Newell 220-5 With Jerky Drag: Update 1

[MACflyer]

Finally got around to putting the older 4 drag washer sleeve and gear into my No Letter 220-5. Have 4 new Carbontex Smooth Drag washers and used Cal's Drag Grease on all 3 washers plus 1 under gear. The 3 stainless metal drag washers look really good, as well as the washer that's part of the sleeve. Right now max drag is about 13#, but anything over 7# starts getting jerky, and at 13# really jerky. All the spacing looks fine, no star binding, star can turn nearly 1 complete turn from almost no drag to really tight. Have a 3-18 washer if needed, but spacing looks fine.

Tried several washer, spacer, Belleville combinations, but here's where I'm at now which is what's showing on the S schematic. Don't have a No Letter 200 series schematic.

The top slotted steel drag washer sits even with the top of the main gear. Followed by a Belleville washer and a 5-12 drag spacer. Then the star, a 3-16 washer, and handle.

Also, the 4 drag gear sleeve would not quite fit over the bridge post completely, a little binding, so sanded inside the sleeve, as well as the bridge post. Fits fine now. Turns freely and has a couple drops of Reel X. (Probably has nothing to do with the sticky drag?)

UPDATE 1: Found SS main gear a little rougher than it appeared both inside and underneath. Got it really smooth with a Dremel, and also sanded the SS drag washers with some 600 grit. Much smoother pull up to 9#, and moderately sticky up to 12#, which was as tight as I could get the star by hand. Would like a little more drag, or at least smooth to 12#. Is that reasonable?

Appreciate any suggestions.