Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn => Topic started by: ZeroGeez on November 30, 2025, 06:49:32 PM

Title: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: ZeroGeez on November 30, 2025, 06:49:32 PM
I have a few 4300ss reels.  I would like them better if the axle didn't have as much travel when you pull/push on the spool.  It's an inordinate amount of slop, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 inch of axle travel due to both the oscillator channel and the slop in the connection to the axle. Do I need to crunch something with my press to tighten it up?  Please say yes :).
Title: Re: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: oldmanjoe on November 30, 2025, 07:05:50 PM
 I find most of the slop is when the screw is lose on the arm to axle connection
Title: Re: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: Midway Tommy on November 30, 2025, 07:15:20 PM
Quote from: oldmanjoe on Today at 07:05:50 PMI find most of the slop is when the screw is lose on the arm to ae plate off xle connection

Plus, when the screw is loose it can cause wear or expansion in the arm loop that shaft is held on. With the side plate off you should be able to move the spool/shaft back and forth to see where the excessive play originates.
Title: Re: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: quang tran on November 30, 2025, 07:16:22 PM
Not sure if I under stand correct what the slop you talk about . I push the spool in , make a mark, pull it out , make another mark . Result it moved 1.31 mm , about 1/16 inch ,I don't see how it can move 1/4 to 1/2 inch
Title: Re: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: ZeroGeez on November 30, 2025, 09:35:15 PM
Oh, good idea on measuring.  I took a short video but I cant upload those.

There seems to be an extra source of articulation sourced around the screw area allowing that whole oscillating plate to have 2-axis of movement.  It's like watching one of those old steam locomotive drivetrains.

I tightened the screw just snug.  The axle still seems to wallow around in the cradle part of the oscillator allowing some extraneous travel.

I replaced the oscillator arm+screw with a different one and it didnt help.  Maybe the axle hole got wallowed out.  At any rate, your answers have given me a direction to follow.

Thank you all
Title: Re: Penn 4300ss: how much spool slop do I have to live with?
Post by: ZeroGeez on November 30, 2025, 09:45:32 PM
4mm of travel.