CP Pilot Yoke Question

I would say that your problem is that the rod on which the yoke, or saddle, is mounted is not retracting all the way. Check the pin that secures the return spring to be sure it isn’t catching on something and is installed the same way as the one on the other side. I believe the rods have a flat side on them so the saddles remain oriented correctly — that flat, if it is there, may not be oriented correctly. The fact that the rod hits a stop before it is fully retracted says to me that something is interfering with it. Fix that something and your problem should be solved.

Bob

Juratovic, Sir, from your video, it would seem that your return springs, (with the two finger ease that you demonstrated) are at best very tired or even beyond their sell by date!!! If replacements are not an option, from a reasonable hardware store, acquire a pair of correct diameter, short, say, 1” long with a compressive force less than the original(s) ***See footnote*** insert the new springs onto the rod(s)with 2 washers of the correct diameter, thus effectively increasing the thrust of the weaker original(s)!!! If as here U.K. where we can buy springs for pennies/cents each a selection of different capacities should be an option. Your clip shows the machine under power but without rollers, does your problem arise in actual print mode! and as the rollers and carriers, reach their maximum point of travel/extension at the pinnacle of the rails, could a second pair of *eyes* detect where the sticky one(s) give up?? implying bent rod, build up of ink, at the bottom of the rod, failed split pin, leaving the spring free, to float instead of compress.??

***Footnote, with only a tiny *Fishermans,* Top Pocket, spring balance, (To weigh the One(s) that did Not get away!!!) with your springs removed, and using the spring balance, and just a tiny little ingenuity a passible assessment can be made of the strength of the springs, in comparison to each other, and the increase in working pressure from additional springs, before refitting.
If you fit extra springs of lighter capacity, in use (they) the lighter springs compress completely and effectively give an added boost to your weary ones, if in fact that is the problem??? . . Auxiliary springs, & spring balance, from a long time ago, not of my making, just suggestions.!!!
Good Luck.

If the spring tension is similar on one side as on the other, there should be no problem as the saddles are further extended than the “home” position when the rollers are mounted and in place with the proper roller trucks.

If one of the shafts is hanging up as the carriage descends, however, it could be a problem for you. Good lubrication and cleaning of the shaft the saddles are mounted on can significantly improve the roller action.

John Henry, Pilot press owner

Whatever the problem is, both sides should be the same if you want your rollers to move properly. I suggest careful disassembly, and cleaning and reassembling so that both sides are the same. There should be some tension from the springs, pulling the rollers down to make contact with the ink disk and the form.
Steve Saxe, (Pilot press owner)