This disclosure describes a level indicator assembly for measuring the level of solids in a vessel. The level indicator may desirably comprise a solid shaft extending into a vessel. The shaft may have paddle connected to an interior end of the shaft and an external sensor attached to an exterior end of the shaft. A support structure may engage the sensor to prevent at least a portion of the sensor from moving. By keeping a portion of the sensor stationary, the sensor may measure the change in torsional force exerted on the shaft. By locating the sensor external to the vessel, operators may remove and replace sensors without accessing either the vessel interior or the portions of the level indicator assembly that extend into the vessel.