Freewheel issue
 

Never experienced this before. Just took a new build out for a spin.

Then noticed that the 5 speed freewheel doesn't always move the wheel itself.

To me sounds like I need a new freewheel. Most freewheels I've ever used are so gummed up this is not a problem.

Perhaps I could just add some thick oil to the pawls?

Flush the freewheel out with some light solvent, let it dry out (or blow it dry if you have compressed air available) and then run some light oil into the body.

+1, Freewheels respond amazingly well to flush and relube. The only thing to add, is to remove it so you don't make a mess. Also immersion and a long soak in solvent (mineral spirits or naphtha), will help loosed dried grease and dirt so that it rinses out with some gentle agitation. Then drain or dry as John suggests, and work some oil in through the upper gap while the freewheel is lying flat on a paper towel.

I'm not sure what you mean ^?

I think what he means is the pawls are sometimes not engaging the ratchet drum. Prolly gummed up so much they dont engage. Like 'john thopson and 'FB' said, flush and relube the freewheel. Immerse it in a bucket of mineral spirits for a few days to loosen and disolve the old deposits, let it drip dry or help it with compressed air, then let some clean oil seep into it. Its what I did on mine and worked perfect.

I've flushed freewheels with WD-40 to remove the old lubricant and crud, and does a decent job, but not as good as a full immersion. To lube, I've used a thicker/stickier oil, Phil Wood's Tenacious Oil. You could buy freewheel grease injector, if that is your thing: http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discou...injector-tool/