Penn Fierce III spin fishing reel repair problem diagnosis and how to take apart and service

This is a first look inside of a PENN fierce III that has broken. I show how to diagnose the problems with a full take apart and service to restore performance.
I have been servicing fishing reels for over 20 years and am sharing my experiences here. If you enjoy the video, please like it and subscribe to see more.
Questions? Comments? I reply to all.
Thank you for watching - Dennis
email [e-mail]
www.2ndchancetackle.com
Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/2ndchancetackle

[@jglnyc6999]

Again another great video. Very informative and great teaching by methodically explaining each step.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you liked it! I appreciate your comment and participation in the channel - Dennis

[@suspiciousduck]

Outstanding video! You just helped a new fisherman learn how to clean his reel! Cheers mate!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Cheers - thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@anikaclayton]

I'm almost in tears because this video helped me so much!! Thank you thank you thank you! I'm ready to get back out there again!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks! Now dry the tears and take it fishing! Best wishes - Dennis

[@joeschatz6617]

Nice work, Dennis.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you Joe. I appreciate you watching. Please stay tuned for more to come - Dennis

[@Shabaruzaman]

Nice job, Mr Dennis.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks - Glad you enjoyed it! Please stay watching - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I don’t have a single reel with an AR bearing in it. All my 95 reels have a switchable AR on them. You’re doing it with the paper towel again! You know you have taught me well because I’ve actually repaired two axle shafts in vintage Daiwa reels. One was an Ocean Star No. 36. I think diagnostics come from experience and a sound methodology. You know I got a mint never used Daiwa Pit reel - an Emcast X 5500T - for $11.50 on EBay once. I use it with braided line to cast out past the bar surf fishing. I found that someone had purthe AR cog in backwards so I fixed that and it was perfect. I have a mint Penn 104 that was the same way. The bargains are out there if you are careful and lucky. You did a great job on this reel! I sent you an e-mail about the second of my big Bretton surf reels and the little disaster I had today. I just need to find another E clip and all will be fine. It is a very beautiful and powerful reel! --- Chris

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks Chris - Yes I did get the e-mail. Those things happen! Best wishes - Dennis

[@alejandrot7425]

Thank you brother great video!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for the note of encouragement - Dennis

[@richardhardin191]

I'm a first responder at a Sheriff's Office in Sarasota and also a reel repair shop, Reel Quality SRQ. Thank you for the video and recognizing First Responders. I'm also a veteran. Love what you do and I also love reel repair, servicing and upgrades. Be safe my friend.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the note Richard. If I can help in your reel repair questions, just send me an email to [e-mail] I appreciate what you are doing as a first responder. Best wishes and please stay well - Dennis

[@floydmorris9664]

Great information-Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW

[@JoeZelensky]

Your videos are one of my first stops when thinking about a new reel. Also you should think about getting a solvent tank. It would really make cleaning fast.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the tip - Dennis

[@canoe1chris_]

Nice thank you sir

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome - I appreciate you watching

[@wesleyumbarger5067]

Looks like the line-lay is oriented more towards the top side of the spool instead of being even. I believe Penn supplies a plastic shim washer stack to put under the spool to adjust and correct this. Nice to see the reel up and running.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

They do use a shim on top of the click rotor and you can add another if there is a problem with the line lay. I think what happened here is that the axle shaft was binding and not completing the cycle so the line spooled high. Thanks for the note - Dennis

[@robertdejonge3607]

I was waiting for this one, thanks for explaining the periodic maintenance and problem on this reel! 😃 Seems that the build quality is ok and that this issue was caused by an accident.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I think you are correct. The reels are solid and dependable, but accidents happen - Thanks for watching - Dennis

[@richardhardin191]

Just wanted to add a tip if you are welcome to tips.... When I remove the shaft and clean the pinion gear, I use gun cleaning bore brushes inside the pinion gear also to remove any foreign matter and clean the inside just like the barrel of a .22 or a .177. Makes it smoother and a cheap tool to buy. Most of us already own them.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I always welcome tips. Thanks for the note. I don't own a gun or work on them, so I am left with cotton swabs. I will ask around on the bore cleaning tool. - Thanks for the note - Dennis

[@bpekhoul]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great video and informative. Just wonder where you get your parts and greases.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I use Mysticparts.com They are a Penn parts distributor - thanks for asking - Dennis

[@bpekhoul]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you so much!

[@tylergarbutt304]

Hey I like the video it is very helpful, I love these penn fierce reel and I have a couple I need to fix. By chance you know where I can find the parts for it?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - Mysticparts.com can supply all of the parts for the Penn reels

[@69linkman69]

Hello! I had sand in this same reel and followed your video to take apart and put back together. Problem is I have a bearing and two thin washers I couldn't figure out to place and don't know exactly how to put back the lock on the beil.. there anyway I can send you photos to see what I'm talking about? Thanks for the very informative video! This is my first time taking a reel apart

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - send the note and pictures to me at [e-mail] Thank you Dennis

[@eugenesteenhuisen4065]

I great video. Thanks. Would you recommend a Pursuit iii or the Fierce iii. Pricing on the Fierce only $10 more than Pursuit? I am new to spin fishing and keen on one of either of these.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Either one is fine. The Pursuit is a little more rugged - The Fierce a little lighter and slightly faster retrieve. The Fierce III is basically the Battle II, so for the extra $10 you may want to go with the Fierce. - Dennis

[@corvolio]

Sir, I love your videos and thank you very much for what you do! Please let me know how to disable the most annoying feature, the automatic bail trip on this Penn Fierce iii model because the bail closes by itself when casting and I've lost many rigs this way. I've tried to find a video on how to disable but I couldn't find one for this model. I appreciate it. Thank you

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There is a trip lever bar that is located inside the bail lever arm on the line roller side of the rotor.. You can remove the bail arm pivot cover and then remove the trip arm bar. The bar is the round one that looks like the letter "Z". When you do this, make sure to leave the spring assembly intact or you will not have tension on the bail while using it. That should convert your reel to the manual flip - Dennis

[@corvolio]

@@2ndChanceTackle thank you very much, I will try that. I know a lot of people who want that feature off and don't know how to do it since there are no videos about it. I appreciate you

[@corvolio]

Dennis, I don't know how to thank you, Sir! I took out the z shaped part and it works the way I need it to, no more automatic bail trip 😀

[@andreih1167]

Thanks for the video! It helped me to disassemble the reel after it was dunked in the salt water. However, when I was assembling the reel back after cleaning I faced the same problem as you did in this video - frozen reel after I screwed in the main shaft. I solved that the same way as you did and seems like now I have a slightly bent main shaft, its hard to notice visually, but it reels freely until it reaches the certain positions of the shaft when it slows down. I am going to order a new main shaft assembly, but it looks like this part is very easy to bent and maybe I should order more than one just in case I face this issue again. My question is - from your experience, when the reel is stuck like in your video, is the main shaft almost certainly needs replacement? Any tips how to prevent the reel from stuck like that when assembling it? Thanks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You should order a replacement for the axle shaft. The reel gets stuck because of the location of the crosswind block. Check to make sure it is at the low point before assembly - Dennis

[@C.Rig21]

Dennis what's your opinion on using an old tooth brush to clean the internal parts? Do you think bristle particals could break off and jam the internal gears and such?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I use them and have not had an issue with the bristles falling off - give it a try - Dennis

[@wowworldwow657]

because you didt explain how the shaft in because when i stated to turn my reel it looked up and i found that the part that conects to the shaft looked up which i didt know how to fix it which made me angry causeing me to braake my reel thanks alot for going into detail

[@rruiz713]

Hello I recently came across your videos while searching for reel cleaning. I already serviced a couple reel but now I have 2 reels that need replacement bearings. They are completely frozen. Where can I buy replacements? Just looking for stock bearings not any upgraded ones. Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can get the Penn bearings from Mysticparts.com You can try an eBay seller, HPRbearings. They have a store on eBay and they carry a wide assortment of bearings for many different brands of fishing reels. Just search hprbearings in the bay search box to get to their store. If you don't see what you need, just send a message to them through he contact seller feature

[@oinc7320]

Do you need to put any thing on the bolt from the handle, like grease, so it doesn't freeze up in the reel? So you can back it off to remove?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can. It will not harm it

[@user-ft5ek2tf8z]

Hi there, I did a thorough cleaning and have triple checked the schematics to make sure it’s assembled correctly. However when I tighten the screws for the case to the reel body the spin has a lot of resistance. If I back off the screws so the case is just a little loose it spins much easier. Any ideas? Thanks so much

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Something is not seated correctly. That tension is usually the result of the main gear being too tight. Check where the shim is on the stem. It belongs between the gear and the bearing. Also, remove the handle and tighten the case to see if the reel spins freely without the handle. If it does, something is binding when the handle pulls the main gear to the side plate.

[@lesterdiaz9038]

Hey i know this video is a little old, but im having a problem with an fierce 2 i just bought used. When i bough it it was jammed it would not turn which i thought was lubrication. When i got it home i cleaned it up, lubed it up and it spun but still rough, after a few minutes cranking it got really smooth. However, it locks up in 1 or 2 spots. Could it be a bent shaft?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - it is most likely a bent axle shaft. You can get a replacement through Mysticparts.com To test to see if it is a bad shaft, remove the screw from the crosswind block and pull the axle shaft up and out of the reel. Use the pinion gear as a slide and move the shaft up and down through it. If it is sticking, then the shaft is bent. It should glide smoothly. Make sure you have the pinion shaft bushing in is when you are testing - Dennis

[@OscarMcclain-vv1kc]

I have pens pursuit 5000 and 6000 That's rolling in uneven line do you have any ideas on what could be the problem or how to fix it

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - you need to add or remove the ship washers on the axle shaft. If the line is gathering high, you need to add a washer or two to raise the spool. If it is gathering low, you need to remove a washer or two to lower the spool. This will correct the uneven line problem - Dennis

[@OscarMcclain-vv1kc]

I have penn pursuits 5000 and 6000 with uneven line Do you have any ideas on what I need to do to fix them

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - you need to add or remove the ship washers on the axle shaft. If the line is gathering high, you need to add a washer or two to raise the spool. If it is gathering low, you need to remove a washer or two to lower the spool. This will correct the uneven line problem - Dennis

[@xsiv5speed]

Hi, I use an 8000 Fierce III to crab snare and it’s been stored in my outdoor shed for almost 2yrs. Took it out recently & it kept seizing on me whenever I try reeling in a catch. If no catch, it spins perfectly fine during regular cast/retrieve. As soon as I’m onto a crab, it’ll allow about a 1/4 turn on the reel before it just locks up & does not spin until I lose my catch. Never had issues with this before. It’s worked perfect years prior but its been sitting for about 1.5yrs until now. Could it be dried grease? Rusted internals? What else should I look for? Also, thanks so much for this video.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Dried grease is the likely cause. Remove the lower case side plate and use a soaking spray all over the gear assembly with a good penetrating oil. if it is dried grease, or no grease, that will help loosen it upl

[@xsiv5speed]

@@2ndChanceTackle thanks for the response! I opened it up & couldn’t seem to find any issues. Plenty of grease that’s still green; doesn’t appear to have any rust issues either. I was expecting to find a bunch of sand too, but not a single grain. I’m stumped.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW

[@robertoruiz5687]

Hi. My fierce 3 is not spooling evenly,I took the spool out but I don’t see any washers. I bought it as a combo,so it did not receive a box with it. How do I correct this problem. Thanks.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If the line is gathering high on the spool, you will need to add a spool washer. You can make it yourself with a flat piece of plastic like that found on a soda bottle. Poke a hole in the center to go over the axle shaft and then trim around it to make a washer. That will. raise the spool and enable line to cater on the bottom. If you don't want to make one, you can order the part from Mysticparts.com. You may need two or three to balance the line - Dennis

[@michaelverschuur6095]

I have the same reel. Almost new still and the drag stopped working. No tension at all. Any ideas?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The most likely cause is dirt and debris on the washers, but they could be worn or torn as well. Best to remove the spool and check the washers - Dennis

[@Dhums]

Hello, so today I was cleaning my fierce 3 6000, and I accidentally snapped the stud off my crosswind gear. Does that stud go inside the crosswind block? Can you do a quick explanation of that for me? and where could I buy another crosswind gear?

[@Dhums]

and do you have a shop I can send my reel to have fixed?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the stud on the crosswind gear goes in the channel of the crosswind block. You can order replacements for both through Mysticparts.com. The key numbers are 231 for the gear and 43 for the block on the attached link www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/PennFRCIII6000.aspx. If you are interested in reel service through my shop, please send a note to my email 2ndchancetackle2gmail.com Thank you - Dennis

[@defmud80]

Does the fierce and pursuit have the same frame as far as design. I know one is plastic and one is metal but I was curious if I can do a frame swap as I've seen several fierce 8000 frames used for cheap and though I could swap my pursuit frame. Internals are the same and drag and spool are the same. My 8000 pursuit 3 has been great but when I load it up on a decent shark there is a LOT of frame flex.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You don't mention the version of the reel that you have, but I don't think they will swap out because the main gears are not the same and that would likely cause issues with the crosswind gear in the housing and other alignment problems. If you find a housing cheap enough, give it a try and let me know. It would be a learning experience either way - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@defmud80]

Oh my bad. It's a pursuit 3 8000 and I'm curious if a gen 3 fierce 8000 frame will swap.

[@defmud80]

After doing more research, I see on mystic reel parts that the main gear, pinion gear, cross wind gear are all the same part. As we're many other smaller bits and pieces. So really other than anti reverse parts it all seems like the same part numbers. I might get the frame and let you know what I come up with.

[@uhlijohn]

I have a Fierce III 6000 that needs a new main drive. I got the new drive but cannot remove the bearing from the old drive! Any idea why? The reel is relatively new (less than 4 months) but some of the teeth on main drive got chewed up causing reel to "skip" when reeling line back in so I took it apart and detected the defective teeth. But like I said, I can't remove the bearing from the old drive. I have ordered a new bearing but I would think that you should be able to easily remove the old bearing. The bearing is on back order so I have a wait....how long I do not know. Thanks for any help.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the handle likely peened or flared the end of the main drive and caused the bearing to get pressed inward. If the reel is only 4 months old, you should send it back to Penn. The warranty is for 1 year.

[@uhlijohn]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks Dennis! I thought I was losing my mind!

[@uhlijohn]

@@2ndChanceTackle Finally got all the new parts and thanks to your thorough step-by-step video I got it all back together and I am ready to fish with it tomorrow! Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

[@sethcornelius875]

My rotor cup is wobbling. No scraping as it spins but it is uncomfortable to say the least. Everything is tight and internals seem ok. Can't figure it out. Any advice?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

It sounds like the rotor nut that holds the rotor to the pinion gear is loose. The nut is on top of the rotor at the base of the axle shaft. Check to make sure that is tight. - Dennis

[@sethcornelius875]

@@2ndChanceTackle everything is tight. Could it be a bad pinion?

[@rwpowers440]

@@sethcornelius875 @2nd Chance Tackle I am having the same issue with my Fierce 3 6000 LL, did you ever happen to find a solution? My reel is only a few months old, I use it almost every day but I keep it clean and take good care of it. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[@rwpowers440]

@@2ndChanceTackle ^

[@mrguppy1016]

Where can I order parts for my fierce III 4000 I need the main gear, and oscillating gear ⚙️ .can you help me please..???

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can order these through Mysticparts.com. They are an authorized Penn Parts distributor - Dennis

[@mrguppy1016]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you so much Love your channel 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kc2tbag]

What oil?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can use any fishing reel oil. I use Reelx or Penn Precision reel oil - Dennis

[@austinrutcofsky1381]

Hi, I emailed you at the email provided on youtube. Is that the best method of contacting you?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the email [e-mail] is the best method of contact - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@allenmartinez7737]

Mine stiffens up while I’m reeling.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There are several potential causes - Bad grease/no grease, bent axle shaft, too much tension on the main gear/missing shim washers, worn or broken parts. Hard to say with taking the reel apart - Dennis