Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I have 2 Penn 130T. One the drag from free to full progresses smooth, the other goes free to 20lb instantly.

In servicing the reels I noticed that on one of them schematic part 19 (eccentric cam) which controls the drag progression is a smooth ramp, while the other has almost a seat where the pin for the follower nests into it. The result is that when moving the drag on that one instead of it slowly ramping up, it pops out of that nest which leads to an instant increase in drag.

I'd much prefer to be able to slowly increase my drag, so the question:

Can I file down (or CNC) the part on the one with the nest so it's a smooth ramp? Is there a reason for the different designs?

i've ground down several of these and it definitely improves things.  first i would recommend greasing the carbon fiber drag washers.  if your reels are so old that they do not have carbon fiber, then i would change them out.  do you know what kind of drag washers you have in these reels?

Quote from: alantani on November 07, 2022, 08:27:35 PMi've ground down several of these and it definitely improves things.  first i would recommend greasing the carbon fiber drag washers.  if your reels are so old that they do not have carbon fiber, then i would change them out.  do you know what kind of drag washers you have in these reels?

They are the old what I think are asbestos ones. They work fine as it is. I landed a 350lb tuna on it this summer and a huge thresher. I just want a more progressive drag, instead of the instant jump i have right now on the one reel.

What part numbers would I be looking at for replacement of those?

these are single speed reels, correct?  i don't see a 130T here. 

https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/International.aspx

Yes single speed Gen 1 not sure where I came up with the T... they are just original series Penn 130 singles.

yes, you can grind down the cam and it should help. 

here's a link to the parts list and schematic. 

https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn130_International.aspx

not sure why the two reels are different.  the cam is #19 and that's what needs to be ground down to give you a more even, smoothly progressive drag profile.  there are no more of these parts available.  if you grind too much, you won't be able to buy another part and try again.  there are several other strikes against this reel.  it does not have a tubular frame and frames are no longer available.  you also have the older style drag washers.  greased carbon fiber works so much better.

the goal for the cam in this reel is the same as for the visx line.  there will be some guesswork involved.  it may require multiple attempts to get it right.  take your time, be patient, and please post your results.   

Quote from: alantani on November 10, 2022, 03:33:29 AMyes, you can grind down the cam and it should help. 

here's a link to the parts list and schematic. 

https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn130_International.aspx

not sure why the two reels are different.  the cam is #19 and that's what needs to be ground down to give you a more even, smoothly progressive drag profile.  there are no more of these parts available.  if you grind too much, you won't be able to buy another part and try again.  there are several other strikes against this reel.  it does not have a tubular frame and frames are no longer available.  you also have the older style drag washers.  greased carbon fiber works so much better.

the goal for the cam in this reel is the same as for the visx line.  there will be some guesswork involved.  it may require multiple attempts to get it right.  take your time, be patient, and please post your results.   

There are a few available on eBay if I need them. Season change snuck up so the reels are currently on hold. But when I get to the project I will post. I came across your posts for the 20visx and it was informational.