221 Featherweight Problem

[Morgoroth]

Something strange is happening with my thread injector, and I don't know if it is a big deal, or something simple.

I have a 221 Featherweight that my grandmother got as a wedding present in the '40s and it seems to be ill.

The motor turns the wheel but the needle doesn't really move.
If there is any pressure on the needle (sewing with fabric) the machine just stops.

Well, the wheel (pt# 45817) spins but nothing else happens.

I'm guessing there is some type of clutch system in the machine?

Here is a diagram I found that shows the part number referenced.
http://www.221parts.com/explodedview221large.gif

[Fibby]

Maybe try tightening the belt. I had a similar problem with mine and that's what fixed it. Mine's not a featherweight though so this could possibly not help you at all

Nevermind. Just looked at your diagram and it doesn't seem to have a belt.

[Morgoroth]

I thought of that, but even when I turn the wheel by hand, it has the same problem.

I don't know if the clutch is slipping or something is bound up somewhere.

[gmcttr]

Try turning part #51350 (stop-motion screw) clockwise to tighten it. It is the knob in the center of the hand wheel.

You loosen it while winding a bobbin so the needle, feed dogs, etc. don't operate while doing this.

Thanks for the parts list drawing.

[Morgoroth]

Try turning part #51350 (stop-motion screw) clockwise to tighten it. It is the knob in the center of the hand wheel.

You loosen it while winding a bobbin so the needle, feed dogs, etc. don't operate while doing this.

Thanks for the parts list drawing.

You supposed to do that?
I didn't know. Thanks! I'll try that when I get home.

Edit-It does have a belt. It's just not shown, or I have the wrong diagram.

[gmcttr]

You supposed to do that?
I didn't know. Thanks! I'll try that when I get home.

Who knew. I just got a 221 yesterday (see the "show us your thread injector" thread) and figured that out in response to your post. I was about to point out a couple of set screws to check when I saw the knurling on that knob and wondered what it was for. We both learned something today.

Let us know if that solves the problem.

[nothermark]

FWIW - If that is Singer 221 Featherweight they are working collector items. The quilters love them. That is why there are parts and information available. They do take a bit of maintenance to run properly. You might find this link useful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjYlrJ-YLSA

I have his DVD's - worth the price if you do your own work.

[Morgoroth]

Yeeaaaa!

That worked!

I knew it would be something simple.
I'll look into those DVD's too. I would prefer to do my own repairs.

[nothermark]

I was looking for some parts and came across the manual for the 221 on line:

http://www.singer-featherweight.com/...es/singfea.pdf

[Ramblinrev]

Yeeaaaa!

That worked!

I knew it would be something simple.
I'll look into those DVD's too. I would prefer to do my own repairs.

first thought that came to my mind. But others beat me to it.

Take care of that machine. It is worth professional servicing it could be that valuable. My wife has been offered $500 for hers a while back. They are superb machines with a very loyal collector and quilter following.