Is the plastic wheel you describe more a metal wheel with a black rubber tire? That's what I would expect on a Featherweight. It pushes down on the hand wheel, and a few things can make it act up: oil on the rubber or hand wheel, which means wipe it off with a cloth. The rubber tire needs to be replaced sooner or later, but they can easily last a decade or two. There is an oil point in connection with the winder, a tiny hole you might have to poke clean with a tooth pick if it's clogged. The winder should turn very smoothly; if not it'a all about cleaning and oiling. The click action can need attention too, cleaning, oiling and sometimes adjusting (usually only when the tire has been replaced, they are usually not exactly the same width as the old ones). To begin with I would expect it's mostly about cleaning and oiling, but inspect all parts involved.