Is there a break-in period with NOS or gently used vintage reels?

[CincyDavid]

OK, I fixed the Ted Williams. Removed the bushing retainer screw and moved the whole assembly back just a smidge from where it was, put the screw back in and the grittiness is gone. I don't know if it was just misaligned or what, but that reel is good to go. Haven't messed with the Penn yet.

[jgp12000]

Dave,I have some new bearings for the 710 if you want one,shoot me your address again so I dont have to think...N/C of course,you have given me too much!

[Midway Tommy]

Miniscule misalignment and slight binding can cause a whole lot of roughness issues. Most of the quality made reels like these require pretty precise reinstallation of parts during assembly.

On a different note, while I know it's fairly cheap preventative maintenance, out of the 500 or so reels of my own that I've rehabbed, I've only replaced one pinion bearing, and that was on a Cardinal 7 that had seen salt water neglect. I did, though, replace 4 bearings in a cheap a_$_$ Quantum spinner for a friend that evidently had been through hurricane flooding and then just left to disintegrate and rust. The way I see it, if it ain't broke, no reel need to fix it.   

[CincyDavid]

Dave,I have some new bearings for the 710 if you want one,shoot me your address again so I dont have to think...N/C of course,you have given me too much!

Thanks James, I'll let you know what I find and see if I need a bearing. I truly appreciate the good advice and friendships I've developed in this group.