I’m servicing an older Okuma spinning reel (SGT 30) and was able to tear down completely and clean/re-lube. The reel now turns like the gears aren’t properly meshed. I’m confident I reassembled correctly. I’m going to go back in but I’m not sure if this has something to do with the transmission gear or the main+pinion gear. Any sugggestions on how to troubleshoot?

 

I intend to replace several bearings and possibly replace the felt washers with carbon washers, but not if I can’t resolve this rough gearing issue.

 

 

Do you have the reel schematic??

yes

There usually are spacers between the main drive gear and the bearing to get the mesh right.  Did you lose one or forgot to install it.

Well, when re doing it make sure you follow it exactly. I've installed the cross wind block upside down once, ouch! Make sure any shim washers are in the correct place. Sounds like the mesh is too tight.

yes both are there as per scematic

How about shims on the oscillating gear?? Or the pinion?

Figured it out. I had only reassembled far enough to crank the handle to ensure I had the gears and everything back together right. But I hadn't put the rotor or rotor nut back on. I now see that tightening the rotor nut positions the pinion just right and now I don't have that gear issue. Doh! Sorry guys, but you did help me to keep on looking at it instead of crushing it with a sledge hammer.

 

It's an older reel but still seems serviceable, and should smooth out a little more if I can find a few bearings available.

Happy it worked out!