Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Pro Gear Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 03:38:54 PM

Title: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 03:38:54 PM
I have a very nice Pro Gear 251 that has a problem that I cannot figure out, and I was hoping that someone might have run into this before and can tell me how to fix it.

When I tighten the drag and turn the handle the drag backs itself off.  The star is not rapping on the side plate, or anything else that I can see.  Does anyone know what might be causing this?

Thank you,
Randy
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Reel 224 on October 13, 2018, 04:44:59 PM
Check the spacer sleeve, did you ever have the reel serviced? could be the drag stack is messed up.
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: RowdyW on October 13, 2018, 04:54:48 PM
Joe is on the right track. It sounds like the drag stack is out of order or the upper eared washer is out of the groove & sitting on top of the main gear.        Rudy
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: foakes on October 13, 2018, 05:09:14 PM
Typically on these, it is something in the drag stack or spacer assembly that is not in place.

If all of the parts are original (sometimes other parts could have been substituted over the years for various performance changes — Jigmaster gears, different spacer, different drags, wrong sized domed top washer, etc.) — then generally just another disassembly of the head side, with care taken to reassemble in the proper order, with all ears in place, free turning, and no binding — will take care of any issues — along with drag grease.

Like said by Joe & Rudy — probably just a drag stack or spacer issue.

You probably have it already figured out, Randy...

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 06:47:16 PM
Thank you Joe and Rudy and Fred for the help, and for the schematic Fred.  I will give it a shot.  I am probably one of the best guys here on Alantani.com at taking reels apart, but the worst at putting them back together.  I always say a prayer when it sit down to assemble a right side plate.  Wish me luck!

Thanks again,

Randy
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Darin Crofton on October 13, 2018, 06:58:25 PM
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 06:47:16 PM
I am probably one of the best guys here on Alantani.com at taking reels apart, but the worst at putting them back together.  I always say a prayer when it sit down to assemble a right side plate.  Wish me luck!

Thanks again,

Randy

Randy, I resemble that remark ;D
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 07:40:18 PM
It's nice to know that there are at least two of us amongst the mechanically challenged here, Darin, all thumbs in the midst of so many reel wizards.
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: Darin Crofton on October 13, 2018, 07:42:42 PM
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 13, 2018, 07:40:18 PM
It's nice to know that there are at least two of us amongst the mechanically challenged here, Darin, all thumbs in the midst of so many reel wizards.
I feel you buddy, but I'll keep trying... :D
Title: Re: Help?! Pro Gear 251 drag won't stay tight.
Post by: gstours on October 14, 2018, 03:20:20 AM
I'm here for giving you simpathy,  you will figure it out, and you will learn something out of this.  Best of luck,  your cannot fail.   Thousands are waiting to help.👋🎣🚣‍♀️