Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike P
I wouldn't worry about it. The plate bears no load--all it does is cover the gearbox, and the aluminum one doesn't fit any tighter than the plastic one.
I have never heard of anyone having an issue with the plastic side plate on a Z-series Spinfisher, and they've been standard issue on the reels for at least the last 20 years.
If you're really worried about it--buy a beater greenie 704 and paint the plate black  |
Sorry Mike I have to disagree.
It isn't that the plate bears a load but more of the metal plate giving a tighter seal. When tightening the plastic one the lip and plate actually deflect outward not giving as tight a seal as the metal plate. The metal one doesn't have this problem and definately seals tighter. The trick is to get a metal one and also run a thin bead of silicone around the lip and inner raised lip of the plate. That will give a water tight seal but there will be water intrusion from around the shaft. That's where packing (not overly/fully packed) the inner gear case with something like Super Lube helps with that issue.
I tricked out several Z's to make them more surf friendly and it does make a difference in performance and reduced maintenance.
Another good trick is to make the drag a little more water resistant with rubber O rings.
There was a good article in the Fisherman a little over a year ago with details on some very good tips on mod's.