Sounds like it's the later model Sho-bud(there were many many many different mechanisms)that has the pot metal finger tops; with the fulcrum piece that the lower bar on the finger pushes....and there is a groove in there and the lower bar is catching...(even though your raising; that lower arm as to stay secure..hence the slow problem)....
If your handy; you can take the fingers out and switch one that doesn't have the wear on it....
I'd say; adjusting a more secure lower section; would help, but if it's the later model...you don't have adjustable lower springs either....>
I could fix it in 30 minutes...but your Alllllll the way across the pond> sorry.
Good luck.
Ricky[This message was edited by Ricky Davis on 11 January 2006 at 10:01 AM.]