Pflueger Pelican 1021 service guide

This is a detailed, step-by-step illustrated service procedure for the Pflueger Pelican 1021 spinning reel. This is a [duty rating] reel generally intended for [fresh / saltwater, trolling, etc.] use. It was in production [years].

For more detailed background information about this reel see the Pflueger Pelican 1021 overview.

Section overview

Use this mini-index as a map for this guide. Click on the links to go to that section.

Before you begin

Complete an initial evaluation of the reel. All vintage reels should be evaluated and tested before starting any work on them to provide a baseline for later comparison.

If you just acquired the reel, remove the line from the spool. There is no way to determine the age or condition of the line on a newly acquired vintage reel, so it makes sense to start with new line as the final part of servicing a reel. This also allows you to inspect the arbor to determine what type of material it is made of (this will help date the reel) and clean it along with the rest of the parts.

Parts of a complete service and videos

Faux-embed YT overview and service videos when they are available - these will be made after the overview and guide are written and pushed to the repo, so this will be an update.

Since not all parts of a reel may need the same level of attention, the servicing is divided into sections. Watching the YouTube videos first is a good way to get an overall feel for the procedure. The step-by-step illustrated instructions that follow are useful at the bench as you work on the reel for specifics.

Disassembly and assessment The housing must be disassembled to inspect the gears. If a reel has been well-maintained it may not need further disassembly. Simply lubricate the gears and other lubrication points and put the housing back together. If, however, the gears have accumulated old grease and contaiminants like sand and salt, you will need to follow the entire disassembly procedure. While disassembling the reel you can note and assess any issues.

Watch on YouTube: alt text [alt text]

Cleaning and lubricating: After disassembling the gears, all the parts, including the housing, should be cleaned and lubricated.

Watch on YouTube: Cleaning and Lubrication for Vintage Reels Cleaning and lubrication for vintage reels video

Reassembly and testing: As the reel is reassembled, various mini-tests can be performed along the way to catch any minor issues and avoid having to take the reel completely apart again. After the reel is completely reassembled there are several bench tests that should be performed to make sure it is ready for field use.

Watch on YouTube: alt text Penn 720 Overview video

Typical issues

For example, clicker/anti-reverse not working. Hardened grease can immobilize the dog and dog spring, which means the clicker and anti-reverse will not engage. A simple disassembly, cleaning and lubrication, and reassembly will fix this issue without needing to repair or replace any parts.

Difficulty and time estimate

Difficulty: For a reasonably experienced DIY person this is an [Easy / Moderate / Advanced] procedure.

Estimated service time: Excluding soak times or dealing with stuck hardware, the actual procedure should take about [#] hours.

Servicing does not all have to be done all at one go. A good strategy is to disassemble, make notes of any issues, soak the parts overnight, then the next day clean, dry, lubricate, and reassemble and test.

If you are a complete beginner it's a good idea to proceed at a leisurely pace. More experience will result in a considerably shorter timeframe.

This is probably one of the simplest open-face spinning reels to service, so it is a good choice for a first project, but don't let this make it seem insignificant. It does require some dexterity and patience, and acquiring a "feel" for working on vintage reels, and at the same time it helps you build those very skills.

Disassembly I

Goal: remove [parts] so you can [access, etc.].

All directions assume you are looking at the front of the reel, with the reel upright - foot up - as it would be mounted on a rod.

Take a picture prior to each step so later you will know how parts were oriented, etc.

  1. Remove [step text].

    ![alt text](../img/[maker]/[model]/[slug]-[desc].jpg)

    [extended step text - results of step, inspections, possible issues at this point, etc.].

    Variations:

  2. [image]

Disassembly II

Goal: remove [parts] so you can [access, etc.].

  5. You are now ready to clean and lubricate the gears and housing.

Cleaning and lubricating

  1. Clean the gears and inside of housing.

  2. Lubricate the gears with grease and all other lubrications points with oil.

    See the Basic Cleaning and Lubricating Procedures

    Note! The cleaners, grease, and oil you use should be specifically for fishing reels.

Specific notes for this reel:

  • [for example, external grease discs / points, cite reel manual in refs]

    You are now ready to re-assemble the gears and housing.

Reassembly

Goal: replace [parts] so you can [access, etc.].

To re-assemble the reel you basically reverse the disassembly steps. There are a couple of additional notes that will make re-assembly go more smoothly.

When [specific step]:

  1. [note]

    [image]

Bench testing

You can now perform several general functional tests before taking the reel into the field:

  1. With the anti-reverse disengaged / off: Make sure the handle turns smoothly in both directions.

  2. With the anti-reverse engaged / on: Make sure the handle will not turn backwards.

  3. With the anti-reverse engaged: Make sure you can hear the clicker.

  4. Make sure the rotor turns smoothly.

  5. [for spinning reels] Make sure the bail flips correctly - easily flips manually into casting position, then when the handle is cranked, flips crisply back into retrieve position.

If all this works, you can call it ready to fish.

Any tight spots or noises at this stage tell you to stop and recheck your work before calling the service complete. Go back through the service procedures as necessary to troubleshoot.

Additional procedures

[any separate services, e.g., the bail]

[link to separate file]

References

Schematics, manuals, and other information on servicing and using this reel are listed in the References.

Specific references used for this reel include:

  • [cite, list]