Old Town PDL Knocking? (Lower Pinion Gear Repair)

[@motherlodebassin5369]

If you have an old town kayak finding this guy is crucial.

[@Johnnyreengo]

for real!

[@eddiekeeler9955]

The only thing that kept me from buying a used OT Predator PDL was the warranty on the PDL drive. I was also a little hesitant buying a new one because it was a only 5 year warranty and the PDL drive is 1K for a new one. Now I see that my fears were completely unfounded and it is a cakewalk to fix these units. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm sure that you've helped out a lot of people with this video. There is no mystery inside the black box anymore.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Eddie. The new video will show you how to fix the major issue.

[@differentfins]

I dont plan on taking mine apart but its nice to see this done. I will start bringing some metric hex/allen keys and wrench to take it apart in the unlikely event that the pinion fails and I am far out on the water.

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

Thanks Nick! Mine hasn't started knocking yet, but this video will be in my archive incase it does!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnsamothrakis4621]

Thanks Nick for another helpful, informative and honest simple video 👍

[@joemartin6439]

Great teacher and mechanic

[@PaulMotu]

Brilliant thanks Nick ... loving our stuff big time now that I have purchased one here in Australia 😎

[@bgt1666]

Learned some new intel today as I spoke with a CSR @Old Town inquiring about some PDL specs and learned they are working on designing their own MinnKota style o-ring/ripper that shreds fishing line prior deteriorating the o-ring allowing water into the lower-unit. I suggested a retro-fit kit for the mass owners and they are considering that. Figured I'd share with you as you're knee deep into the Predator lineup.

[@kjfishman547]

Thank you for your service.

[@rornpheng3686]

Great vid Nick! Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together for us.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Not a problem. Thanks for watching!

[@spiltmilt]

Well done.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@twowheelslater7112]

Mine isn’t knocking but it feels notchy. It’s about new. Was smooth as butter for awhile. I wander if i didn’t bend something going to hard on it.

[@Arcturian1111]

Thanks again Nick. Great stuff as always

[@Jono_goldfinch]

By any chance if the screws are really stuck an start to round. Do u have a recommendation on the best way of dealing with that? And by any chance do u know what screws are made out of so I could search for replacements if I have to drill them out? Thanks

[@joedouglas4519]

You are a life saver. Great content 👌

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Joe.

[@Vinniecervantes]

Good video sir ! Question where do i get the lower bearing for PDL , i received an used PDL that had a roaring sound coming from th lower part of the system. After taking it apart i noticed that some of bearing where flat causing it not to roll properly

[@craigbarnard8721]

Great instructions

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks, Craig.

[@tomhood8571]

Great instructions! After I got the 4 screws off, the housing will not lift out. Corrosion from salt water I suppose. Any suggestions on how I can pull out the housing? Thanks.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

This should help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5PXkImdhs6UoM0

[@tomhood8571]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I am under warranty and just learned they are sending me a new drive. FYI their instruction for the first fix was same as yours but written and nowhere near your detail. If they let me keep the broken drive I’ll use your second suggestion and keep it for another day. Thanks again brother.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Im glad it’s been resolved for you, Tom.

[@NATURECOASTPDLTOURS]

Where can I order the bolt that holds it all together? I have the pins and ordered a prop kit but I do not have bolt. The gear and screw were luckily inside and didnt get lost in the canal with tbe prop and bolt.

[@APFishingAdventures]

How do you fix it when the shaft bar where you’re left hand comes off?

[@peterlenhardt235]

Wow. That looks very easy to do. Thanks for the info.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Peter.

[@alexjordan7573]

Any ideas on where to buy a new lower pinion gear and other parts? My issue is I took the whole thing apart because it would seize up when going from forward to reverse. I thought overhauling and cleaning and re greasing would do the trick but it did not. With the lower pinion assembly removed the pedals went forward and reverse with no issues. And the assembly itself moved freely also. But when they are together it still seized up going from forward to reverse. Please let me know what you think. Of note Im I believe the third owner so no warranty.

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

Id still call old town. If they can't warranty it, they can definitely help you on parts i would think.

[@stevev5849]

Great info and customer service!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks, sir.

[@Mars-77]

Nice video, but how did you fix the rattling problem? All you did was take it apart and put it back together. Am I missing something? Did you put a spacer shim behind the gear or something?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You have to tighten down the screw. It loosens up over time and the knocking noise starts.

[@Mars-77]

@NavarreKayakFishing ok, yes. I watched your other videos and figured that out. Thank you, man,

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

I am having an issue where my drive keeps seizing up and becoming very difficult to peddle. I am still under warranty but old town wants me to do this repair myself...

[@markschimmel9377]

I have work and work to get my pedal drive and I cannot pull it apart. It is so frustrating I can’t even describe it. It looks so easy to maintain but it absolutely is not at least if you’ve used it for a year and a half in the ocean and things don’t come apart so easily. It is so frustrating that you have to Tighten this and yet they could’ve made it maintenance free by just putting a ton of Loctite on it

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I agree. The drive in the video was new. If you have a warranty contact Old Town and tell them you can’t get it a part.

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

Just be patient, Old towns customer service is awesome. If you do your part, theyll do theirs to take care of you.

[@paulfriend4914]

Hi Nick, thanks for your very helpful videos. I have recently purchased a second hand old town pdl. After I have cleaned and dried the pedal drive, and stand it up, I have a bit of water running out of the joints in the lower housing. Is this normal? From this video I get the idea that it is sealed and no water should be inside. Thanks. Paul

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Is it coming out the plastic skeg on the bottom of the drive?

[@paulfriend4914]

Thanks for your quick response. Much appreciated. Looks like the join between the plastic skeg, which also forms the nose, and the housing. So now thinking maybe no problem?

[@Letizia4813]

Nick, I am fishing in a place that has a lot of oyster rock and I expect my skeg to get beat up pretty bad over time. Is it easy to replace that skeg? Would you take a chance of ruining a seal and risk salt water penetration if you were to remove it?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The skeg is replaceable and it’s super easy to do. You remove it prior to getting to any seals so that’s not a concern.

[@Kthockey1970]

I found the bearings on line (6200 2RS - 4 for $7 on Amazon). However i don't know the specs on the different gaskets. Mine was taking in water and need to find the gaskets - do you know where to get them?

[@TridentDriver]

Just tried this but with an 18 month old drive that has likely several hundred miles on at this point I couldn't get the lower unit to pop out..

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Does it need to come apart? Is it under warranty?

[@TridentDriver]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Yes it is. Hasn't caused me any problems other than just clicking and knocking at slow speeds. I put it back together after I couldn't get apart.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I would email Old Town and go through the steps. I wouldn’t open it until they say too. Then you tell them it won’t open.

[@mariolmendoza2150]

hi. this cone gears with curve..they correct way to work is when they push theo ther gear inside the curve or outiside..my make less noise runing back or reverse..and they works inside the curve ..in reverse..! should be it right?

[@gutzfishing7853]

Okay riddle me this, I had just bought a new drive since my last was stolen BUT it goes fast in reverse and slow in forwards as if the blades were flipped. I took a look at there’s only a once way to put the propeller on. Do you think it could be internal? I notice it’s much louder in forwards even though it’s slower and silent in reverse when with my old drive it was the opposite

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

That’s interesting. Without seeing the drive it’s challenging to point out any issues.

[@gutzfishing7853]

@@NavarreKayakFishing okay, I’ll prolly end up have someone with experience take a look if not I’m going to see what insurance can do about it

[@ojr5111]

Any other reason why mine would knock while using in the water ? Pulled it apart and pinion is tight . Only knocks while under water but will not knock while spinning the pedals above the water. Please any advice would be highly appreciated!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Is the knocking coming from the top? There’s another pinion gear that may be the problem. (Not likely)

[@ojr5111]

Knocking is coming from the bottom and only while underwater. I free spin it while it is out and no knocking

[@anthonygeiss9130]

Awesome stuff Nick!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, sir.

[@DucatiOz]

Thanks for a great video, super simple. Regards from Sydney Australia Jason b

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Jason.

[@bobbylee3567]

Is there any need to put locktight on the 4 hex head bolts when re installing them?

[@Whamfishing]

So is there a reason these aren't and oil bath style? I've got a pdl and even after fixing the pinion knock and putting loctite on it it still sounds extremely geary, almost as if it's running dry. Have you ever thought about taking all the grease out and filling it with 90w or anything similar?

[@chrisdolin1859]

Thank you!! I just placed an Order..!! 👍

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks, Chris!

[@fish-o-rama]

How hard do you tighten down the pinion gear screw? somehow the gear get stuck and wouldn't turn the prop if I tighten it down.

[@tedchu8888]

Super helpful!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Ted.

[@Justin-jn3ql]

Great video. Did not know it was that simple to pull it apart or be that simple of a system. I pulled mine apart due to out of warranty and wanted some new seals with grease on it. I have the original. Do you know where I could find the large o ring for the lower unit? Old town said they don’t sell just that o ring. Please and thank you.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

They wouldnt sell or ship you the seal? That’s ridiculous. I called and they sent me one. I’m not sure where you would source that exact size.

[@Justin-jn3ql]

Yeah the person I talked to said they don’t do that. She gave me a website but they had nothing for seals. I’ll try another person and see if maybe that other person didn’t know. Thank you for your help

[@fish-o-rama]

@@Justin-jn3ql I talked to them last week. They will send me the large oring and 2 rings for the screw. I am in need of the small oring that goes on the spine to seal the water out. Do you know what size oring do they use?

[@jbologna73]

Is it common for these units to knock when using for the first time? Do they have a break in period? Or did I get one that needs to be warrantied?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

First time out? Shouldn’t happen. I would keep going and see what happens.

[@jbologna73]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I ran it for about 10 hours and it never really got better. I just bought this Pdl a month ago and yeah it was the first time out with it. Is it something I should call old town about?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes.

[@chrisdolin1859]

Where did you get that floating prop wrench...?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The floating wrenches are available on our store page - navarrekayakfishing.com/store/

[@Barbosa9983]

Hi! Congratulations on the videos, they are very good. The transmission is 10:1. The Crown is 47 teeth superior. Is the pinion 13 teeth top? The bottom sprocket is 13 teeth! Could you help with this information? Do you have the gears reference or manual? Strong hug.

[@davidcrowson4745]

Thank you!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, David.

[@johnandersen4036]

Whats up nick just ran into this problem did everything you did but it won't pop out do you got solution thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

If it’s under warranty I would contact Old Town. If it’s not under warranty. Put the nut on the threads and hit it with a hammer. (This is what old town told me to do) If it won’t budge remove the plastic piece on the bottom of the drive and push a screw driver into the seam. You will damage the seal and need to use jbweld marine putty to seal up the crack when you put it back together.

[@johnandersen4036]

@@NavarreKayakFishing nick thanks man I will try that i do have warranty but thing is im going on vacation and I need my yak feel like It won't be back to me by that time thanks 👍

[@jgonell]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I started going down this path since mine won't pop out. thanks for the tip..

[@erveyo]

My drive is completely seized and is no longer under warranty. I attempted to take the lower unit apart using this video but failed. Either it’s not the same or the part that pops out like yours did in the video is completely seized in place. I was able to spray WD-40 into the screw holes that contain the gaskets and the drive slowly started spinning again. I finally got it to turn freely but it’s making a dry sound. The pinion needs greasing for sure but as I mentioned it won’t pop off. Is there another method you have other than just popping it straight up? I tried pulling up by placing a harder pin in and propping up but no go. I bought my PDL in 2017. Maybe it’s an older version of this PDL and the lower unit is different?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The system is the same and surface corrosion is stopping it frame pulling apart. Remove the plastic skeg and hammer a flat head screw driver into the seam. Then wedge it apart. It will damage the metal and cut the seal. RTV and marine jb weld will fix it when you go to put it back together.

[@raycalderon6564]

Thank you for the great video .

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@collieyak971]

After you removed the 4th bolt you lifted the shaft and gear out, I can’t lift my one out it seems glued or something, any suggestions?

[@fish-o-rama]

I'm sure you figured out by now, sometimes the grease works as the sealer, and it makes the chamber somewhat vacuumed. you might need to pull it harder

[@DevinLimo]

If I needed to add more grease to the pinion gear, what type would you recommend?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Any marine gear grease will do. I wouldn’t over think it.

[@fish-o-rama]

Old town Recommend Bel-Ray marine grease, but I use yamalube just because I already have it for my reels

[@ps429]

So, you're saying that the reason for the lower pinion gear knock is because there isn't enough thread lock on the bolt? Is the bolt coming loose? Isn't there a spline on the shaft for the pinion gear ? I'm not understanding on why the actual knock occurs.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The bolt comes loose and then the pinion gear moves back and forth making the knocking noise.

[@ps429]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Thank you for the clarification.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Not a problem.

[@KeepBodyAndSoulTogether]

So the lower pinion screw comes loose and causes the nock?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes.

[@bigmuddyyakkanz5760]

What does the knocking sound like? I have a new pdl bigwater 132 that feels a little rough with a noticeable click in reverse or is that normal? Love your work mate 👍🏼

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It shouldn’t make a clicking noise in reverse. The pinion gear is lose more then likely.

[@bigmuddyyakkanz5760]

@@NavarreKayakFishing cheers will get the supplier to have a look at it 👍🏼

[@trollfest4867]

Sounds like old town has a quality control issue if this video is necessary. Just bought the sportsman pdl and now I’m worried about spending 2K+ on a kayak

[@tomterrific2018]

Are your hats adjustable or one size fits all

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

They are snap backs!

[@alexjordan7573]

Im thinking the only fix is to replace the pinion gear itself and possibly the larger gear it feeds into.

[@Daniel_Tucker]

✌🏻

[@ricker669]

My pedal Is seized and have no warranty

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen one fully seized up. You should be able to take it apart and fix it. Pretty simple system.

[@ricker669]

I'll watch the rest of the videos and give it a shot

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Let me know if you have any questions.

[@shamusmcreary9748]

I didn't know Shia Lebouf was on youtube