I currently use an old Penn 113h which is spooled with 50 lb mono for a grouper reel. Using the old "stop 'em or pop 'em" technique, with the drag locked as tight as it will go, the 113h has stood up quite well. I recently dug out a pair of 40 gls's which had been in storage for years, and went through them using Alan's tutorial. They seemed clean inside and while I was in there, I moved the belleville washers per Alan's suggestion and now get more drag while still having free spool. Many years ago, one of these reels was back to Penn and they replaced the gear and pinion. I no longer need these reels for trolling since I have 6 International II's, so I would like to use them as bottom reels. I know that the 40 gls is not noted for strength, so my question is: Do you think that the gears, frame, etc. can take the stress of a full drag with 50 lb line?
I think you will be OK with 50lb line, the ones I've seen come apart were all being abused with 100+.