Will the diagonal cut (EII) upper shaft fit into an Explorer XS?

[Big Fang Coin Biter]

When they fixed my XS they put on an Explorer II type housing. In order to get my old upper shaf/X-1 probe to fit I had to hacksaw it to the diagonal shaped end. It worked great and ML sent me a new free upper shaft.

Now I am thinking of selling the probe ($150.00) but I am not sure that it will fit the original XS anymore. Does the diagonal cut upper shaft go into the original XS housing far enough to lock in?

Thanks for your help and HH - BF

 

[Jeff In North Georgia]

Yes. The diagonal cut on the shaft allows it to go an extra ~ 1" into the housing of all the Explorer machines. It will "feel" strong, less flex in the shaft / control housing. Should not be an issue.

HH
Jeff

 

[Rick(ND)]

I have always understood that the newer diagonal cut upper shafts will not work on the older XS and why it is hard to get a probe for a XS now as these shaft are no longer made.
I bet Ralph at Sun Ray will know for sure if you want to E Mail him.

 

[Big Fang Coin Biter]

n/t

 

[Hard Nosed Dave]

and based on what I have heard and seen, I am almost 99.99% sure it will fit on the earlier Explorer XS's . I have one of the original Explorer XS's and it had provision in that original design to accommodate the angle cut upper rod. The very design of the internal rubber boot of the coil connection is set on an angle so I'm betting it was always like that.

To be sure though, just in case we got a differing version to you here in Australia

Take a flash light and look into the hole and around the black coil connection boot. You should be able to see the back face on an angle

or

Insert a tooth pick or flat round or squared off blade of blunt knife or similar that is smaller than the width of the upper shaft tube and see if it will insert deeper along the surface of bottom face of the insert point of the upper shaft than that of the surface along the top face of the insert point of the upper shaft.
It's most likely that it will and you'll have a depth differential.



David Di

 

[Jeff In North Georgia]

When I still had my XS, I tried my new II's upper shaft into the XS and it fit just fine.
I turned the upper shaft down 180 degrees so the lower shaft clamp was down (to avoid dirt getting int it like the II's), cut the shaft off at a 45 degree angle. It worked great, didn't have any problem with it sliding out even though I had cut off the "dimple" on the end of the shaft.

HH
Jeff

 

[Rick(ND)]

When I got the II I took a XS shaft and cut it at a angle in order for it to work while my II shaft was sent in to have a X1 put on it. I was told that these shaft because of the angle were not interchangeable. I will have to check now when I get a XS in to see if the II shaft will fit, but i am sure the XS shaft will not fit in the new Explorer II or the SE as it need the angle in the shaft in order to fit correctly.

 

[Big Fang Coin Biter]

The diagonal cut upper shaft used on the original XS housing (the one that had plastic cracking problems) will slip out during use.

This leaves me wondering maybe it could be adapted with a layer of tape to tighten it up.

If I do sell the probe separate from my unit I will make sure the folks know this and let them make the decision.

Thanks again for the help.
HH - BF