Have you tried a watch hand remover, which is similar to a gear remover but on a much smaller scale?

In your initial post, you mentioned that with a fixed voltage, the needle came to rest in various positions. To me, that does not mean you need more "grease." If the movement is jeweled, it's rare to need oil, except maybe after cleaning. A couple of years ago the temperature gauge on my tractor acted like that. To me, it was obvious the needle was slipping and was easily fixed. Saved $50.

My watchmaker tools are more than 50 years old. Don't use them every year, but they have proved well worth what I paid for them.

 

A watch hand remover will not work because the needle and counter balance are physically attached to the coil.

Keith

 

I did not mean to imply it was identical to a watch movement. Nevertheless, the needle is attached to a shaft, as was the temperature gauge on my tractor, and not "physically" connected directly to and only to the spring coil.

It's on a shaft, and that connection can become loose. Here's a typical D'Arsonval movement:




Maybe you can show how you think the needle is attached?

 

I did not mean to imply it was identical to a watch movement. Nevertheless, the needle is attached to a shaft, as was the temperature gauge on my tractor, and not "physically" connected directly to and only to the spring coil.

It's on a shaft, and that connection can become loose. Here's a typical D'Arsonval movement:


View attachment 214395

Maybe you can show how you think the needle is attached?

This is how the needle is usually attached on a moving coil meter. It is fastened directly to the coil, with the hairspring and bearings mounted above it.

 

Is it ok if the needle is not sticky, but the meter is only accurate when placed horizontal (or almost horizontal)? The readings are about 2-3% lower when used in vertical position? Tested on Vdc and ohms. Is this common for analog (passive) multimeters?

 

Is it ok if the needle is not sticky, but the meter is only accurate when placed horizontal (or almost horizontal)? The readings are about 2-3% lower when used in vertical position? Tested on Vdc and ohms. Is this common for analog (passive) multimeters?

If they are properly balanced, they should read the same in any attitude. Here is the way to re-balance it - thanks to W. R. Triplett

 

If they are properly balanced, they should read the same in any attitude. Here is the way to re-balance it - thanks to W. R. Triplett

Thank you!
Just in case I didn't get it right, when the instructions say "horizontal position", is it like when the meter is layed on a table (like in this picture)?





Is "vertical position" like the regular position of a Simpson or AVO?

 

I would adjust the zero adjustment on the front face of the meter for your most common orientation of the meter.
Don't lose sweat when the meter is oriented differently.
Otherwise its time to move on to a DMM (digital multimeter).

 

Otherwise its time to move on to a DMM (digital multimeter).

Actually, I'm moving from DMM to analog
Just kidding. I have several DMM. But I like analog meters.

 

Thank you!
Just in case I didn't get it right, when the instructions say "horizontal position", is it like when the meter is layed on a table (like in this picture)?
View attachment 224969




Is "vertical position" like the regular position of a Simpson or AVO?
View attachment 224970

Yes, that is correct.
If you need to adjust the side weights, it is easier to just bend the needle slightly, close to the coil, towards the light side rather than mess with the weights. If you do that, you will need to re-adjust the zero.