Honestly this is my 12 year old sons favorite reel otherwise id through it away. He made me promise id try to figure out how to fix it, I'm just trying to keep my word. I know the following information. No matter if i put spacers or remove them. No matter what line i spool this reel with, I have tried 10lb mono, 20lb braid. I currently have 80lb braid on it to better see the line pattern when it spools. No matter if the line is tight or just snug it does the same thing. The reel turns smoothly. I know its a cheap Zebco reel.