Ok so I completely dismantled, cleaned and reassembled a Penn 309. Upgraded to carbon drag washers, replaced idler gear and switched handle to slightly larger one from a Penn No. 49..
Everything seemed to go well but I'm having trouble making final adjustments to spool. I keep adjusting level wind and spool tensioners but can't achieve a balance that allows level wind to operate and still have freespool. Any suggestions?
I think I solved my own problem on this one. Thinking the only difference in internal parts was the new drag set, I deduced that it might be thicker than stock and so removed the tension washer. Lo and behold I get freespool now!
Time to test this reel on a big King salmon!