Little Help Please!!

One of our machines is doing something I've never seen before. It's a 1989 TME HC 912 Tajima that is close to needing a complete overhaul, but it still runs, so I run it. I have one head where the #2 needle sews just fine, but at any, ANY stop (thread break, manual stop, bobbin sensor, etc.) the needle bar drops the presser foot to 1/4" off of the plate! Timing is good, the thread take up lever is at top deadcenter, and the reciprocator is in proper position and acts properly with good spring action.

I am stumped. Any ideas guys?

Thanks

Jamie
Artex Knitting Mills
Union Made in the USA and PROUD OF IT

Location: 
United States

Well color me really stupid. After taking the head of, and removing the needle bar, I found a little piece of the crap silicone gaskets they used at the botton of the needle bar guide inside the head. I pealed it off with a pen knife, put the head back together and..... it runs again. 2 hours of time spent on a worn out gasket! Sheesh.