penn 30s international II rebuild

[Steve K]

Originally Posted by Alter Ego

Did my 30S exactly as above. 10 seconds of freespool before, 45 seconds after!

Decided to to my 50VSW, as well. After a little panic help from Alan (thanks, bro!), it got finished, as well. Same freespool results as my 30S!

Brent, nice talking with you last night. Hope you get to book that trip this Fall.

Like I said, there's freespool and then there's freespool. Lots of us either do the work ourselves or send it out. Degreasing and oiling spool bearings makes a heck of a difference. The amount of time a spool spins out of gear on a star drag reelor on a lever drag (with the drag preset backed off) can be greatly enhanced by simply doing that to the bearings.

On a lever drag reel, freespool is different with the drag adjusted for a proper strike setting. Try setting that drag at about 20 lbs at strike, and then take it out of gear and see how it spins. The difference can be astounding. That's what Larry and Cal are able to improve by correctly machining the sleeve and/or adding shims and spacers so it's perfect. That and the turning of the drag plate to be sure it is flat is what allows these reels to be fished at heavier drags with good "freespool." This is the kind of freespool you need to be able to flyline small baits like Sardines and small macks with heavy line and heavy drags.

Good luck.

[Alter Ego]

Good talking with you as well, Steve. I fully understand the concept of freespool loss with a lever drag as the drag is increased. Now that we're back in our house after a 2 day evacuation, I'll have to see how much freespool I have at the intended drag setting. If it is suboptimal, off to Cal it (they) go.

[sseneque]

Hi Alan,

Could you tell me if the "older" style ht-100 drag washers require greasing to work smoothly, or do they work 'dry' as you mention in your rebuild.

The reason I ask is that I have a 30TW with what appears to be a perfectly good drag washer & plate (that seems to be in mint condition) although they are dry. This reel is currently un-usable due to a serious drag issue it is exhibiting. It goes from freespool, to small amount of lever drag to nearly full lock all within half a push of the lever drag....i.e. even before it hits strike! This with the Preset just engaged (only turned a quarter turn from completely 'out'). If the Preset is engaged at a full turn, the reel will not freespool, & the drag is in practically in full engagement.

I have taken reel apart (as per your rebuild), cleaned & greased all (except this washer, but but have replaced noting as yet)..it still has same issue. I wondering if greasing this drag washer will help, or will replacement with newer "dura-drag" washer help my problem.

Thanks for any advice.

[iclypso]

Originally Posted by sseneque

Hi Alan,

Could you tell me if the "older" style ht-100 drag washers require greasing to work smoothly, or do they work 'dry' as you mention in your rebuild.

The reason I ask is that I have a 30TW with what appears to be a perfectly good drag washer & plate (that seems to be in mint condition) although they are dry. This reel is currently un-usable due to a serious drag issue it is exhibiting. It goes from freespool, to small amount of lever drag to nearly full lock all within half a push of the lever drag....i.e. even before it hits strike! This with the Preset just engaged (only turned a quarter turn from completely 'out'). If the Preset is engaged at a full turn, the reel will not freespool, & the drag is in practically in full engagement.

I have taken reel apart (as per your rebuild), cleaned & greased all (except this washer, but but have replaced noting as yet)..it still has same issue. I wondering if greasing this drag washer will help, or will replacement with newer "dura-drag" washer help my problem.

Thanks for any advice.

Because Alan has about 100 questions to answer already, I'll give you my opinion based on my experience and the advice that Alan has given in several other threads on this board. The HT-100 washers perform well when greased and the grease should be applied in the same manner as Alan describes above. The same chances of saltwater intrusion apply if the washer is left ungreased.

[sseneque]

Thanks a lot for the comments.
I've greezed the HT-100 washer with Cal's and it still seems to grab very rapidly...ie. going from no resistance to practically locked in under one length of the drag lever. I think I have isolated issue to drag washer &/or plate, as I switched spool from one reel to another....no change in issue!

Next stop is a new drag washer, but I feel I'm still may be grabbing at straws as the current one still looks it still looks in great condition (but perhaps it's salt water intrusion as you point out)!?

Regards, Sacha.

[seriola]

I have had the same problem.

solution, throw away old bake unit
buy new HT 100 drag unit
mount reel on rood
go fishing and be happy

the described problem is away. reasons for this: perhaps preowner has stored away with drag under pressure ? or / and lifetime is over.

[Keta]

Rather than throwing away an expensive HT100 drag clean yours with break cleaner and inspect it for corosion dammage. If there is no dammage grease and wipe off excess, if you find dammage you should replace it.

[alantani]

Originally Posted by sseneque

Thanks a lot for the comments.
I've greezed the HT-100 washer with Cal's and it still seems to grab very rapidly...ie. going from no resistance to practically locked in under one length of the drag lever. I think I have isolated issue to drag washer &/or plate, as I switched spool from one reel to another....no change in issue!

Next stop is a new drag washer, but I feel I'm still may be grabbing at straws as the current one still looks it still looks in great condition (but perhaps it's salt water intrusion as you point out)!?

Regards, Sacha.

sacha, sorry for not seeing this sooner. find a really flat piece of clear glass. gently press the drag washer against the glass and look at it from the opposite side. do you see any high spots? there are probably several. those are the places that are grabbing. if it's just one or two small spots, get a dremmel, maybe get a small pocket knife, and dig out those spots. check it again. flat now? see how it works. the only alternative is a new drag washer. can you let us know? thanks! alan

[MANAPUA MAN]

I have 5 Penn 50 TW International II and 4 Penn 80 TW International II
What's the best way to un-stuck the full strike buttons when they are pushed down and won't return up?
I was able to get one to pop back up playing with some WD-40 and working it up and down until it popped up.... However the other reel it stuck down in there good and won't pop up.

[alantani]

pop the left side plate, then the spool and you can get to the pin from the inside.....