Fine Feed Handwheel won't initially engage quill

Hi all:

I just spent an hour searching this forum for a post regarding my problem :toetap:. I can't seem to find an answer that clearly addresses my issue. I thought I'd ask the community for some help please.

I've been doing some work on my Bridgy (series 1 J head varispeed). The machine appears to have been made in the early 80s as the base has no coolant catch basin but is shaped like the later ones that do have a basin.

Here's a somewhat adequate description of what is going on with the downfeed:

This is manual fine downfeed only . . . not auto downfeed.

When I trip the engagement lever and engage the down feed handwheel manually with the quill/spindle in its retracted position, the downfeed will not directly engage. The quill begins to travel (about 1/8") then slips out of engagement with an audible 'click' sound. If I put hand pressure on the engage-feed lever it will work with the quill fully retracted at the start.

However, If I use the quill arm to move the quill downward about an inch on the Z axis, the handwheel will engage and work normally without constant hand pressure on the feed lever. It's almost as if there was a gear that starts the movement and that gear has teeth at the beginning that are a bit worn. AS if they begin to catch but slip out under any pressure.:confused:

Like I said, I trolled this forum for a case of this issue but couldn't find an answer. Probably the search terms I was using. No doubt the answer is here somewhere. Sorry if this is a redundant question.:o

Thanks alot gents,

Psient