CTX 3030 new issue with shaft assembly

[altereddezignz]

Was all excited b/c i received my new 3030 yesterday afternoon. Went to install it per instruction ( This is not the first one i have had to put together ).
Inserted the lower shaft in the upper at 90 degrees like normal with the little nipple aligned correctly and it slid in about 8 inches and stopped like a rock. I mean dead stop no moving it. After working with it back and forth i got it all the way to the end so i could turn it back the 90 degrees to finish installing it and same issue all the way out to adjust. Crazy CRAZY hard to move or slide the upper and lower shaft apart.

So just to make sure i took the next 15 minutes getting it back apart and watched this video and read the instructions just to make sure.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2h1EE9mH388

There are marks all over the shaft as where you can see it rubbing like crazy when trying to insert or remove the shaft without it being locked.

I did contact dealer i purchased from and he is calling minelab this morning to get it resolved.

Anyone else have any issues like this before.

 

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[Jason in Enid]

On my second CTX, never seen that problem before. Did you see anything inside the tube that would be causing an obstruction?

 

[altereddezignz]

On my second CTX, never seen that problem before. Did you see anything inside the tube that would be causing an obstruction?

No When looking down the upper shaft there are just makes on all 4 sides where it rubs all the way in and out. Of course i didnt take a picture lol..
At first i thought it was just the alignment nipple but once i got it apart i realized it was rubbing all sidewalls.

 

[TommyB]

It could be that the shaft is slightly bowed. Try rolling on a flat surface to see.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I had the same issue, but it locked in place. I had to send it back to Minelab to be repaired.

It's a pretty tight fit, I've considered using baby powder on the shaft. There's no way in the world I'll take the shaft out again. Just adjusting the length is pain in the butt enough!

 

[altereddezignz]

Only bad part is my case i need to collapse the detector and turn the coil to the side so it lays flat. Something kinda like the image below so free sliding is a must

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Maybe someone will see this thread and respond.

Should we perhaps use baby powder to lubricate the shaft?

I'm still thinking about that. It is almost literally a pain in the butt.

 

[altereddezignz]

Even if powder worked its only a temp band-aid.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Even if powder worked its only a temp band-aid.

Sad but true. Yet, what's the other alternative? Maybe sanding down with fine grit paper the lower shaft?

 

[altereddezignz]

Sad but true. Yet, what's the other alternative? Maybe sanding down with fine grit paper the lower shaft?

That or using emery cloth on a long pin shaft to bore the inside of the upper shaft. At-least you wouldn't see it like you would on the lower.

 

[cudamark]

That or using emery cloth on a long pin shaft to bore the inside of the upper shaft. At-least you wouldn't see it like you would on the lower.

Sounds like a good plan if Minelab or the vendor won't take care of it at no cost. Maybe a shotgun cleaning kit with emery wrapped around the brush tip?

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Only bad part is my case i need to collapse the detector and turn the coil to the side so it lays flat. Something kinda like the image below so free sliding is a must

View attachment 1338673

The way it is laying in the case is the way you insert and remove the shaft, being sure the shaft lock is open... Out of case lay coil flat on table or floor, rotate the lcd screen towards you 90 degrees so it is laying on floor or table, release the shaft lock and remove shaft after removing cable connector, it goes back in the same way.....

 

[altereddezignz]

The way it is laying in the case is the way you remove the shaft, being sure the shaft lock is open... Out of case lay coil flat on table or floor, rotate the lcd screen towards you 90 degrees so it is laying on floor or table, release the shaft lock and remove shaft after removing cable connector, it goes back in the same way.....

This is just a image. Not mine. I understand this is the way to remove.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

This is just a image. Not mine. I understand this is the way to remove.

Didn't mean you didn't know, I posted for those who do not know. many try to put it in like you do other detectors and it will lock up tight.....

 

[altereddezignz]

Didn't mean you didn't know, I posted for those who do not know. many try to put it in like you do other detectors and it will lock up tight.....

Gotcha. Sorry about that..

 

[altereddezignz]

As of right now my dealer said that Minelab is wanting to send me a replacement lower shaft.

 

[altereddezignz]

Just got an updated message. My dealer is sending me a new machine direct from him. Nothing like good ole great one on one customer service.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Just got an updated message. My dealer is sending me a new machine direct from him. Nothing like good ole great one on one customer service.

If your dealer is a supporting vendor here, you need to let people know who is giving that kind of service!

 

[altereddezignz]

FORT BED METAL DETECTORS. Keith has gone way above and beyond what he had to do. He could have just told me to contact Minelab for the repair or fixing the issues.
After getting my new unit it was indeed the upper shaft and not the lower with the issues.
He sent me a new unit and got be going. I cant say enough about this man. He answered the phone at all hours and called me back every time. Even text me along the way to make sure everything was going good and kept me in the loop every step of the way. Ill put it in perspective. I received my first detector Tuesday night at around 6. Made my first call at about 9pm.
By Wednesday he had a new unit in the mail to me and i received it today. He even made sure it was all good before sending out the second unit.!!!!!!! Great place..Great Man..

 

[IDXMonster]

For the very great part there seems to be a lot of trust within the metal detecting community,whether it be dealers or private parties. I've sent things to buyers before receiving payment,and it's happened the other way around too. Minelab has been very good and Whites....spectacular,for me. For Keith,though I don't know him,to send this expensive machine out before it was verified as to what was wrong for sure,implies that he has a great deal of trust with at least HIS customers. As with every batch of apples,there will be a bad one,but here's to US....a dedicated bunch of people who want to do one thing-detect. To have dealers and vendors that make that happen no matter what is invaluable.