Front door Striker Bolts

[BobJones]

Hi guys!

The front door striker bolts seem to be off on my Diplomat so I thought I would loosen them up and see if I can get the door aligned better.

Unfortunately, now it's so bad the door won't close. Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't those bolts be able to move up and down?

Also, can the entire bolt be removed or will this cause the nuts on the backside to drop down and then I'll really be in trouble?

[windsorbill]

Yes. They will move up and down and you can take the bolt out completely without worrying about the nut dropping.

To align them, tighten the bolt just enough to not move. When you shut the door, it should move the bolt to the perfect spot. Open the door gently and tighten the bolt being careful not to move it.

[BobJones]

Thank you!!

That seems to have fixed it. One thing I did have to do though was, once they were aligned, I found the dead bolt did not work. The door needed to be sucked in more. So I loosened them off and moved both strikers in a bit. The dead bolt works, but only if you manually pull the door in once closed. So it seems it's still off a bit but it is working and it is better.

[veraken]

Here are a 2 files that may help you

[Blufox]

Originally Posted by veraken

Here are a 2 files that may help you

Correct me if I am wrong but the striker plate even when the bolt is tight MUST be able to float. On my 15 Ventana 4369, I can actually move it with thumb/forefinger. I use electrical cleaner to Spray to keep the surfaces clean.

Eric

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by Blufox

Correct me if I am wrong but the striker plate even when the bolt is tight MUST be able to float.

Note that the instructions say "if too tight the striker won't float"

[BobJones]

Originally Posted by veraken

Here are a 2 files that may help you

Thank you!! One of those files in particular will be essential. I'm going to go into it further this week because it's been on my mind that the door is seeing a LOT of use so I'd like to make sure everything is ship-shape.

[Dennis_K]

When I started looking to see why my door wouldn't latch correctly I screwed with the strikers a bunch and finally discovered that the bolt was a little short. As in the head of the striker was hitting the latch slightly. I installed a washer under the striker bolt and the door shuts great now.

[Blufox]

Originally Posted by CountryB

Note that the instructions say "if too tight the striker won't float"

Here at the NKK Rally, PTL the supply vendor had a sign up sheet
For any and all who wanted service on their entry door. Mine was done yesterday. They corrected the “slam” effort needed to close the door by replacing the door stop rubber bumpers, removed the striker bolt and reinstalled ( tightened with a 1/2” drive & socket) explaining you cannot over tighten and left me with the upgraded internal mechanism all at no charge. I had just paid NEWMAR for service on this door 3 weeks ago with little improvement. I queried the PTL tech about NEWMARs knowledge of this repair procedure. He responded with “ they have known for quite a while.

[Blufox]

Sorry for the double photo

[Blufox]

Upon my return to Florida, I will remove the Maple wood frame giving access to the original mechanism for removal. I will then reinstall the new latch mechanism. This operation is relatively easy to accomplish - just requires patience for “first timers.”

[RustyTools]

Blufox -
Does that PTL latch work on Monacos too?

[Blufox]

Originally Posted by RustyTools

Blufox -
Does that PTL latch work on Monacos too?

My assumption is yes, if your entry door is a PTL mfg. entry door. Here is their contact information:

Product Engineering and design
Lapeer, MI
810-664-2310

Give them a call . . . extremely accommodating

[hypoxia]

While you're messing with the door latch, if your shorts catch on the latch grind the end off! Compliments of the Quartzsite Monacoers Group!