A friend asked if I would service this 550SS, due to its conditions I thought it would be a good idea to post a few pics, in case some of you run into the same situation.
The reel felt very rough and I mentioned that I didn't have many parts for the 550SS, but would give it a shot.
Braking it down:
(https://i.imgur.com/yz4ynuQ.jpg)
first thing I noticed, the crack on the drag knob, this is common with these reels
(https://i.imgur.com/FhacGlg.jpg)
and a look on the inner side...not pretty :)
(https://i.imgur.com/pVE2D5s.jpg)
the pinion was frozen to the housing, gently working a flat screwdriver from the back side I was able to pull it out.
The bearing, bearing cover and spacer wouldn't budge.
Using two flat head screwdriver opposite to one another, I was able to pull the cover and spacer, but not the bearing.
(https://i.imgur.com/p2YmxPJ.jpg)
found some stuff that would be good enough to repair a roof :)
(https://i.imgur.com/0kz5vCT.jpg)
the bail wasn't working properly, the bail release was packed with sand. I don't believe this reel was ever opened
(https://i.imgur.com/yUqJPDT.jpg)
I soaked the pinion and still no luck, so I took it to my press.
If the new guys are trying this, make sure you screw the nut on top first, or you'll damage the pinion
(https://i.imgur.com/ZRXwCxE.jpg)
one little tap and up it came...love this tool
(https://i.imgur.com/ZSOVFMt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D6FKS6N.jpg)
parts got all cleaned and I was able to reuse all of them.
The red arrow shows a tiny magnet holding the spring, I started doing this and looks like it's helps with keeping the spring from flying out of orbit.
(https://i.imgur.com/88ghEbI.jpg)
and the finished reel
(https://i.imgur.com/Avgg5Cv.jpg)
It is now working very smoothly, he should be very happy.
Best,
Sal
Good work as always Sal. ;)
Sal, that was interesting! I recently gave my old 550SS it's first service since I bought it back in the '80s, but it wasn't in nearly the condition that one you had was in! The photo of mine below is after I cleaned it up.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/22/medium_17264_28_10_17_7_19_08_223121450.jpeg)
Awesome Job Sal. Don't you just love tar? NOT!
Is that Shimano grease you are using on a Penn? Oh...?!?!? 😁
Quote from: wfjord on October 28, 2017, 02:31:20 PM
Sal, that was interesting! I recently gave my old 550SS it's first service since I bought it back in the '80s, but it wasn't in nearly the condition that one was in!
wfjord, that looks great, probably wasn't fished or dunked as many times as the one above.
The 550SS, as you probably know, has the best bail release mechanism, well to me anyway, but I always make it a point to close the bail by hand on all my spinners.
When looking at the bottom of the spool, if the anodizing has beem buffed out from thrust washer and an indentation has formed, you could pretty much bet it has been fished very hard, even harder than it was supposed to.
I have a couple of nice ones myself, here is one
(https://i.imgur.com/G0XKw5N.jpg)
I actually have one coming today, can never have too many :)
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 28, 2017, 02:43:00 PM
Awesome Job Sal. Don't you just love tar? NOT!
Is that Shimano grease you are using on a Penn? Oh...?!?!? 😁
Yes Bri-Bri, been packing bearings with it and really like it...that stuff aint cheap!
Sal
Your's looks mint, Sal. I used my 550SS a pretty good bit during my years in Florida and was always particular about not dunking it and also rinsing it in fresh water afterwards. When I moved away from being close to saltwater it pretty much stayed in it's box for many years enough for the grease to get gummy and somewhat hardened; I guess it was helpful that the factory didn't over grease it. It did indeed have a nice bail release mechanism, but it was years later that I started closing by hand --except it was hard to be consistent at that when I was also using my 1st generation spinfishers a lot. (Servicing the 550 also helped give me confidence to go into my 750SS.)
Terriffic job, Sal --
You might have enough of that Henry black gunk to repair a few streets!
Best,
Fred
Sal!
I'm no expert here but looking at the last photo of the finished reel,
The handle won't clunk as bad IF you turn it around and have the handle pointing to the outside! 8) ;D ;)
Wayne
Quote from: foakes on October 28, 2017, 03:59:46 PM
Terriffic job, Sal --
You might have enough of that Henry black gunk to repair a few streets!
Best,
Fred
Probably Fred, but if I run out, I could always grab some at your warehouse :)
Quote from: El Pescador on October 28, 2017, 05:08:02 PM
Sal!
I’m no expert here but looking at the last photo of the finished reel,
The handle won’t clunk as bad IF you turn it around and have the handle pointing to the outside! 8) ;D ;)
Wayne
Don't cut yourself short Wayne, I appreciate the heads up ;) ;D
The guy could've at least run it through a dishwasher cycle before giving it to you! :P
I've seen this many times before, but since we didn't have a tutorial on the 550SS, I figured it would be a good idea to post it.
Sal
I just found the album for my 550SS, I was planning of doing a tutorial a while back, but forgot all about it.
Since these are more detailed pics, I will still post them here, but won't give individual description on the pics.
This should help someone that has never opened a 550SS.
Here is the order that I do it, all my spinners get the same treatment when servicing them.
The breakdown:
(https://i.imgur.com/OWDh145.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UcP5SFf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/to1PKAW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/p5EB42O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7P71D3x.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rXRrYsE.jpg)
The spool shaft needs to come out first on the 550SS, or you won't be able to remove the main gear.
This wouldn't be the case for the 650SS and up
(https://i.imgur.com/nempQAH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7VGKEKb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aWcR07k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D3cMRU5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ytcxf0k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vr94Fuk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/daASnvf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qw9FPPi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6gt6FPK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rpLl0Xe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Lm1FGHD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nPMjhZR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DsCkT8n.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jJf5GY0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/O86pvD6.jpg)
all the parts completely off the housing:
(https://i.imgur.com/G6xwWxk.jpg)
Cleaned parts, ready for reassembly.
(https://i.imgur.com/Av5dQRY.jpg)
The reassembly:
(https://i.imgur.com/eG2QR7h.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eM57GgI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DZZbLEA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ExSg7kf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qpOoStK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4ZbszRE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9ia53k9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BkDjchQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cm9dEsH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kCIU07R.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s5MCkyN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rcwB2xj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aVZh5e2.jpg)
and the finished reel:
(https://i.imgur.com/QfgusOr.jpg)
Best,
Sal
Thanks, Sal. I have several 650's as do friends of mine. This will come in handy. /Joe
The 650 is a great choice for the type of fishing you do.
Adam has one of mine, eventually he will be making us some Titanium dogs and ratchets.
Hi Sal
I have seen a 550ss with chrome handle. Assuming this is an early run reel. Did any of the 550ss reels have a bronze main gear?
Greg
Hello Greg, no I haven't seen any.
I'm not sure of the age or if it is from the first run, but I have one that appears to be one of Penn very first 550SS
(https://i.imgur.com/2fzHPix.jpg)
I have a couple of reels with this box, this one for some reason is much thicker, same size, but much thicker
(https://i.imgur.com/a1VSeBp.jpg)
here is a pic of how the handle is held in place
(https://i.imgur.com/tNtJdYg.jpg)
This reel is new, but the lrttering on the emblems is starting to wear
(https://i.imgur.com/Hh3oj7B.jpg)
Best,
Sal
Sal
Is their a way to completely remove the anti reverse from the 5500SS?
Thanks
Quote from: seacane on August 27, 2018, 02:13:02 PM
Sal
Is their a way to completely remove the anti reverse from the 5500SS?
Thanks
I do not own any with the two zeros , but from looking at the schematic it just a matter of pulling the dog out
https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/images/pennparts/schematics/5500ss.pdf
The problem though woul;d be with it afterwards, you will not be able to fish the reek, unless you get creative with the bearing, part#20 and make it one way :-\.
Why would you want to remove it completely?
Sal
I always hitting the anti reverse lever at worst time. Finally I wrapped tape over it and that works but I thought there might be a way to do it internally.
Thanks though.
Regards
Hi Sal
Thanks for your reply. I saw a 650ss with the silver lettering coming off like that. Otherwise it was perfect. It was advertised as NIB. Same box as the one you show above.
I have two 7500ss reels. One has all bronze gears, including the ocillation gear. It has the better pivot too and the brass spool cap. A cheap buy at a pawn shop.
Didn't`t know how lucky I was until I opened it up.
cheers
Greg
Quote from: basto on August 27, 2018, 09:09:12 PM
Hi Sal
Thanks for your reply. I saw a 650ss with the silver lettering coming off like that. Otherwise it was perfect. It was advertised as NIB. Same box as the one you show above.
I have two 7500ss reels. One has all bronze gears, including the ocillation gear. It has the better pivot too and the brass spool cap. A cheap buy at a pawn shop.
Didn't`t know how lucky I was until I opened it up.
cheers
Greg
Very good Greg, I never turn them down if they're priced right, but sounds like you did much better than priced right🙂.
You could pretty much bet from the 550ss and lower, you will always find aluminum gears.
On the 6500ss , same story, but on the 650ss you will always have a good chance of finding brass gears.
On the 7500ss, 8500ss and 9500ss, it will be hit or miss on the brass gear.
If you find a 750ss with the same box as I'm showing, there is a possibility you might find a stainless steel pinion gear, I'm not sure why they stopped making those, just what the doctor ordered for these reels.
Cheers Greg,
Sal
I will get a 650SS one day. I have a good 9500ss with all brass gears, but I would swap it for a good 650ss because I don't have a use for the 9.
Greg
can pinion spacer go in only one way..seems like a slight beveled edge on mine or is it worn out..both surfaces suppose to be flat?..
Quote from: joe k on January 28, 2019, 09:47:43 PM
can pinion spacer go in only one way..seems like a slight beveled edge on mine or is it worn out..both surfaces suppose to be flat?..
No, you are seeing it correctly. Slight bevel goes towards the rotor, but I don't believe anything would happen if you get it backwards.
On the larger ones, as the 650SS & 750SS, there is no bevel, just a raced center on both sides and doesn't really matter how you set it in.
Penn shows the bevel spacer on the 550SS facing the rotor, I would keep it that way.
Sal
Hello Joe, I will check tomorrow and let you know. i'm pretty sure I have one.
Sal
if you do not have one, Sal —
This will back you up for Joe.
Best,
Fred
I did find one , but it is used, Joe might be better off with yours Fred.
Sal
I should not have butted in, Sal — I was just trying to back you up, if needed...
A used one should be fine for a used reel — but if you only have the one — I can send Joe mine.
I only have (2) — they are kind of tough to find.
Your call, Sal...
Again, I apologize for interfering.
Best,
Fred
Not at all Fred, I always appreciate your help.
A new one will be a better choice for Joe and I'm sure he will be getting it at N/C, weather from me or you.
Parts for these are getting harder and harder to get, I've seen some new 550ss getting close to $300.
Keep some parts for yourself for the small greenies, a new 716 recently went for $350 .
Thank you Fred.
Sal
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 04, 2019, 02:08:16 AM
Keep some parts for yourself for the small greenies, a new 716 recently went for $350 .
Sal
Not trying to change the subject or derail the thread, but somebody has way more money than sense. Penns are quality reels, but a few come to mind, ABU/Zebco Cardinal 3, first Shakespeare 2052, Pflueger 550, Dam Microlites, etc., that are just as durable & well made but usually much more reasonably priced. I've been keeping my eye out for a nice green 716 & 714 for 10+ years but refuse to pay the exorbitant prices they fetch. ::)
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 04, 2019, 02:08:16 AM
Not at all Fred, I always appreciate your help.
A new one will be a better choice for Joe and I'm sure he will be getting it at N/C, weather from me or you.
Parts for these are getting harder and harder to get, I've seen some new 550ss getting close to $300.
Keep some parts for yourself for the small greenies, a new 716 recently went for $350 .
Thank you Fred.
Sal
Well then Sal — you make the call...
Best,
Fred
Good morning Fred, just send yours. A new one is a better choice of the two.
Thanks for always backing me up and many others here.
Sal
OK, Joe —
PM me your mailing information and I'll get it out today.
Do you need both parts, or just the crosswind block?
N/C.
Best,
Fred
Just realized that I already have your address, Joe — from the felt washers I sent last week. So already addressed and will go out this morning. Sent both parts...
Great job on this reel. Looks like it had some hard use and badly neglected. I had one about the same shape but gave it to a friend to fix up. I still have a 550ss that I really like. I have caught probably over 200 salmon with it and probably at least 50 were king salmon ranging from about 20 pounds to 50 pounds. The only weakness I have found in this real is the bail spring which brings me to my problem. I cannot find this bail spring. Penn has discontinued it. Does anyone have any ideas on a substitute replacement. I don't live in Alaska anymore so I don't need it for salmon but 30 pound catfish are not uncommon on the snake river. This reel still has a lot of life in it. I'm hoping someone can give me ideas on how to make this reel work. I'm really enjoying reading these stories. Thanks.
Here is a new 32-550 bail spring.
If you want it — send me a PM with your full mailing information, and I will drop it in the mail tomorrow.
$8, shipped to your address.
Best,
Fred
This is not a big deal to me, just an eye-opener —
And it has happened more than once — although fairly uncommon with 99% of the anglers on our site...
I have found the vast majority of anglers to be reliable, courteous, and appreciative of others efforts to help them with info or parts.
However, more and more of these "exceptions" are coming to the surface as our AT site basically comes up nearly always — as the #1 result, in any search for reel parts, info, or help — world-wide, 24/7.
Guy needs a bail spring for a Penn 550SS spinner. Spring is no longer available from Penn, or Mystic.
He puts out a well worded, and fervent plea for anyone who might know where he could get a spring.
I reply within less than an hour that I have the spring, and would be willing to send it to him for $8. ($3.50 for the new, discontinued spring, 50 cents for a bubble envelope, and $4 for shipping and driving to the PO) — seemed reasonable to me — maybe I was wrong.
No response from him for the last couple of days — he likely just joined the site to find his needed part...
So, unless there has been a major issue in his life — he just did not have the time, or courtesy — to respond. Either, Thanks, already found another one — or no thanks, but appreciate your help, or?
In this day and age of instant internet searches, nearly unlimited information on anything, and online shopping — I think a lot of folks just think that we are Amazon, Wal-Mart, or any other online retailer.
They do not realize that there is another person/persons on the other end of their inquiry — that is sincerely trying to help them — and would just like a timely response — after they asked us for help...
So, for now, the spring will go back in the bin — and hopefully another member that appreciates what this Alan Tani Ohana Reel site is really about — will need it someday...
This is not a criticism of any of our members who regularly contribute to the whole of the site, or even to a new person who seems to be in legitimate need — I and others of us will not stop helping in any way we can — with information, knowledge, experience, parts, or techniques. But it does raise a red flag to be more cautious in helping others who are just looking for information — and do not have the courtesy to at least respond to our help.
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred