Tight headset

[whathegram]

Hey everyone,

I finally sourced an old Marzocchi MX comp to try on my 2007 Kona Explosif.

The problem is no matter how I adjust the headset, the new fork feels way too tight. It's a pretty standard looking superstar components sealed cartridge headset, and it seemed fine with the P2 I had before (also 1 1/8" steerer). However, a while back I tried a new eXotic carbon fork which would not even pass all the way through the headset. I returned that fork believing it was faulty. I'm wondering if the tolerances of this headset are really tight or somehow I installed it wrong. Has anyone had a similar issue? I'm tempted to order a new headset and have a shop fit it.

thanks!
Dave

 

[captaincowelly]

Did the headset come with a small tapered collar?Sits between steerer and top bearing.Had the same issue with a Cane Creek headset I installed,it was missing from the pack so didn't know.Once play was adjusted out,the headset seized solid.Fitted a new one,all good.
This is it,upside down.

Pictured below in the wrong cup but you can see how it should fit.,last thing before the top cap goes on.