I didn't understand you correctly to begin with - I saw a "1" ohm meter readings after reassembling my Herc and had to figure out where the rod belonged to correct it. The same reading is on the ohm meter by default to say "no circuit".
It sounds like there is definitely an issue with the rod...
k3nd4l - I just went through all this for the first time with a SR-74x and had a bit to learn. When you get a 1 on your ohm meter like that it means there is no conductivity through the Hercules (the circuit is not complete and will not carry electricity). You need to end up with a non 1 reading...
Buyer: @user411
Seller: @masaki
Description: W9tech Hercules SR-74
Cost: $85
Shipping Time: Very quick, about 3 days.
Rating: 5/5
Comments: Received the Hercules in good shape, very clean. Easy transaction