I have an old singer machine and it seems to work fine for a while, but then gradually slows down, finally grinding to a halt. Giving it a rest seems to restore it for a bit.
Does this sound like it needs an oiling? If so, how much? I have the manual and it doesn't say but I seem to recall someplace that only a drop or two in each indicated location was sufficient (and that more than that was detrimental).
Sounds more to me like a motor problem. Heat can build up and robb the motor of its power. DO NOT oil the motor. Very bad idea.
Oil is measured in drops. Only put it where it is called for.
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It needs the lint cleaned out and oiling if you haven't done it recently. However, this wouldn't cause the situation you describe as the drag would be consistent from the start.
In addition to it possibly being a motor problem, I wonder if it could be a problem with the foot speed control. I've heard of cracked carbon disks in these, but don't remember the symptoms.
I'd take it to a repair shop and have them try a different controller if you don't have access to one yourself.
Ok, thanks for the suggestions.
Agreed that it's most likely a motor or foot control problem. If you're a wannabe electrician, you can test the foot control by simply connecting the two wires together that go to it. This will bypass the carbon-pile resistors and provide full juice to the motor.
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Sounds like a heat issue to me - Things you can do are to clean the gunk off all the moving surfaces and oil the machine, don't forget to clean the lint out of the motor area too (make sure the machine is powered down for safety). Could it also be time to replace your belt?
Unless someone posts some repair or maintenance based on their personal experience, I'd say make sure she's clean and still having a problem, then find a pro to at least check it out for you.
I had a not so old Singer do that to me. The contacts were closing too soon so it was only getting partial power that got worse as it heated up - adjustment of the contacts and a light sanding of them to remove any carbon build-up did the trick.
Worst case scenario is to replace the foot pedal. Different models of machines have different connections from the wire to the machine so if you can't find the matching pedal for your model machine, a simple splice job between the connection at the sewing machine and the foot pedal will do the job.
Because you say it works fine after a cooling off period, I would tend toward a lubrication issue. I have seen what you describe happen because of a lack of oil in the right places. As you sew the bearing surfaces heat up, expand, and the increased friction causes the moving parts to stop moving. Not a good scenario, causing excesive wear and tear. I'd oil it and see if it happens again. If it does, then the motor/foot pedal could be the problem. If not, then you fixed it.
Originally Posted by gmcttr
Or I could be wrong.
Judith did the same thing after I replaced her belt once; the belt was too tight. I adjusted for the right tension and she was back in top form.
Have you replaced or adjusted the belt recently?
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