I actually think the needle goes in flat side to the right, and threads from left to right? Double check with manual. For the stop motion screw, there is a tiny oil point on top (probably furthest right excluding the tensioner); when you oil you have to tilt the machine to the right, maybe placing a thick book or piece of wood under the left side of the base and oil repeatedly while you run the machine. Poke a tooth pick down the hole to check if it's blocked. This oil point is often stubborn because the oil tends to go down the shaft and not horizontally along the axle that holds the hand wheel and stop motion screw. Alternatively you can take of the stop motion screw and inspect parts too, and it's easier to oil all parts involved all and clean if needed. Parts have to be assebled correctly for it to work, but it's usually all about tentative oiling and running the machine in. If you hold the lift up lever with the tip of your finger, does the needle stop moving?