Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,797
Likes: 1,761
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
It sounds then like the screws are both bottomed out downward?
What happens if you back out the screw a quarter-turn, then screw back downward? Does it feel like the screw head is bottoming solidly???
I would be trying to "work" the screws downward, backing off just enough to gain movement, then down again and again.
I can't see any benefit to soaking it if the screws aren't frozen in place and the arms can move. Just make sure there is a bit of oil on the screw's threads above the threaded holes.