How to overhaul a Penn 350 Levelline fishing reel

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This video shows how to take apart and overhaul a Penn Leveling 350 fishing reel. It is a reel from the 1960s with an innovative torsion bar feature used to spool line evenly. I review the mechanics and show how to overhaul it. The reel used is in poor condition, but it serves as an example of the technology and the methods to overhaul it.It also shows a few things not to do, like letting a spring go loose :).
I have been servicing fishing reels for over 20 years and am sharing my experiences here.
If you enjoy the video, please "like" it. If you want to see more, please subscribe.
Questions? Comments? I reply to all.
Thank you for viewing - Dennis
2ndchancetackle@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 71

  • @FoxxCross
    @FoxxCross5 жыл бұрын

    Out of all my penn reels that still my favorite reel just out of the fun design and over all fun to use

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    This is the first "new" Penn reel I bought, which was over 50 years ago. It is a sentimental favorite of mine! I don't have the original. I didn't take great care of my reels back then. I found a nice, near new one a few years back and now have it as a shelf sitter and a good story with fond memories. Thank you - Dennis

  • @danieljohnson276

    @danieljohnson276

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@2ndChanceTackle oööoooo

  • @wentfishing
    @wentfishing5 жыл бұрын

    Good Day! Thanks for review. I would never able to setup mechanism myself. Your reel looks great 👍! Thanks again.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it helps. Best wishes with the overhaul

  • @gordoncockburn4386
    @gordoncockburn43862 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dennis: I have two of these reels (bought new in the 70's) and used in salt water for salmon fishing here in BC. Just took them out after 30+ years storage to see if I could refurbish them to use for bottom fishing for cod. Thanks to your video they cleaned up quite well, one better then the other and I only lost one spring. I did notice one thing a little odd though. The four screws that go through the bridge-- three were only partially threaded, two that went through the two springs and one that went through the anti-reverse dog. Seemed like a good idea to have a smooth surface for the dog to move on, rather then on threaded area. Wonder if the two I have were early or late production. FYI they had never been apart before so that configuration was original. Enjoy all your videos Gord

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    2 жыл бұрын

    That would be a good idea. Almost every Penn I have taken apart has had the two and two set up with the screws, unless someone rebuilt the reel and switched the sequence or replaced a screw. Makes sense to have a smooth surface on the dog screw, like you noted. Thanks - Dennis

  • @manuelc.thepromise5290
    @manuelc.thepromise52904 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Dennis, you videos have encouraged me to dive into a lot of my reels. I have went through close to 15 reels of mine and 3 reels for my cousin. Just wanted to say thank you . I'm a essential worker and working on my reels have help me to relax and take my mine off things. Btw I'm in California. Take care and thanks. Manuel.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    Manuel - Thank you for the kind words and for being there ae a front line worker. I appreciate all you are doing to keep everyone safe. Congratulations on your accomplishments. Best wishes. Please stay safe - Dennis

  • @wentfishing
    @wentfishing5 жыл бұрын

    I like the design of this reel. And if I find like new one will keep to my son.

  • @bobl4451
    @bobl44515 жыл бұрын

    My favorite Penn!!!! Thanks

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    You are welcome. This is the first "new" reel I bought in the 1960's - great design and very durable! - Dennis

  • @k9er233
    @k9er2333 жыл бұрын

    I learned how to not lose springs during disassembly from an old timer gunsmith who trained me. Put the item ( pistol, revolver, long gun action, fishing reel, etc... ) into a large, clear plastic bag along with your hands and tools. If any spring escapes, it will be contained and will keep you from having to crawl around on the floor looking for the spring, especially in a cluttered shop or workspace (not fun and a big time waster ). Hope this helps someone.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tip! I have used that technique in the past and yes it is a time saver. Best wishes - Dennis

  • @reyalvarez5458
    @reyalvarez54585 жыл бұрын

    My first old reel was level line 350..and squidder 140...i never took them apart...they look clean to me...and i didn't how to... But i ll do it some day....thanks....

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    When you do, you can use my video for the step by step process. I have a Squidder video in my library that will help you with that one as well. Thank you Rey - Dennis

  • @TheRedBeardedBastard
    @TheRedBeardedBastard4 жыл бұрын

    Could you do another service video on a 350 that isn't shot? Thanks!

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    I will try to update this one with another. I need to find a 350. I will add to my list - thanks for asking - Dennis

  • @bobwoodard2052
    @bobwoodard20523 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dennis! Do they still make Newell components for Penn reels?

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not that I am aware of, although you can probably get new old stock. The Newells passed away a few years ago and I believe at that time they were just selling off their old stock. Thanks for asking - Dennis

  • @natequeisser6076
    @natequeisser60765 жыл бұрын

    I’m having issues with a leveline 350. I recently purchased it (it was very used and not cared for) and did not reel initially. The handle would turn but the gears were not engaging. So I took it apart cleaned it and now it reels but once I unlock the spool (seems like something is wrong in there too) the spool doesn’t engage. Any suggestions? I’ve watched your video but can’t figure out what’s going on with it. Your help would be appreciated

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Nate - my first thought is that the spool gear (the small one) is in backwards. If you look at the gear, one end has a slot in it and the other is smooth. The end with the slot must face outward towards the spool shaft. That slot engages with the shoulder at the base of the spool shaft and enables it to turn. If that is correct, then the next thought is that the drags are worn or missing. If you can send me a picture of the internal gear side of the reel to (2ndchancetackle@gmail.com) I may be able to spot if it is something else going on inside. - Thanks for asking - Dennis

  • @otroflores91
    @otroflores915 жыл бұрын

    Wow wonder how that reel got yanked off the rod. On an unrelated note, can you do a quick look at your reel collection one day? I image that you have piles of jigmaster parts. Do you have a green side plate jigmaster?

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    The reel was really trashed. It was more than just a loose connection. It could have been a BIG fish, or it just got slammed into the railing or dropped to the ground and stepped on. Always fun to think about the cause.One thing for sure - It was not well cared for by the owner. - Dennis

  • @nick-dm3if
    @nick-dm3if4 жыл бұрын

    i would pay to get all the parts for it, i have this exact reel and if i could get the spiral bar i would or any extras would be awesome mine is in extremely nice condition but i want an extra spiral bar just because. if you know where i can get one that would be awesome

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    The spiral bar is rare and usually cost more than the reel is worth. They don't break as they are a solid metal piece, so no need for a spare. If you need one, the best thing to do is to buy a used parts reel. If anything breaks, you will have the spares. You can get the whole reel cheaper than the parts. Just keep an eye out at flea markets or on websites like Ebay - Dennis

  • @peterknight8583
    @peterknight85834 жыл бұрын

    Hi dennis great video , pete from the uk here , I have just bought one of these reels , going to service it this evening .the reel has a loose stem on the handle which holds the plastic type knob, is this rivited on and if so if I hold it on something solid can I gentley tap it with a small ball hammer to tighten it or is there some other way of tightening it? Cheers pete

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    It is best to buy the replacement handle or replace the knob. I have never had much success peening or pressing the loose parts. The replacement handle or knobs are inexpensive enough.Check EBAY for the power knob and used handles. If you go with the knob, you can simply break off the shaft (it snaps easily) and you may need to drill out the hole to accept the new screw. - here's a cheap alternative video I did kzread.info/dash/bejne/l3aJyMprd9ndYNo.html. - Dennis

  • @peterknight8583

    @peterknight8583

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@2ndChanceTackle thanks dennis,I think ill try peening it first as its original to reel if I dont have any success will get knob as in your video thanks for imfo cheers pete

  • @peterknight8583

    @peterknight8583

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi again Dennis, is there some way to get the handle sleeve off the fixed (or not fixed in my case)stem,thanks pete

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    Pete - I am not aware of a way to do that. I think they are molded on. Dennis

  • @CrunkyOMan83
    @CrunkyOMan835 жыл бұрын

    i have a question for the pen senator they dont have line guides, how do you make it even once its goes down in the water then retrieving it back in how does it even out?

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes - you use the thumb of the hand you are not cranking with to guide the line back and forth. You can place the palm of that hand on the side of the reel to hold it while guiding the line with your thumb. If you send a note to me at 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com and I will send you a short video to show it - Dennis

  • @kirkjones6956
    @kirkjones69564 жыл бұрын

    What was the size of that very last little spring on re assembly, and where can I get one? Mine also went flying away.

  • @kirkjones6956

    @kirkjones6956

    4 жыл бұрын

    The spring at 21:10

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    The spring is about 3/8 inches long. It is a standard spring from Penn and used on many models including the 155 and 160 Beachmaster series. You can get this spring through Mysticparts.com. They are an authorized Penn Parts distributor. Dennis

  • @Manshah007
    @Manshah0075 жыл бұрын

    Hello Dennis very informative video on Penn level line 350 reel, I tried to dismantle mine after nearly 20 years of disuse but the spool seems to have stuck in the gear plate and failed to come out even with reasonable force, nothing like seen in the video pl. Help. I tried to email pictures of the spool but could not get through.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    It sounds like 20 years of shelf sitting has taken its toll. The most obvious thought that I have is that the spool gear has frozen to the spool shaft. You cannot remove the spool because the frozen gear will not release. It is held in place by the yoke and locked in with the bridge plate. The test is to put the reel in free spool. If the handle continues to turn when you let out line, then it is frozen. If you cannot get the free spool lever to swing, that is another indication of the issue. The solution is best left to someone who is familiar with the problem. If you want to try, you need to remove all of the gear side plate attachments - the free spool release lever, the four bridge plate screws and of course the six side plate screws. Once you do that, you should be able to push the gear and bridge assembly out. You may need to nudge the free spool eccentric while doing this. I recommend putting the assembly into a large gallon sized zip lock bag before pushing everything out. The bag will contain the pieces. Next up, you need to unfreeze the spool gear. Use a heavy spray of a penetrating oil, like WD40 and let it sit a while. Next you will need a plumbers torch to heat the gear. Be very careful. These are hot and they can burn you. Heat the gear about 30 seconds. You should see the oil bubble out of the top of the gear shaft. That usually indicates it is unfrozen. Next, using a flat blade 1/4 inch screwdriver, genteelly pry up on the spool gear at the base of the spool alternating sides until it works free. Be sure to hold the spool with a pot holder or something to prevent getting burned. Do not use a pliers directly on the gear, you will ruin the teeth. You can use a pliers if you back it with steel wool or something else to prevent the scarring. Rock it back and forth. This cannot be removed by trying to turn it in a circle. Once the gear is free, soak the spool gear in the penetrating oil over night, clean the spool shaft with steel wool. re-lube the shaft and reassemble the reel by following the video. If this seems like too much, you can send the reel to me and I will do it. The cost would be $25, if the gear can be saved and an additional $5 if you need a new gear. The cost includes the return postage. If this is something you would like me to do, contact me at 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com for the repair information. Good luck on the repair and thanks for asking - Dennis

  • @Manshah007

    @Manshah007

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@2ndChanceTackle Thank you for prompt reply, I will surely try out the steps mentioned. I am based in Mumbai India and it Will not be practical for me to send the reel halfway round the globe. Thanks again for detailed diagnosis hope this Will works.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    OK then my friend. Best wishes, Go slow and you would be able to get this - Dennis

  • @alexanderroman4989
    @alexanderroman49894 жыл бұрын

    My recently bought levelline clicks loudly casting out and reeling in. Any suggestions?

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    There are two possible causes. Have you disengaged the side plate click tongue? If not, pull the button on the bearing side plate towards the outer rim. That will disengage it. If it isn't that, it will be either the portion bar click mechanism or the anti-reverse dog. I'm afraid you can't do anything to quiet those. - Dennis

  • @C0r0net440
    @C0r0net4404 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dennis. I have 2 of these reels. #1 reel works fine, #2 reel has a problem with the spiral bar work only about half of the time.The bar will rotate, then stop, then rotate a few degrees forward, then rotate a few degrees back, the after a few times doing that it will rotate fine for about 180 degrees and start the weird process over again. Got any suggestions? Thanks, Jeff

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    Jeff - my guess is that the arm bar that drives the mechanism is either jammed with dirt or dried grease, or it has become inoperative. The bar is under the chrome side plate on the non-gear side. You need to make sure the channel is clear and that the spring is working. That should solve your problem - Dennis

  • @C0r0net440

    @C0r0net440

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@2ndChanceTackle Hi Dennis. The reel had this problem when I got it a couple years ago and still does it after degreasing/greasing and replacing drag washers.

  • @C0r0net440

    @C0r0net440

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dennis. I took a look at the trouble maker and found the grease I used had congealed into a goo and was acting as a glue instead of a lubricant. I used some oil that came with my Shimano Tekota 300LC and it spins like top. I have learned an important lesson; do not use bycicle grease in fishing reels no matter how much teflon is in the grease. High shear temps are great for gears but not tiny coil springs and sliding dogs. You, sir are a genius. Thank you for your help!

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    You shouldn't use fishing reel oil and grease on bicycles either! Lessons learned! Glad to hear you have worked it out - Dennis

  • @C0r0net440

    @C0r0net440

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@2ndChanceTackle Hi Dennis, I am it was a simple lesson! My dad's advice would be, " Be careful, the repairman will be expensive!"

  • @bradcranford2264
    @bradcranford22645 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dennis, can you clarify whether the torsion bar is driven by the gears inside or if the tension on the fishing line turns the torsion bar? Thanks.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Brad - it is driven by an internal gear mounted on the side plate that intersects with the main gear. The gear moves the cam lever, which advances the torsion bar tooth by tooth. The anti-reverse dog keeps that torsion bar from going backwards. This is all happening under the side plate trim ring. Thanks for asking - Dennis

  • @bradcranford2264

    @bradcranford2264

    5 жыл бұрын

    That's what I thought you were saying in the video. In that case mine is malfunctioning because the torsion bar does not turn as I turn the reel handle.Thanks Dennis.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    This can usually be fixed by gently removing the side plate and giving the gear and cam a good shot of WD40 or other penetrating oil. The gear is metal, so that shouldn't be a problem with missing teeth. If you have worn parts, then you are pretty much out of luck and would need to just fish the reel by advancing the line manually - Dennis

  • @bradcranford2264

    @bradcranford2264

    5 жыл бұрын

    Great. Thanks again!

  • @bradcranford2264

    @bradcranford2264

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes. Just as you said the torsion bar works fine with proper lubrication. I couldn't get the side plate off of the reel, but I was able to disassemble everything else and give the reel a good cleaning and lubrication.

  • @dannyboy3243
    @dannyboy32434 жыл бұрын

    Can we switch from right hand to left hand on this model penn reel 350?

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    No. The 350 is only a right hand side drive. You cannot convert it to left hand retrieve Dennis

  • @dannyboy3243

    @dannyboy3243

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @mr.mister7489
    @mr.mister74894 жыл бұрын

    Which has better drag. Penn 350 or 500

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    The 500 Jigmaster has larger drags, capable of more max drag, so that is your answer. Thanks for asking- Dennis

  • @peterlepore2726
    @peterlepore27264 жыл бұрын

    what is the dollar value on a super clean one

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    These are not worth that much. Between $25 and $50, unless you have the box, catalog, wrench and other accessories

  • @1hunterdale
    @1hunterdale5 жыл бұрын

    hi i got 350 levelline level wind dont turn it works good other than that i took it part everything looks good just dont work

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like you do not have the click ratchet and dog set correctly on the non-gear side. You should remove the bearing side plate and check to see that they are installed correctly. There are springs, so make sure they are operating before you reinstall. Once you put the side plate on, you need to remover the gear side plate in order to install the torsion bar properly. You can usually get that to seat properly by inserting the end into the trim ring hole and turning counter clockwise until in is firmly in place. - Hope that helps - Dennis

  • @1hunterdale

    @1hunterdale

    5 жыл бұрын

    Ok thanks now its working

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner56683 жыл бұрын

    Listed on on ebay for under $10.00.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    3 жыл бұрын

    The torsion levelwind bar is worth that alone! - Thanks - Dennis

  • @MichaelJones-xp8kf
    @MichaelJones-xp8kf4 жыл бұрын

    What a shame I own reels old as I am or older and I'm particular with my stuff vehicles my home lawn equipment and of course my reels. I can't afford to throw money away. I have bought a few used reels I liked and some restored completely if not in to bad of shape. I love vintage reels. Like to fish them I am a penn and abu man.

  • @2ndChanceTackle

    @2ndChanceTackle

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael - this was the first saltwater reel my dad bought for me when I was a kid in the early 60's. Now I'm an older guy in the late 60's. Still love the reel and the memories. Best wishes - Dennis

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