This is a Stanley garage door opener chain drive style, 0.5 horsepower.

The problem is when I try to open it, either from the remote or wall
unit, it travels open for 1-2 feet and stops, and start ticking (with
Di-Da-Di-Da sound in one seconds interval). This is the same with or
without the door engaged (so the door balance is not an issue here).

The load is probably not a issue either as the same problem is observed
when I disengaged the drive chain.

Full close is not a problem.

I called the tech support at (former) Stanley and he told me the broken
gears may be at fault. I opened the gears box and carefully examed the
gears. They apprantly are in good condition.

Can someone shed a light on this myth? Or maybe the setup is not
correct? I don't have the manual since it is inherit from the previous
owner.