Penn 16/0 spool end play question

[WhidbeyIslander]

Hello. I've been restoring a Penn 16/0 monster reel. I've replaced the worn out parts with NOS but the spool seems to me to have too much end play and there is no bearing adjustment. Is there a way to put a shim on the spool or maybe in the bearing cup behind the bearing. Thanks for any help you can be.

[john elder]

I’ve seen that a lot in the bigger reels, especially if they have had a good life on the water. About all you can do is add the appropriate thickness or number of brass shim stock discs in the bearing. For large play, you can add a small ball bearing to do this. Use a hole punch to make the discs.

[WhidbeyIslander]

Thank you John. I was thinking about doing some copper shims like that. I'll give it a try.

[1badf350]

Like John said, I’ve seen 16/0s and 14/0s with tiny little shim washers on the spool shaft ends. Just find the right size. They are very VERY thin and some reels have multiple on one side or the other as needed.
Mystic Parts in New Jersey may have some. Try giving them a call and explaining your situation.

Edit: I think this is what you need but I’m not sure how many. https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/P ... 4-117.aspx

[Brian F.]

Yup, after a while, the plates on Penn's bigger 14 and 16/0s tend to deform and you need to add those shims that you can find in John's Mystic Parts link or just find some with the right specs.

[Visone]

That sounds like a cool restoration project! I’ve worked on similar reels before, and adding a shim behind the bearing is definitely an option to reduce the end play. I’ve used a thin washer in the past to test things out before finding the right size, and it helped get things lined up without causing any binding. Just keep an eye on it to make sure everything still moves smoothly once the shim is in place.