PENN 420SS

[Alto Mare]

No need to apologize SoShoresGuy, that's why these are here.
Looking at your pics, it seems to me the bail wire might be bend a little and causing the bail arm to tilt.
It is a bit of a pain to get it just right, but if you take your time, you might be able to line it up by bending it a little at a time.

These are great reels, don't give up on them .

Sal

[foakes]

Yeah, SSGuy —

Sal is exactly right —

Since you have a new bail arm and bail arm screw — it can only be the bail wire that needs some slight bending inwards.

There are no shims or washers that are supposed to be in this assembly — and like you say, the metal rotor would not wear out.

Here is one of mine — and it has a natural but sloppy gap also.

As for the line catching — I generally use 4# Berkeley Trilene — And never get that type of issue.

Sometimes if a spool of line has a "coil memory" — it could be getting caught where it shouldn't.

You can try different mono — or let out your line 2/3rds of capacity, and stretch it slightly to straighten out any memory — and keep the line about 1/4" below the rim of the spool.  This will help to prevent wind snarls.

Excellent little reels!

Best,

Fred

[SoShoresGuy]

Thanks Sal & Fred. I'll give it a try.
So far, the fluorocarbon has NO memory, so that shouldn't be the problem, but if the trouble still exists, I'll give mono a shot.
Right now, I am using this for freshwater and trying out those Trout Magnets. Boy, do they work well when I can get a cast where I want.
I won't give up on the little critter. As I said previously, I also have a 430ss, a couple of 550ss and a 750ss (which is a beast.). I have a close friend that bought an 850ss back in the 80's. Good Lord, you could bring up a freezer with that reel.
I'll let the public know how I made out.

[SoShoresGuy]

After several attempts, I think I have the bail spring bent correctly.
Looking at the side with the bail closed, the bail spring doesn't seem to be equidistant or in a true arc across the spool (sorry I couldn't get a shot, not enough fingers). Maybe that is the way it should be. If not, I'll order a new bail spring from Scott's.
Two photos: 1st with the bail closed, 2nd with the bail open.
Ready for comments if you all have the time.
Mark
PS: Sorry for all of that crud in the cup. I'll clean that stuff out.
PPS: That stuff doesn't show up with naked eyes. Humm.

[Alto Mare]

Good job! That looks really good to me.

Sal

[SoShoresGuy]

We'll see. Thanks for the encouragement.

[SoShoresGuy]

Hah, so much better.
Thanks for pushing me. I'm still getting more line at the bottom of the spool than what I would like, but maybe I can figure it out. I did have one "blow-up" but I'm pretty sure that is mostly due to the light lure (Trout Magnet + Float) and the fluorocarbon 4# line.
Thanks guys (and girls). I have most of the parts to break this reel down, clean it out, and keep on fishing with it. I might just go ahead and purchase a new spring bail since I am a little concerned with winding more line at the bottom of the spool. I have all new washers to put into this little power dude. I'll replace what I think is important, lube it, and hopefully I can get another 25+ years from it.
I appreciate everyone's input.
Take care,
Mark

[Retired lathe man]

First class tutorial,your attention to detail is incredible!
RLM

[Rancanfish]

I'm sure he appreciates it RLM.  Even 3 years later.   

[sandbar]

Thank You Sal for this great tutorial!
You helped me get through a battle with a 430SS bail trip lever assembly today.
Gone but not forgotten. Still helping others with the knowledge you shared.