@Bernie Weishapl wrote:
most of the play seems to be between the arbor that winds the spring and the axle that slides in and out with the square for the key. could these items be wore out ?
If I am reading this right….I dont think so
Did you try removing the lever and putting some pressure on the barrel to see if everything turns freely? if it does not turn freely then you can check 2 wheels at a time between the plates to see which 2 are binding (meshing improperly) That is of course you dont see any bent pivots or arbors. Also, after cleaning it is a good practice to peg out all the plate holes, very seldom do they get “clean” just from the standard cleaning process ( use round toothpicks in the plate holes until they come out clean), hope you find that culprit 
……William