[Lynn Eades]

To put it another way to Gordon, There is a hair spring attached to the needle spindle that is trying to return the needle to zero, (to the stop pin) How much tension is on that spring is the problem. One way to try to second guess where to put the needle back on the spindle , is to (before removing the needle) gently lift the end of the needle over the stop pin and see where the needle wants to point. on re assembly, put it back in the same place. this should be reasonably close.
(Bacon and eggs are getting cold. Bye.