I had a few Penn International 50 VSW's to do today and the last one was giving me fit..!! The reel would not shift from low to high and stayed in low gear. I opened it twice to check things then I thought to check the plunger and this is what I found inside...
It must have came from my grease bucket as it was almost empty.
Plunger wouldn't plunge with the screw blocking it huh
That would do it. & here I was about to suggest shimming under the main gear. These reels often require shimming here. Glad you got it sorted.
Hey Keith --
I always have a couple of 1 pound grease tubs going at the same time -- one with Yamaha Marine grease, and another will Cal's drag grease.
Surprising now many screws, copper dog springs, tiny dog springs, and sometimes pinion yoke springs are found either in the tub -- or stuck to a brush.
Good diagnosing.
BTW, I know I have a nearly new leather thumb drag for a bulldog Pflueger -- but have not located it yet -- stay tuned.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred I will send you the pictures with measurements.
Right above my work area I use the magnetic strips to hold my tools. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry I stick the tools up there too quickly and they fall into the trays below knocking things out. I bet this is how the screw got into the grease. The screw was not from this reel.
I kind of laughed when I saw it but was also frustrated.