Yes, sounds a bit odd. However, since it is a strut style, you should be able to get a good look at what is going on from top and bottom? I don't know the exact model, so I'm only guessing.
Here's the theory, to my mind, of how it should work. Once the three collimation locking screws (the smaller ones?) are screwed well back out of the way, you can see what is going on. As each of the three collimation screws are turned clockwise, they should pull their corner of the mirror cell and the mirror follows!) down towards the bottom end of the scope tube - and the primary mirror tilts accordingly. They should pull against spring pressure so it may get a bit firmer as the springs gets more compressed. As you turn them counter clockwise, the opposite occurs, that corner of the mirror cell moves upward, assisted by the spring. Now, is it possible to screw this so far that the screw comes out of the mirror cell and turns freely - well maybe, depending on the design. Could one completely strip the thread so the screw turns freely? Hopefully not by hand? Did you put the pipewrench and a six foot piece of water pipe on the wrench to get some action! I doubt it. So a visual inspection from above and below may show what is happening. Perhaps you can post some photos so we can see.
Before you do all this twiddling, you have an ideal opportunity to understand what is happening. Being a strut, you can stand behind and see the laser spots on the secondary mirror. The approximately centred spot is the one coming out of the laser. If the Primary is roughly right, the other spot will be the laser returning after bouncing off the primary. If way off, the spot will be missing the secondary. Just search for it with a sheet of paper over the open end of the scope. You can look at that spot and adjust each of the primary collimating screws in turn and see if the spot moves exactly as you would anticipate from my description above. If it doesn't, time to stop and examine carefully to see what is happening mechanically - something is wrong and it shouldn't be to hard to pinpoint and repair.
Sydney is full of IceInSpacers! Is it time to offer the coffee/tea/beer/view of Bondi Beach etc. to entice some experienced over to help you?
Eric
