Calcutta 700B Sticky/Rough Drag Actuation

[BD]

Here in Belize the 700B is one of the guides' "go to" 30# reels. Yes it's a level wind but given the x-section of their clients and abilities it's the safe bet when it comes to operation and level line retrieve. Recently I noticed on a guide friend's reel that engaging the drag was tough, not impossible but by no means smooth. Taking it apart was not an option so I'm trying to figure if this is the result of the clutch lever or something deeper into the yoke assembly so I can get him parts for a rebuild.

I thought I had seen some references to this problem on other of the larger Calcuttas, (the 700A ?) but don't seem to be able to find that reference again. Any guidance on this and the parts or tricks to smooth this out would be greatly appreciated by many.

BD