80 VSW Drag Replacement

[Sublime]

The guys we fish with down in the bahamas have a couple 80 VSW that need there drag washers replaced. I've never done this, not sure how hard it is. I was thinking about picking up the parts and bringing down there for them but I'm not sure they know how to tear one down either. Are there any instructions out there? I've seen ones of for other Penn's on this site, but couldn't find anything for the vsw's.

Thanks,
JT

[clt_capt]

This link was posted a while back;
http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...bly-16454.html

It points to a number of rebuild articles. alantani is a member here - maybe he has done one for the VSWs

[tim R]

The guys we fish with down in the bahamas have a couple 80 VSW that need there drag washers replaced. I've never done this, not sure how hard it is. I was thinking about picking up the parts and bringing down there for them but I'm not sure they know how to tear one down either. Are there any instructions out there? I've seen ones of for other Penn's on this site, but couldn't find anything for the vsw's.

Thanks,
JT

As long as you can get the cover plate off inside, it should be pretty easy, you should have got a wrench with the reel to take it off...Don't be surprised if can't get it off, if you can't you have a warrantly claim, send it to Penn and make them do it...It takes them a while.

Otherwise work in an area that you can manage the Jesus springs and pins (as in Jesus where did that fly off to)...

[livetofishnj]

AS far as reels go there isn't too much to an international penn, it's part of their durability. If you look at the penn 30 rebuild in the linked thread it'll give you and idea of what you're looking at as the series is fairly similar in design.

If you have any doubts then take the time to send it into Penn, they're sure to be backed up this time of year but the end product is far superior to any home maintenance unless your name is Alan Tani... in which case it's even better...

[Sublime]

Awesome link, Thanks Guys!
I've found the ones for TLD's before, but never the internationals.

JT

[tim R]

AS far as reels go there isn't too much to an international penn, it's part of their durability. If you look at the penn 30 rebuild in the linked thread it'll give you and idea of what you're looking at as the series is fairly similar in design.

If you have any doubts then take the time to send it into Penn, they're sure to be backed up this time of year but the end product is far superior to any home maintenance unless your name is Alan Tani... in which case it's even better...

I don't want to question anyone here who I don't know (with all due respect), but the Penn International 30 Illustration in this thread is very different from the 80 VSW, this can be illustrated in a side by side review of the schematics or the reel(s) themselves.

As a certified repair center for Penn we beta tested the original 80VSW's and took them apart. In short, the VS series reels are more complicated than the previous 4 generations of Penn International reels. I still have the two original beta reels we tested on Blue Marlin, Giant Thresher Sharks, Tuna and Swordy's, they have held up extremely well.

Since their inception the conclusion from our shop is there are some really well made Penn International VS series reels and some lemons (as near as we can tell), there is certainly a greater complexity to the design compared to Penns previous generation(s) 80's.

Penn has been a great benchmark for the last 20 years, but due to the recent transition(s) in ownership have lost the benefit of that contiuity from cut backs in engineering and staff with product knowlege. In Kona, HI guys are actually paying a premium for the used 130 ST's than the new 130 VSX. Largely due to the simplicity of the design of the ST (like the 30 mentioned above by "livetofishnj")

I would look to an indepentant (certified) repair shop (like Cals2speed or Alan Tani) rather than Penn right now as they have limited resources and are backed up. Additionally, you can find the schematics for most reels by Penn on their web site (except the 80 VSW), but in the end if you don't take reels apart on a regular basis I recommend letting someone who does handle it for you, there are so many little details that are impossible to know unless you've spent time taking ANY specific reel apart.

Still, if you want to take them apart at home, it's like a said before, make sure you are in a secure, enclosed space...The Jesus components will get you!

I guess it all depends how important the fish of a lifetime is to you...

[Sublime]

Tim, you talked me out of it. I'll let them deal with it and lug a couple of my own reels along to fish with.
Thanks,
Jim