Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn International Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 07:41:26 PM

Title: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 07:41:26 PM
Hi Guys,
I bought a 50T that has been done up by Cal...2 Speed, Sleeve and BPrint for 80/100 in 2002. I was surprised when I took it apart to find an old style hard drag washer (though I've never seen one with slots ini it like this).
Guessing if I want to fish this at 20-25lb drag at strike I'll want to change to a carbon washer. I see the whole drag plate on Mystic parts, but is it possible just to change the friction material out and keep the gold drive plate?
Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: alantani on August 22, 2020, 07:49:47 PM
it is, but it's a fair amount of work.  you'll need a thick carbon fiber sheet, you'll likely have to cut out two and epoxy them together to make a drag washer that is thick enough, then epoxy your drag washer to the pressure plate.  alternatively, you can make a spacer plate out of something and then glue the entire mess together.  it will not be easy. 
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 08:02:10 PM
Thanks Alan,
I see...did a little more digging - I gather the 6A-50 washer that would replace this isn't available anywhere anymore.

I guess I should just suck it up and buy the whole plate.
The reel will last forever anyway so probably worth it.

For future reference, what year did these reels switch over from asbestos to the HT-100 washers?
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: alantani on August 22, 2020, 08:59:35 PM
Not sure about the year,  but I'm not sure I would sink any money at all into a single speed reel like this.
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 09:03:57 PM
It was converted to 2 speed, and looks more or less brand new...that's the only reason I'm thinking it is worth it.
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: alantani on August 22, 2020, 09:17:48 PM
ok, this one is absolutely worth it!!!!!   ;D
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: foakes on August 22, 2020, 09:34:49 PM
Not sure if this will help, or not --

But here is a loose NOS Carbon Fiber with the back-up plate.

Recently stopped working on conventionals a couple of months ago, after 40+ years.  Sold all the parts.  These were just loose larger drags in a drawer.

Doing mostly only vintage spinners now.  And busier than ever.  Backlog is approaching 85 units to hit the bench on just spinners.  Am working on them daily -- since there are a lot more on their way.

Best, Fred

Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 10:00:58 PM
Hi Fred, that looks like exactly what I'm looking for.
Sending you a PM if you're interested in selling.
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: foakes on August 22, 2020, 10:12:32 PM
I have no use for it -- probably had it for 20+ years --  it is yours if you think it will work for you --

List is $66+.

Figure $30 + $5 shipping.

Will need your mailing address and contact info.

Just send me a PM -- and I will send it out Monday.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 22, 2020, 10:29:18 PM
Thank You!
PM Sent.
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: Robert Janssen on August 23, 2020, 08:27:46 AM
Yes, Foakes nailed it. You just need to change back to the original drag washer from the aftermarket one you have now. (Which, by the way, looks to be a super deluxe one from Smoooooth Drag back in the day) No big deal.

.
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 28, 2020, 05:45:02 PM
Hi guys,
Another question - I can't for the life of me get the left side bearing out of the side plate. Ive tried heating the side plate, soaking in WD-40 to try and loosen, all kinds of tools, etc. and can't get the bearing loose. I've ordered a small pilot bearing puller to see if I can maybe get the jaws to grab the inner race, but can't believe I cant work it out any other way.
Any suggestions as to what has worked in the past?
Thanks
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: foakes on August 28, 2020, 06:07:31 PM
Since you have ordered the bearing puller -- if me, I would just spray the bearing and soak it in Kroil, or another good penetrating oil -- until the puller arrives. 

WD-40 will help a very little -- but not much.  Penetrating oil soak is effective.

Another way, is to freeze the plate in the freezer -- then heat the bearing with a micro butane flame -- or a large wattage soldering gun.  This generally works.  Careful of ruining the sideplate.

When reassembling with the same or a new bearing -- always use a good marine grease on the outside of the bearing -- so it is easier for you -- or the next guy to remove it.

I have also used my ultrasonic cleaner with straight water.  Most chemicals with the US cleaner will blemish the anodized finish on the sideplate.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: handi2 on August 28, 2020, 07:22:51 PM
After heating slam it down hard on a wooden table or a thick piece of wood. It works for me every time. The bearing will be left on the table.

Keith
Title: Re: Penn 50T Drag Washer
Post by: boatboy319 on August 30, 2020, 02:10:34 PM
Thanks guys.
So the bearing puller didn't fit (said down to 1/2" ID...knew it was cutting it close). But combination of heating, penetrating oil and slamming down on table did the trick.