AF 551 Head scratcher

[rthonpm]

Here's one that I'm hoping someone can give me a logical explanation for.
I had a 551 where the LCT would not move paper over to the right side of the tray. If paper was put on the right side the tray would lift and feed as normal, but as soon as the paper ran out even though the display would show plenty of paper on the left side it would never move over. I replaced the motor, harness, checked the sensors and everything seemed right, but it just would not transfer paper over! After two failed attempts to resolve I went back on a slow day and double checked everything again. Every sensor, every motor, every thing. It all looks right.
After spending all that time, after re-installing everything I go to close the LCT when I see I've left the screws connecting the right tray to the rail, and what do you know: it works! Paper moves from the left tray over to the right.I put the screws back in, and the problem comes back. After some trial and error I get the screws loose enough to let the tray accept paper, but tight enough to keep it on the rail.
Has anyone seen this kind of thing before, or does this copier have a few screws loose more than just literally?

[cobiray]

Sounds like the connector wasn't making connection very well when closed. I'm guessing the rail was a little bit short or mis aligned preventing the connector from connecting properly. Just a guess mind you.

[kyoceran]

Possibly needs the support rail screws tightening up, they come loose and cause all sorts of mischief.

[DocF]

I had a lot of these in schools. You have the issue caused by incorrectly closing both pieces of the lct at the same time. It bends all kinds of things. I put the revised guides on the rails, usually had to replace a rail or two and things would work for a while until the tray was even more abused.

Doc