Penn 350 Question

[MC1967]

I have a Penn 350 that my dad gave me that's been sitting around for years.  I decided to start using it so I cleaned it, installed new drag washers, put line on it and put it on a rod.   I've got two issues I can't seem to resolve.  Sometimes the reel will not go into free spool when the spool is under tension and it makes a clicking noise when I cast it (Is this normal). 

I'm assuming I need to replace the spring that moves it into free spool and that both issues may be related.    Thoughts?

Everything seems fine when I just drop line off the rod.  I have tried adjusting the play in the spool.  It helps slightly but doen't fix the problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[foakes]

Hi MC, and Welcome! --

On the 350, with the unique spiral Lind leveling system -- there are a couple of extra mechanisms, dogs, and springs meant to interact with the spiral leveler part that rotates.

These could be making the clicking sound?

The not going into FS when the eccentric lever is disengaged could be as simple as a tweaked spring, excess wear or damage where the spool shoulder enters the pinion gear -- or even something as easy as making sure the long bridge screws are in the proper positions (smooth ones with thread just on the tip goes in the clutch springs under the yoke -- if they are mixed up they could cause binding, or other issues).

Or if none of these, just take completely apart -- and start over using one or two of the tutorials about the 350 on Alan's site.  Just do a search on this site for Penn 350.

Others will be along shortly to offer other/better suggestions -- stay tuned!

Best,

Fred

[MC1967]

Thanks Fred.

My first thought was the screws.  I've verified they are correct.   I also checked for damage but there was none that I can detect. 

Is it possible the line is spinning the spiral bar as the line goes out?

[foakes]

Yes, MC -- that could be what it is -- and normal operation.

Obviously, this one needs cleaning -- and there is a dog spring missing from the main gear dog -- but this gives an idea of the other mechanisms on the West side of the plate as pictured -- in this photo from another thread.  And they do click when operated.



Best,

Fred

[MarkT]

I'd guess the issue with getting into freespool when it's under tension is normal.  If you pull back on the spool with your thumb when going into freespool it works fine?

[Bryan Young]

It is quite possible that the eccentric tabs may need to be bent out a little.

[Alto Mare]

It is quite possible that the eccentric tabs may need to be bent out a little.

My guess also, that's one of the reason I requested heat treated yoke and jack for the Jigmaster, flexing is no good there.

[MC1967]

Thanks for everyone's help.

It does seem to disengage if I turn the spool slightly before I move the lever.

I suspect the spring may be weak and not allowing the system to fully disengage the gear pinon from the spool.  I'm concerned the clicking that I'm hearing could be the spool making some contact with gear pinon because it has fully retracted.   Unfortunately everything seems ok before I fully assemble the reel so it leaves me guessing. 

Does anyone else have a 350 that clicks when they cast it?  I may just be over analyzing this.

I'm think I should start with replacing the eccentric spring and dog.  It definitely doesn't have positive movement that I get with me 209s.

[Alto Mare]

I just reread Fred's answer, he pretty much has it all covered. About the clicking sound, I would try replacing this bushing
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Parts/26-155.aspx
Some like to use shims, $5 is a small price to pay for a new bushing, I'm guessing your clicking sound is coming from a worn right side bushing, causing the spool to move too far to the handle side. It doesn't take much for it to cause the clicking.
When the reel goes in free spool, springs get compressed, so I would rule weak springs out.
Clean the inside of the pinion and the spool shaft and see if that helps any. Check the spool shoulder as Fred mentioned for any deformation.
You're not over analyzing this, at times when you service an older reel you will get what you're experiencing, Penn grease used to get brown and hard as a rock, when you clean it, things change. These older reels have tight tolerance at some areas, once you remove the hard grease you will get what you're experiencing.
You will eventually get it right, it's fun to investigate.

Sal

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

[MC1967]

Thanks Sal

You were correct about the bushing.  It turns out it was loose.   Once I tightened it all the problems went away. No new parts are required.