Hp 67 card reader axle pin seated fully.?

[jftman]

I replaced a gummy wheel with two O rings and have slapped it together.
I did the test of inserting a mag card to feel for any pressure after the first eighth inch contacting the roller etc.
I get good results. The card hits, stops, moves inward with gentle force =all good!
I did not put a battery on the motor leads (one N cell is the suggested charge).

But……..I put the axle pin in with a finger press, and see that the gear looks straight and engages the worm gear so, it appears ready.

I can turn the axle pin, which is normal since it it a ‘cam’ to eccentrically adjust the clearance and card tension, as I understand. THOUGH after screwing everything between the reader and floor plate, I noticed……..

The axle pin is not flush against the reader housing. There is about 1/16- 1.5 sixteenth gap. Does this mean that I can push it in further?
I can’t imagine that the far end is not inserted where it needs to be because I can turn tge axle pin using a thin screw driver both directions, but putting inward force it does not want to clise the gap.

Have I messed up?
ThankYou for what I can try or have assurance with.