SteveH wrote: "there is an alignment mark On the needlebar shaft, there is a groove put in about 1/2 to 1 inch from the top.
SteveH, is this a vertical grove on the right side of the needlebar shaft? That is the only mark I can find.
Also, I do think it's possible the needle clamp is on the wrong way. Currently it's wrapped around the back of the needle bar. Is that as it should be?