Surfjumper

I ran into the same issues. I couldn't seat the Cel. Focus Motor properly on my Evo 9.25. After reading everyone's posts I found the optimal solution. I'm shocked Celestron can't figure this one out, and recommend, but it's quite easy once you know what to get. Step 1: Replace the original cover plate that came with the scope. Step 2: Place whichever new cover plate required for your scope on top of the original cover plate. Step 3: Run down to Ace Hardware and buy three (3) M3x0.5x10mm metric socket head screws. (Be sure you have a 3mm socket wrench). I bought mine for $0.27/piece at Ace. Edmonds optics offers a pack of 5 for $6.00. Here's a link for those that would like to order direct: https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/m3-x-05-x-10mm-l-socket-head-cap-screw-pack-of-5-/28329?gclid=CjwKCAjw2f-VBhAsEiwAO4lNeOpotb68msz8rXfzDvYbGLZ6Rryv-n358vGZUYbcvD8xV8tk_rw5jBoC0UsQAvD_BwE Step 4: With the original cover plate aligned properly with the screw holes, place an equally aligned scope plate (the one that came with the motor that adapts to your scope) on top of that. Then use a 3mm socket wrench to work each of the three screws into place. Twist it slowly, until it goes snug, for each screw in turn, then tighten each up snug. You will enjoy the experience of feeling a snugged up screw and that sense of "omg, this actually was designed properly!" That's the feeling that Celestron has been robbing each of us who've purchased this device... until now. Step 5: Continue with the rest of the installation with total ease at this point. Everything will lock down nice and firmly. That is LITERALLY all you have to do. If you use the screws I specified above, they will tighten down perfectly. If you wanted to work some Threadlocker into the screw holes, you can, but I haven't found the need and I've been using it for several nights in a row now... Unfortunately, in Orange County that means focusing on clouds, but the motor worked perfectly, without a hitch. In reality, this is actually a more effective fix than what Celestron shipped, and using this approach is inherantly better for mounting against this bearing. As was written up pretty well by another fellow, the bearing is not flush with the rest of the housing. It protrudes approximately 1mm out, poking its little neck up enough to make screwing in the three provided crews a completely impossible task. On the reverse side of the original cover plate, there is a recession of approximately 1mm that is finely milled into the cover plate. By keeping this in place, the bearing is able to rotate, ever so slightly, within that milled space. I think most engineers would agree that this is the far superior solution for this product as all they would have to do is change the screws they ship, and change the instructions. Not quite sure Celestron doesn't just ship the scopes with three extra socket head screws for less than $1, with no returns, and full satisfaction.