Curious irregular tension on 209 levelwind

[Whit]

Friends:

I just replaced the left (non-handle side) sideplate on a Penn 209.  Everything went fine until I got done and started winding.  As the level wind got closer to the left side of the spool, the whole mechanism would tighten up noticeably.  I tried adjusting the tension screw on the right sideplate, but that did not produce the desired result.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Whit

[foakes]

Hi Whit --

Could be a few things --

Most common is a bent worm shield, burred worm, pawl not setting right, line guide tweaked, tension too tight on the worm screw on the headplate.

Or, a tweaked frame due to damage or uneven screw tightening.

To quickly eliminate and narrow the possibilities -- just take out the 12 parts that make up the levelwind assembly -- if the spool turns free when the frame is snugged up -- then it is in the LW assembly.

Just assemble the reel again -- paying attention to test and function as you go.

You will then be able to determine if it is just an assembly issue, or a bad part.

Good luck!

Let is know how you do...

Best,

Fred

[Whit]

Quote: "remove the 12 parts..."   Sheesh, that advice is enough to cause one to squirt a little more CorrosionX on the thing and move on!

OK OK, I got it.  I'll dutifully troubleshoot and advise!  It is strange that the tension is all at the left side of the levelwind's path. 

Fred: Separately, I'm getting together another box for you.  A miserable lot of Quick orphans needing your tender ministrations...

Whit

[foakes]

If you get frustrated, Whit --

Just send it along with the other reels -- no big deal, I work on dozens of these every year -- 109, 9, 209, 309.

Have any parts necessary.

It almost has to be in the LW, or frame assembly, IMO.

One time I had a catch at regular intervals on a 209 -- after having it apart multiple times, I discovered the problem.

I had replaced the nylon idler gear -- never checking the worm drive brass gear closely.  It actually had a tiny tooth from the nylon gear broke off and jammed in between the teeth of the brass gear.  Couldn't see it because of the oil and grease.

Best,

Fred

[mizmo67]

Make sure the reel is framed out squarely too...if the framework is a little crooked it would also start to bind either levelwind or spool on the off kilter side.
Loosen all framework screws, square the reel by setting it on a flat surface, then tightened all the screws.