[audin]

So, yes, the coil is not open. It reads about 500 ohms. I removed the unit from the radio and played with it using 2 D batteries. I was able to regain some function by placing a small rare-earth magnet on the rear end of the meter where the adjustment screw goes (after removing the screw). The magnet provides the centering force.

The shadow now varies from about full width to 1/4 width on a (very) strong station (my AMT3000 transmitter). I can't say it is terribly useful for tuning, but at least it moves. I'm not sure how well these things are supposed to work. On weaker stations it never moves at all.