[hawkdawg]

I recently got a penn 6500ss that I use on an 11' surf rod. Granted I did get it used and at a good price I made the rookie mistake of not checking to make sure the drag worked. We'll it doesn't. Even when loosened as much as possible still nothing. It has the switch on the bottom that allows the spool to run the opposite direction which is how I've Ben using it lately even though nothing has bitten it anyways. I know penns are known for their great drag system and was wondering if anyone knew how to fix this problem or of it even is a big deal. Will I have to take it in somewhere to be repaired or is it an easy fix? Thanks in advanced for the help.

Sean

 

[sundrop]

Probably a drag washer missing or out of place. Here is your diagram. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/penn-6500ss-spinfisher-metal-reel-parts-c-186082_186231_186341.html


And here is someone with a similar issue. I often find my answers searching other forum chats and google. http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/f65/penn-6500ss-drag-issue-117532/

 

[Spider Crack]

This looks like a great tuturial on tearing down, cleaning and re-assembling your reel -- from the Alan Tani web forums:
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=826.0

and the first part focuses on the drag stack -- looks very helpful in sorting out the problem.

FYI -- joel

 

[Bleedingblue]

Im not sure exactly what the problem is from your post. My guess is that you cannot generate drag pressure but your statement about loosening as much as possible makes me think it might be locked down. Here are my suggestions.

If cannot generate any drag: Excess lubrication on the drag stack or a missing spacer/washer than wont allow the tension knob on the spool to put pressure on the drag stack.

If the spool is locked: Something is fused in the drag stack, either rust or damage. Disassemble the drag stack and check.

 

[Brenardo]

Take it apart and photo each step of the process. Maybe we can help you get it working again

 

[ChltBnks]

A part that never gets any love because it is very rare to be a problem is the drag knob #52. Take off the two screws and check/clean the spring.

 

[NCStateFisher]

as has already stated could be a variety of things. good news is parts are plentiful and it shouldn't be too hard to fix up

 

[riverpirate]

If you loosened it all the way and the drag doesn't work you mean it's locked up? As in frozen and won't let drag out?

 

[hawkdawg]

Yes. No matter how loose or tight, it won't allow any drag line out.

 

[Bleedingblue]

Here is a link to the parts diagram for your reel.

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/purefishing/407-6500SS_Rev_7_(2)pdf

Assuming the spool is not bonded to the reel (if you can remove the spool it is OK), then the drag stack has some kind of issue. Parts are rusted together or put together in the wrong order. You need to concentrate your investigation in this area.