Float problem with Aquafine Water Softener

[alfie]

We own an Aquafine Water Softener of the mid 80's vintage. I thought I'd check the salt reservoir to see if salt should be added. On doing so, I noticed the water level to be about 2" from the top of the tube containing the float, etc. There is about 12" of salt at the bottom of the tank. I set the unit to manually regenerate to see if the problem was a one-off or if, in fact, the unit needed attention. As the unit progressed through the stages of the regeneration, it was noticed that the float had become trapped under a plastic fitting on the inside of the tube located about half way up the tube. On closer examination, there is a piece of plastic surrounding the top of the float that appears to have been connected to the inside of the tube to keep it away from the fitting that the float was trapped under? If this is correct, does anyone have an idea as to where this connection should be made? Any help would be greatly appreciated.