Yup, that thin steel shell on the outside should float quite freely. Since
the only thing exerting any force on it is the magnetic field from the
spinning magnet, any little bit of drag will totally monkey-wrench the
process. I bet pulling out that sensor and re-seating it a wee bit farther
back will cure it. Time for than glue gun again!

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"

> Ahah! I think you have something here. The rest or the story is that I
> installed a vehicle speed sensor in the cruise control hole while the
> speedometer was out. This was in support of the soon to be installed Subaru
> engine and its OBD I control system. I inserted a Hall effect sensor mounted
> on a wood and copper bracket that holds the sensor in close proximity to the
> little disc with the magnets. At this point, based on your description, I
> will bet that the copper wire that secures the sensor or the glue that binds
> the two together is in contact with the shell you mentioned. When I
> installed the assembly I pushed it all the way in and then retracted it
> until it would allow easily spinning the disc with a cross tip screwdriver.
> Now I am thinking that although the disc is free to move my assembly may be
> contacting the shell you mentioned and preventing the needle from moving.
> The needle will not move currently, at least not without considerable force.
> I take it from your comments that it should move freely. Does this  sound
> like I can regain my composure by backing out my assembly? I would simply
> try that except it is at my shop and I am not. Plus I used enough hot glue
> to hold that assembly in place for the next millenium.
>
> Thanks for you input. I have been rather upset this afternoon over this
> turn of events.
>
> Craig
>
>