I have a 1963, 15x45 Clausing Colchester Conventional lathe. While running the carriage back the other day, I experienced a binding feel. After freeing the movement, I now have the floating engage lever not following the carriage when moving toward the chuck. It stays in place while traveling away, but will free float on the shaft when manually moving toward the chuck. If I lift it into the engagement slot it will smoothly follow the apron, but left down, it will not.
I have no manuals on this machine, and did not find any information on this type of problem in a search of the forum, if anyone has any experience with something like this I would be grateful for any input.
I would add that the machine still functions fine when the feed is engaged, it only affects when you are manually moving the apron.

Thank you in advance
Paul. G.