Mills mech lockup - Silent Modern Front

[Walter Newton]

I got this Mills Silent Modern Front (Double Eagle, Mills Silent Vendor) knowing that the mech was locked up mid-cycle.

But boy oh boy, it's locked up solid.

I wanted to try backing off the operating fork lift pin (photo 4), but I can't crack that adjustment screw to save my life (photo 2). I tried a little oil on the screw, still won't budge.

I tried "popping" the ratchet (photo 3), but that won't budge.

Handle mech won't go down any further (or won't move any further), so I can't get a little tension off of ratchet (or other parts).

There is no "play" on any part associated with the handle. It's a rather clean mech, no rust, metal looks good (photo 1).

Any suggestions?

[BALTMANHD103]

Try using liquid wrench and let it sit over night

[Walter Newton]

That ratchet (the thing in the pork chop gear teeth) is not budging at all, no matter how much leverage I put against it.

I don’t know why.