I was given this pressure canner, have read through the manual several times, and have tried on numerous occassions to do trial runs to bring it up to pressure. Each time, I let it steam for ten minutes, then add the weighted gauge.... And after a few minutes, the gauge lifts up on one side, lets out steam for about 45 seconds, then drops back down and repeats every couple minutes. It NEVER gets to the point where it is jiggling, and I have to keep the heat on high for it to move at all. I have tried it on both my stoves - I have a glass top with an extra large eye for canning, and also a regular gas stove - with the same results on each. I don't think it is a heat issue. I *think* that maybe my gauge is missing a part, or something. It doesn't press onto the stem and click, and the stem is threaded at the top, but the weight is not threaded on the inside, so I can't screw it on, either. Can someone share a photo of what the weight is SUPPOSED to look like? I just want to make sure that the weight IS the problem before I go ordering a new one.

This is a picture of my weight, taken apart.

Am I missing something? If not, the only other thing that I can see that is amiss, is that it drips slightly at the handle on one side.... Very, very slightly. Could that be causing the problem?

Thanks so much! I cannot wait to get canning... Safely.

Kelly