think I worked it out. feels good now. took it apart, checked the centre basket nut again reassemled it and the hub seemed to line up better with all the plates firm. the oil was extremely sticky. i think thats where the problem was at first, additives or contaminated or old oil. I'll see how i go with fresh oil in it tomorrow.
funny plate set up on it-the closest plate to the engine was thinner with a seperate metal curved ring. the other plates were 2 different colours, some brighter than the darker ones .. thanks for the input guys!