Penn Fathom-Master 825/835 downrigger issues

[tzieli22]

I have three of these downriggers and one kind of works after I wiggle the plug some. Seems as though most of the issue is electrical connnections. Does anyone have any experience taking these apart and cleaning all the contacts/conections etc? I haven't tackled them yet and thought I would ask before I dive in.

On the other two, one I hear the tone but then nothing, and the last one (835) I get nothing when I plug it in. I guess another question would be, do we have anyone in Anchorage that works on these?

Thanks for the help.

[Tiderunner]

I do not know where to get repairs in your area. Maybe this info will help.
I buy all my Penn parts from:
http://store.scottsbt.com
Check out there site, give them a call.

[Tiderunner]

Here is another site that may help
http://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSES...umjqkjgjf3khr2;
I have sent some of my non Penn reels to Alan Tani for repair or modification.
He is real good a figuring out problems.
Maybe he can help.

[MacGyver]

I don't know if this will help, I was told Performance RV on Arctic works on downriggers.
If you have corrosion problem in the connectors replace them.
I've not had good luck cleaning them.

[tzieli22]

Thanks guys. I took all three apart last night. Really not a big deal, however all of them has a little bit of oil inside the case. I know the gear box has oil in it, so I am wondering if I had an issue with that? Not sure but I am headed down to Seward tomorrow and I'll see how it works out. I did also clean all the plugs with elec cleaner & a small wire brush - worked out pretty well, so we'll see.

[NORTH2AK]

Suggestion on your electrical connections. Apply a little dielectric grease on all the connections. Helps conductivity and helps stop corrosion. Sometimes that electronic cleaner can remove the special varnish the manufacturer applies for corrosion control.