levelwind maintenance

[alantani]

On Thu, 1/8/09, lelanddeck wrote:
Alan,   A problem a lot of people run into with their 330s (and other Penn level line models) are the level winds end up not working.  I know some people give up on the reels (and even on Penn) when this happens, and others take out the levelline setup.  It leaves a not of folks saying "never again Penn".  > What is the usual mechanical problem when this happens?  Any tips for diagnosing and fixing this problem?   Is it as  simple as the pawl needs adjusting and eventually the worm gear or pawl get damaged?  Do the worm bearings need any routine maintenance to help?  Leland

hi, leland!  it's usually one thing, or another, or both.  the first is the tiny pawl.  it has to be able to slightly twist back and forth to follow the groves in the worm.  if it gets gummed up, it will not track correctly and the harder stainless steel pawl usually ends up cutting into the softer chrome over brass worm.  the second is that the line and the leveler get out of sync. under a light load, it's no problem.  under a heavy load, the pawl with shred the worm instantly. 

the best way to make sure your leveler continues to work is to pull the pawl out when the reel is brand new, add a few drops of corrosion x and then spool it up.  once will usually do it.  thanks!  alan