Lexa 300 Line counter Drag Issue

[witty1]

Hey folks,
I purchased (2) Daiwa 300 line counter reels.
(#1) I purchased months ago... its fine. works as expected.
(#2) I recently purchased from Wally World and it came with a really tight drag. (at the loosest setting with the adjustment cap OFF) At this setting, it requires a bit of force to hold the spool immobile with my thumb. (#1) requires no effort to hold the spool down at this setting. Also... reel will not freespool, I try to spin the spool and it stops spinning immediately as soon as my thumb comes off.

Interestingly enough, this reel (#2) was a replacement I had sent by Walmart as the first one they sent had the exact same tight drag issue. 

Any ideas what's going on with #2??

[alantani]

i'm guessing that this is close to your reel.  removing one of the drag spring washers (key #70) might do the trick. 

https://www.daiwa.com/scandinavia/service/schematics/baitcast_reels/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2018/07/18/LEXA300H-300HS-300HS-P.pdf