Question on Saltiga 30T

[3seas]

Purchased a "new in Box" Saltiga 30T on ebay. When I shift the lever from free spool forward into gear, about 1/2 the time it takes more than a slight turn of the handle before I get a loud clank and the reel goes into gear - not as quickly or as smooth as my Saltists. Is there a problem? Any clues before I take the reel apart?

Thanks in advance

[alantani]

the clunk is the sound of the pinion gear seating down and locking onto the shoulder of the spool shaft.  sounds like it's working normally.  you should be fine.  also, these newer reels already have greased carbon fiber drag washers.  do the standard bearing service and get a light coat of grease on all the non-exposed metal surfaces.  please keep us posted!