Penn International Service

[beeracuda]

I found this while searching for info on servicing a couple old school Penn International II - 50TW's I own, they are similar reels but I'm looking for something more specific to this reel with even more detail if possible. My reels are about 18 years old, depending on how often I use them I service them every few years but I have a couple questions I'm not sure about.

The main question this raises is the bearing covers, I tried to pop off the bearing cover on mine but I don't think it comes off. Is it possible that on the older reels they are sealed? In the picture it looks like the knife is damaging the bearing cover, if so do they sell replacement covers somewhere?

This tutorial does not cover the other side of the reel in any detail, I figured out the drag pre-set drag knob and assembly and got it back together after a few tries but I can't get the clicker out of the reel. There's a locking nut on the outside of the reel and a retainer nut ring on the inside. I tried turning each but it just rotates the other, I assume I need to hold one side while I turn the other but before I try, it's fairly hard to turn so wanted to get some opinions before I snap something off.

[chumtini]

The bearing cover could be pressed in (vs a retaining clip). I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with pressed in covers. This might be a case where the old addage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies - stuff some grease in it as best you can, stick it back in and look the other way

[backman]

Bearings are ~20$ each - I have a supply and if one doesn't clean up - its easy enough to replace while the reel is apart and take the old one for a swim in brake cleaner at my leisure at which point its good to be reloaded w. grease and stuck in the next balky reel.

I have pulled apart a number of bearings to learn and no matter how stuck or bad they may seem, once the grease is cleaned out; they do not have rust or corrosion inside.

The drag side stack is a P.I.A. especially the 2 speed shifter and the 2 little steel **** that hold it in place. If you start pulling the drag side apart its well worth going slowly and tearing down, putting back one step at a time so as to see how it all aligns befofre you have it completely in pieces.

The clicker comes out from a nut on the inside of the reel. I have found that needs to be tied down with locktite when you put it back together or it will vibrate loose over time.

[beeracuda]

Thanks guys, after 18 years of light to moderate use (I wish it was more) they're still in great shape so I just worked some oil into those bearings and put em back in. Will try harder to get the clicker out on the next one, I'm just cracking it now but I must have paid someone to service this one last time because every screw in the sideplates has locktite on it, what a mess

[cappyD]

My mate Scott Sinclair has a reel maintenance/repair service in the off season. He does great work and for very reasonable prices. Let me know if youre interested and I will hook you up with him.

--D

[chumtini]

The drag side stack is a P.I.A. especially the 2 speed shifter and the 2 little steel **** that hold it in place.

My vote for the "most difficult handle to remove" award goes to the Penn VS. Sheesh. And what about that effin retaining ring holding the two speed gears.

LB, do those reels (TWs) have that thin "mystery" bearing washer that weren't included in the schematics?

[beeracuda]

The one I just cleaned did not have them. PS I liked your drag washer diagram (. ) ( .)