I have been using my great-grandmother's sewing machine for years, and it is just now giving me a problem. When I begin sewing by pushing the foot pedal, it will sometimes start and it will sometimes not. If it does, I have to have the pedal to the floor to keep it going, so I can only sew very fast. If I let it slow down, the machine gets stuck.
I have tried everything from cleaning it, disassembling what I can to check for problems, oiling it, and more. Am I most likely looking at a problem with the foot pedal, the motor, an internal belt or gear, or a timing issue?
By Jessica B.
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It does sound like a problem with the foot pedal (timing problems usually show up as the needle hitting the plate or bobbin-you'll hear a little clunk every time the needle goes down into the bobbin area).
It could be as simple as a worn wire in the pedal, or it could be something more serious. You can try opening the foot pedal housing and giving the interior a look over-take clear photos first and be sure to check the photos before you disassemble anything-you may see the trouble straight off.
If you can't see any obvious problems, put the housing back on, check the voltage (should be printed on the bottom of the pedal), and try a different foot pedal in the same voltage to see if that sorts the problem. Foot pedals do go bad over time so that may be the problem.
You can find a replacement either at the Sears parts site:
searspartsdirect.com
You can also check eBay for vintage Kenmore parts.
I have a very similar problem with my Frister Rossmann 904, and I am in Scotland, so if Frugal Sunnie could pass on some tips that would be great! I've just stumbled on this site in search of an answer. I got the machine second hand, so don't know its history.
There is a pressure plate right below the knob that u twist to unlock to wind your bobbin, this is your problem. U can get more life out of your machine without spending money. That that small plate and slighly bend it so it won't sit on there flush and it will work. I spent 285 $ fo get mine fixed
Have someone check the brushes in the motor. I have found this to be a common problem in the older machines. If the brushes are ok the next thing I would look at is the foot pedal. It may need to be replaced.
There is a pressure plate right below the knob that u twist to unlock to wind your bobbin, this is your problem. Yo can get more life out of your machine without spending money.
disengage your bobbin. I had the very same problem. My grandbabies engaged the bobbin button. Until I noticed it, i had the very same problem you are having.
Does the motor spin (whizzz) & seem to run or "race" but the needle just sits there? if so- the culprit is most likely a stuck feed dog. There's a button on far right bottom of the machine that says "FEED". It's more like a lever than a button- but if you press it either way, does the feed dog lower or raise up or do nothing? if it's stuck- it is an easy fix, although a PITA.
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