Penn 180 problems

[henryj02]

I rebuilt a older 180 and the reel wont go in to free spool. I have done 100's of old penn conventionals and never had this happen . Any thought of what the problem might be? Thanks for any input in advance.

[Shellbelly]

Did everything in the gear side operate correctly before reassembling the reel?

[Gfish]

So, the pinion gear isn't pulling away from the spool shaft "shoulders". Check to see if it's stuck or sticking, there.