Yet another update on the GM 340 bail trip issue... Took the above modified reel to the lake and it failed after about 3 casts. Took it apart once again, but this time I used 3 grades of sandpaper (150, 300, 600) and micro polished the face of the bail trip lever and the bail trip cover. Lightly oil...

UPDATE: I played around some more with the reel and tried the following (based on a suggestion). I totally removed the bail trip cover and the reel operated perfectly! I was concerned the bail trip lever would work it's way out and cause a jam. As a precaution and as a way to keep track of the part,...

Looking at the photo, I have the impression that the PU is not fully depressed because we can see the sprires of the spring. Are you sure the spring is properly mounted? The part of the PU seems correct to me, it is not straight from the origin Is this an old version or a new PU? When I have the ans...

I use white buffing compound on a buffing wheel for the shaft. I use a Dremel tool with a pointed felt buffing pad, again with white compound to polish the track. Then thoroughly clean the shaft, track and housing with solvent and compressed air. Seems to make it turn a bit smoother....
John

I have acquired a pristine GM 320, did a complete teardown, clean and service. All internals looked good and the gears are smooth. But when I got the reel the bail trip mechanism was not working properly and I thought routine service would clear that up - it did not. The symptom is when cranking the...