324 Reverse Dog Springs!

[Schrack]

My latest thing has been 324, great medium reel.
Very impressed with it.
However one problem.
On later models with the red reverse lever, the handle becomes loose and pops the spring.
The design is wierd, it has two plates and two small springs.
My question is how can you shim the handle to take up slack on plate, which would tighten it down and keep spring in place.
I have tried every thing I can think of but, nothing works.
Another question is their a shim that goes in unit that was not put back.
The older set up a screw keeps plate and handle thight.
My other opinion is to replace plate and handle with early model parts which are hard to find.
Any info will be helpful.

[GreatLaker]

Schrack,
We don't get many questions regarding the Mitchell 324 here at the MRM.
The little I know is that these were more popular in Europe then the US. These were considered as an economy reel here in the states. I have read that they are similar to the Mitchell 320 only larger. It would be nice to see a photo or two of your reel as photos are seldom seen.
Sorry but I can't help with your issue. I have attached a schematic below which may be of some help to you.
Kind Regards,
Bill

1975 Mitchell 324 - schematic-edited.jpg (194.34 KiB) Viewed 420 times

[Schrack]

Thanks for info.
The schematic is an early reel, it has the screw holding the plate which can be tightened and shimed.
New ones plate is pressed on lever.
What occurs is plate and lever wear and spring will not stay in grooves.
Before I take these with red lever I want to be sure they are tight and in working order.
As far as using the 324, it is very nice, casts great with 12# line and handles a 5# fish without problems.
I teamed it up with an old Fenwick 6'6" and 12# Stern orange line.
I classify it a medium reel.
Have used a 308 which did ok to about a 5# Cat reel gets a real work out and takes more time to bring them in, plus 6# line is the best, any heavier does not cast well.
Don't do well with pics can send some email.
My solution is convert orders and plate to the silver ones with a screw.
Bad side are parts.
I have been buying cases with the silver handle and converting the red to silver.

[Schrack]

I would like to throw several other issues.
1/ Does a 320 rotating fit the 324? Many other parts have same numbers on parts break down.
Noticed both heads have same markings.
Reels are basically same!.
2/ When was the drag dog changes on the 324?
I have used a 324 for two weeks and like it, smaller than a 300 but bigger than a 308.
With a good rod it handles a 5 to 6# cat very well.
Also holds a heavier line and still casts well.
The Cats are on strike, must be the weatnher!!!!!!

[Schrack]

I would like to throw several other issues.
1/ Does a 320 rotating fit the 324? Many other parts have same numbers on parts break down.
Noticed both heads have same markings.
Reels are basically same!.
2/ When was the drag dog changes on the 324?
I have used a 324 for two weeks and like it, smaller than a 300 but bigger than a 308.
With a good rod it handles a 5 to 6# cat very well.
Also holds a heavier line and still casts well.
The Cats are on strike, must be the weatnher!!!!!!

[Schrack]

Another question how do you delete post?
Also what kind of metal are the rotating heads for 324 and 320 made of and why do they turn gray?

[piscesman]

Glad you like the 324. The rotor turns gray because it's made of plastic because the reels were made for this side of the pond. The European released ones are metal rotors.
Kim


As far as rotors interchanging, I don't know. Maybe experiment???

[GreatLaker]

Another question how do you delete post?...

schrack,
On this site you have a very short time to delete your post starting immediately after you post it. There is an extra icon that appears in the upper right hand corner which will allow you to delete the post should you accidentally double post or whatever.
Kind Regards,
Bill