LNL froze up

[drz436]

I haven't used my lock n load in a few months so when I went down to my bench I started to pull the handle and when I got to the bottom of the stroke the index wheel wouldn't turn the drive shaft so the drive hub wouldn't turn I thought something was stuck or broke I couldn't hardly turn the drive hub with the allen wrench.
So I took the press apart and found that the drive hub was froze to the sub plate, this is the first time I had it apart I had to order a new drive hub because the upper thread part was cracked this was not causing the sticking.
I also had to order a new drive shaft I dinged it taking it apart "very soft steel" I also had to order a new c-clip because it went flying across the room I was wondering has anyone had their press freeze up on then before? and to those who have taken theirs apart what should I lube the drive hub with ?

Thanks, Brian

 

[thomas15]

I was wondering has anyone had their press freeze up on then before?

Answer: No

If you call Hornady they will send you replacement parts for free.

 

[Reeferman]

I took my subplate off a long time ago and use a light red synthetic grease on hub, drive and on the pawls. I really don't know how yours would have done what it did.
If I think its going to sit I spray Hornady One Shot on everything including the ram. It has sat for several months without being used and it sure didn't do what yours did. Is it in a really humid place?

 

[drz436]

I took my subplate off a long time ago and use a light red synthetic grease on hub, drive and on the pawls. I really don't know how yours would have done what it did.
If I think its going to sit I spray Hornady One Shot on everything including the ram. It has sat for several months without being used and it sure didn't do what yours did. Is it in a really humid place?

No not humid it is in a basement but I do have a dehumidifier running the drive hub that was stuck looked like cosmoline or something the only thing I can think of is when I clean off the sub plate I use rubbing alcohol and maybe it broke down the powder when it ran between the hub and plate. as far as calling Hornady they are sending me a drive hub free but they charged me for the shaft and c-clips I can't be upset for the charge because the shaft and clip are my fault but I can say I was expecting them to say no charge

 

[cfullgraf]

Rubbing alcohol has water in it.

I just wipe down my L-N-L with a dry cloth to remove dry particles and excess grease that oozes out from the main shaft.

 

[gojones]

I have removed my sub assembly on several occasions, cleaned and then greased using marine grease (blue). I have also used red grease. Not sure it makes any difference but use a good quality synthetic and keep well greased.

 

[DRAINSMITH]

I bought a press that set under water for 3 days when the Missouri river flooded here about 7 years ago then set for 3 years before I bought it. I soaked it for 3 days in a penetrating oil before it would even move. After I got it apart I buffed it with a brass wire wheel and then with a cloth buffing wheel with rouge. And then like gojones I used a light weight marine grease. After a few years, it is the smoothest running Ammo Plant I have. And I have 4.

 

[Blue68f100]

When you grease the ram you want the ram all the way up, so the grease will hit the grove in the ram. Be careful removing the gun from the zerk fitting. These are only pressed in. Most any grease will work, it will prevent any corrosion that may accrue. Just make sure you run the ram up and down a few times to distribute the grease. I always remove the the old grease from the ram before lubing.

 

[Cooter Boolit]

Wow, i have one of hornady`s OLD production progressive presses. (which i think, might have been the beginning of their progressive press fame, a 1991 Pro-Jector) I`ve never had mine freeze up on me. (and theres not one grease fitting in this old hornady press either, BUT, i do oil it couple times a year) Its actually been the most trouble free press i`ve ever owned. At one period of time when i wasn`t reloading, the press sat for 5+yrs and never touched, cleaned, lubed, or oiled, and when i got back into reloading, it hasnt had one single issue. Other than adjusting the pawls once since it was new, it has run perfect for 26yrs. I keep thinking i need a new progressive press (because i LOVE the LNL feature), but some of the horror stories i`ve seen on youtube, is actually keeping me from buying the new LNL press. Dillon is just out of the question for me, i am not a fan by any means of dillon. Thats another story for another time.

 

[Crashbox]

Sounds unusual- never happened to me and I've let my LNL AP press sit for several months at a time. I do keep it well-greased, though, for what it's worth...

 

[drz436]

I just wanted to check back in and say I put the new drive shaft and hub back together and all is well that was very strange for it to freeze up like that. I put a very light coat of marine grease on the hub I think I will take it apart maybe anually to clean it and lube.

just a note I took one of the linkage pins out because I took the cylinder off. the pin was a pain to put back in with the spring washers next time I will only take the two pan head screws off the hub assembly

Brian.

 

[Cooter Boolit]

Nice, glad you got it going again.