I bought a Lew's MH2SH 3 weeks ago for my 11 year old. (The really ugly green one) It had been working perfectly.  My son has had several large backlashes that required me removing the side cover and removing the spool to clear the backlash.  The most recent one I put the side cover back on after clearing the backlash and now the reel will not spin if I lock the side cover in place.  If I hold the side cover in place with my hand and do not lock the side cover the reel spins freely with no issue, but as soon as I push the lock up on the cover .......game over.  It is almost like a spacer or something is missing.  Is there any part in the MACH 2 side cover that can fall out while I had it removed that would cause this issue?  Many thanks to you pros that may have seen, experienced, or fixed something like this.  He was really doing great learning how to run the baitcaster up until this issue.  I know I can simply return it, but this sounds like something really simple.

24 minutes ago, kycreekman said:

I bought a Lew's MH2SH 3 weeks ago for my 11 year old. (The really ugly green one) It had been working perfectly.  My son has had several large backlashes that required me removing the side cover and removing the spool to clear the backlash.  The most recent one I put the side cover back on after clearing the backlash and now the reel will not spin if I lock the side cover in place.  If I hold the side cover in place with my hand and do not lock the side cover the reel spins freely with no issue, but as soon as I push the lock up on the cover .......game over.  It is almost like a spacer or something is missing.  Is there any part in the MACH 2 side cover that can fall out while I had it removed that would cause this issue?  Many thanks to you pros that may have seen, experienced, or fixed something like this.  He was really doing great learning how to run the baitcaster up until this issue.  I know I can simply return it, but this sounds like something really simple.

Are you talking about the 2019 Mach II reel or previous generation Mach II. I have a previous gen Mach II. Try loosening the tension knob. Some reels are finicky when you take the side plate off (*cough* Shimano *cough*). You could also call Lew's and ask for help. They have great customer service and they'll help you no problem.

Yes sir it is the new version and is not previous generation.  Appreciate your response.

Can't help you on your issue but hello to a fellow Central Kentuckian!

My kids get backlashes on spinning reels that require removing the sideplate. They’re not getting baitcasters until they learn how to not do this with spinning reels.

I've had nothing but smooth sailing with mine.

You don't have it together right or something is taking up the clearance. Worse comes to worse you could return it or send in for repair.

20 hours ago, CrankFate said:

My kids get backlashes on spinning reels that require removing the sideplate. They’re not getting baitcasters until they learn how to not do this with spinning reels.

If you are taking sideplates off a spinning reel to get backlashes out ..none of yall need baitcasters for a long long time.....

15 hours ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

If you are taking sideplates off a spinning reel to get backlashes out ..none of yall need baitcasters for a long long time.....