DAIWA 6600 Main Gear with Hitch in Giddyup

[sandbar]

I am terrible about identifying gear issues.
Does anyone see anything wrong with this or do I need to check from a different angle?
Thank!
-Steve

[Midway Tommy]

From that perspective/angle I see quite a few crooked teeth, especially at the top, but no idea if that's your issue. 

[sandbar]

From that perspective/angle I see quite a few crooked teeth, especially at the top, but no idea if that's your issue. 

Hi Tommy.
Thanks for your input.
It's a growler as well.
Parts are un-obtanium.
I checked with Mat,s and Mike's and a couple others.
Return label requested and approved.
Two reels in a row have been duds. On other reel, the seller apologized, refunded my money, and told me to just keep it.
-Steve
 

[Midway Tommy]

I'd probably take a mini/micro triangular file to the tipped out sides of those crooked teeth and see if that helps smooth it up and quiet it down some. Sounds like you really don't have much to lose by trying that adjustment.

[OhReely]

I agree with Tommy about the bent teeth, also see some flattened on top between 9 and 10 o'clock and some with chips 4 to 5 o'clock. The flattened teeth indicate something harder than the main gear was between the main and pinion. Same with chipped teeth. The flattened teeth can make it feel like it's sticking when they engage the pinion. Same with any chipped teeth which have burrs making the tooth wider. Check the pinion for damage or debris although a bent or damaged pinion would be a problem in more than one place on the main gear as it turns faster than the main gear. The main gear may be tilted on the shaft which would account for the teeth being curved at the ends in only one place as it would stay engaged with the pinion longer than necessary or maybe isn't fully engaging at that spot. If you do any filing or straightening mix some grit with grease, coat the gears and crank it for awhile afterwards.

A main gear engagement issue may occur only once per revolution of the handle while a pinion issue may occur several times per revolution based on the ratio.