Ongoing problem I have with spinning reels

[Kirtley Howe]

I have several spinning reels that I use for light tackle fishing.  None of my reels are terribly expensive, with most being in the $60 yo $70 price range. I know that buying more expensive reels may solve some of the problem, but that is really not an option for me. The reels I have perform well for my needs except for the one problem....on every reel I have, after using them for a year or so as a weekend fisherman, the line starts to slip between the end of the line pick up and the washer that separates the line pick up from the bail frame. It is more of a problem with #6 or #8 line than with heavier lines of a larger diameter. I have tried taking the bail apart and cleaning all parts, and reinstalling while making sure the screw that hold everything together is tight. I have checked for wear while it was apart, but could not see any problem.  So, the question is what is going on, and how can I prevent it, or at least fix it? For reference, the reels I use are a Pfluger President model, and others in that class. It has happed to all of my reels, I have replaced several with new reels thinking that maybe it was a fluke , and they work fine for about a year, and then it happens again. I take good care of my reels, and clean and lubricate them often. I am at my wits end with this. Any help would be appreciated.

[BrianMDTX]

Never had that problem. When you’ve taken it down for cleaning, was the screw tight or loose? 

[Kirtley Howe]

Tight.  That is one of the reasons I am confused. Well, I am confused by a lot of things, but let's just keep it to this topic. <G>

 

[LCG]

What size reel are you using out of curiosity? I have had a few presidents and none of them did that. They were/are 30 size reels with 10-20ib braid and never experienced what you describe. Wondering if a larger reel with lighter line would cause this? Otherwise, I have no idea. Curious to see if you find a solution, hope you do.

[jbsoonerfan]

Over spooled maybe?

[FishTank]

I tried a few President reels a few years ago.  Each one did that, amongst other things.  

 

I used them quite a bit for a few months and they were great until they weren't.  I ended up returning the ones I had and getting a Shimano Symetre, which I still have. 

 

[newapti5]

2 hours ago, Kirt Howe said:

the line starts to slip between the end of the line pick up and the washer that separates the line pick up from the bail frame.

 

Sorry but I didn't understand the problem. So when reeling, the line slipped into the gap between bail bearing/bushing and washers, like between part 18 and 19 in the schematics? 

 

 

[Kirtley Howe]

Between 17 and 18

 

[newapti5]

OK got it. Wears on part 18 - line roller would be my guess, since Pflueger President doesn't have roller bearing under it.  You can order a new factory line roller part from Pflueger, or just get one made of ceramic, which is more durable and dissipate heat better.  You can get a ceramic line roller from Aliexp...,  I think it costs 2 bucks or something. 

 

While you're at it, I'd suggest changing the bushing under the line roller to a bearing as well, which could make the line roller last a little longer, unless you're fishing saltwater. 

 

If you're sure the line roller is fine with no wears on both sides, then it could be due to warping of the bail arm or the bail itself. Changing them would require factory parts from Pflueger.

[Kirtley Howe]

It is a size 30 reel, as are the others. No, it is not overspooled.  

Newapti5----I will check that out. Good suggestions.  Thanks.

Fish Tank---Thanks.

[CrashVector]

I can honestly say I've never had that happen to me before...sorry bud.

[thunderblack]

I haven't had this on reels either. My two suggestions would be to cover the gap with some kind of clear tape. If it really bugged me I would be buying a Shimano nasci or sahara. 

[Jig Man]

I have never experienced anything like that, but I have never owned a Pfluger reel.  I have 20 some Shimano spinning reels.  Some of them are real high mileage and over 20 years old.  You might want to switch brands.

[bulldog1935]

Of course I fish mostly the salt with my spinning reels, but I so dislike plated brass line rollers, I don't give them a chance to fail, and swap them early with dual-BB, titanium roller with no seals. 

The plasma-TiN that both Daiwa and Tica use are also good line rollers. 

 

The zirconia line roller @newapti5 suggested is a smart swap.  I'd put a new ball bearing in with it. They typically use the standard 4x7x2.5 mm BB

 

[Jaderose]

Weird....never had that issue on my Presidents at all.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Jaderose said:

Weird....never had that issue on my Presidents at all.

I haven't even had that issue on my Trions.