[Collins] 32V2 relay issues

[wf2u at ws19ops.com]

Folks,

I have a weird problem with my "newly reactivated" 32V2 transmitter.
I acquired the 32V2 about 10 years ago, and only last week I took it  
down from the "projects" shelf, to clean it and bring it back to  
operational status.
After cleaning the layers of dust off the chassis, tubes, etc., and  
applying contact cleaner on the bandswitch and other switches, I did  
the almost obligatory conversion to solid-state rectifiers while  
disconnecting the HV paths from the transformer filament windings. All  
voltages are normal, the transmitter works perfectly - except... The  
relay is not pulling in all the way, no matter how I adjust it. A  
little motion is evident, but it doesn't pull in all the way. The  
voltage on it is within the ballpark (around 50 V, the coil is a 48  
VDC coil according to the specs, and measures 2 Kohm)the coil is not  
hot. If I bring the armature too close to the coil core, the NC  
contacts open, so this is not an option. If I hold the armature  
closed, the transmitter works fine as the HV kicks in. Sometimes, but  
rarely, the relay stays closed after the manual help. There is no  
mechanical binding (although the contacts springiness feels stiff, but  
I can't compare it with a working unit), I even put a dab of lubricant  
on the hinge/shaft of the armature.
The problem somewhat stumps me, because nothing seems to be wrong...
I used the transmitter on the air last weekend, with great reports,  
but it's a two-hand operation, having to use the push-to-talk switch  
and with the other hand push the relay with a long insulated  
screwdriver.
Anyone had similar experience? Possible cure short of trying to find a  
new relay?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

73, Meir WF2U
Landrum, SC