The trick with needle runners is to clip them on the needle bar with the opening in the needlerunner facing back (towards the machine), and it should be on the bar so it rides right in the middle of the tube stem, not too high and not too low. Don't bend the bar at all, and just bend the needles back a little. Dab some vaseline on the needle runner and it should work like a charm. (Still doesn't solve your problem, I know)