Looking for little advise here. Having little issue with my calcutta 401, reel will disengage for free spool when I push button but will not go back into gear when I turn the handle to activate. Broke unit down and everything appears fine. Had similar issue with a 301 cardiff, replaced pinion and yoke which solved issue, just not sure if doing the same to my calcutta will resolve problem and dont want to replace pinion and yoke for no reason. By the way just guessed about replacement parts for cardiff and got lucky. Alan you have some really good info here, nice that people can reach out and get some direction.
Check your clutch pawl to see if it is worn. Common issue.