Bit of a problem with the line space plunger--it's not releasing the platen! When I push it in, the platen still clicks once per line instead of rolling freely.

It was working fine until I had the bright idea of replacing the rubber on the platen. I removed the platen without a problem. Putting it back hasn't been as easy! It works fine otherwise. Types well, carriage return works. Just the line space plunger isn't what it used to be.

Any clues as to what I might be doing wrong?

Couple of other details that I've found curious and that may be related:

1. I've taken the platen off and put it back on at least a half dozen times. On a few occasions, the platen would not engage the line spacing mechanism at all and would just roll freely. Carriage return did not work. I could not figure out why it was not engaging.

2. There's a washer on the platen shaft that seems to do nothing. I've put it on the right side as that seems to be the only place for it, but it does not sit snugly. There's space on either side of it. Do I have it in the wrong spot?

I'm a relative newbie at typewriter repair, so please be gentle.


Dino