, be gentle, and be patient !

Dave

Tight Lines !

[ez2cdave]

How about an update. "Bigpatty" ?

Tight Lines !

Dave