16ga.com ~ View topic - MEC 9000 -Collet closure help

The short story is my collet closure assembly drops too far down to allow the cam roller pin to actuate the resizing operation: the link is parallel to the top of the base where it should have a slight angle upwards.

Does anyone have any tricks for adjustment?

The only solution I can think of is to solder a 6d nail onto the actuator arm to prevent the collet assembly from dropping down. Placing the nail with the point towards the yoke end worked well, but before I go breaking out the Mapp gas and flux would like to see if I’m missing something.

Old or new collet has same result. Used rock n roll grease, brake grease and anti-seize, no different. The original pin had broken and the internal movable stem was mangled so some of these parts are brand spanking new, including the pivot pin.

Just to make sure, part 99A is there?

https://www.mecoutdoors.com/9000-series-model-g

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2009 Location: Central ND

Some pics would help. There isn't much adjustment on the linkage. The collet closer should not be able to drop down too far unless something is broken, bent or assembled incorrectly.

Part 99 is installed, but not linked yet.

The collet closure is dropping onto the arm. This is apparently too far. as it restricts the closure assembly ability to rise up to the collet . I have not been able to post pics, but I did find a guy on Youtube who has the same problem, with no help as far as I can tell.

I have compared my setup to guys with working 9000’s. I definitely have a closure assembly that drops below the threshold that works.

https://youtube.com/shorts/O2EdHa09toM?si=1wo76DdyziJXc3BC

Same issue, note the link

Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 870

Couple years ago I had that same problem. Drove me nuts for long time. Turned.out it was so simple but at this moment I don't remember what it was. I remember that after I gave press a.good cleaning i forgot to replace something very simple. If you had your press cleaned, I would try going back over your cleaning procedure. If it was working before this problem then something must be misplaced. Good luck.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2009 Location: Central ND

There should be a bushing in the closer, if that bushing is missing the linkage will bind. If you watch the master link in the video, you can see the slop on the closer end.

The bushing is not part of the closer assembly. Be sure to lube the master link and the bushing before assembly.

The screwdriver is pointing to the bushing. It is small and easily lost or missed. The MEC part number is 1008113. Look online at the MEC website and choose the parts list for the 'Current Models'. It's part #96 lower left hand corner on the expanded view.

https://www.mecoutdoors.com/9000-series-model-g

The original bushing is installed. But that gives me an idea. I have another from a Steelmaster that I’m going to install. Maybe the original one is worn out. I might try the link as well.

I’ve taken this thing apart so many times now that it doesn’t even bother me Rolling Eyes

Well, the second bushing made no difference with the old assembly BUT, noticed that the steelmaster pivot arm is slightly longer on the link end I decided to give it a try and voila, it works.

This is an old 9000 of dubious parts pedigree. Thinking the old arm was first generation or defective. Likely will not work in the Steelmaster but I may try to convert that to 16 ga 2-3/4 after getting this 9000 back together fully to make some practice loads.

Thanks for all your suggestions, sometimes it takes some different ideas to get you thinking about other solutions.