Just bought the exact same machine for $25.00. While it is not gummed up, it needs some timing work. Really looking forward to seeing more in this series. There are lots of videos out there on Singers, but very little on Kenmore machines. So THANK YOU!
mk wats these machines hardly ever need timing work. Look into other issues it maybe having first. What is the machine doing or not doing to make you think timing is s problem?
I’m working on a kenmore that I found in a storage room at my parents house. There seems to be a slight scraping sound coming from the wheel area. I was wondering how to look at it and make sure it wasn’t oiled. Thank you so much. You’ve been a great help to me. Julie 🥰
Thank you so much! I have a new-to-me Kenmore 158.1831. It's in pretty good shape but I was worrying that the handwheel moved too stiffly & could not figure out how to remove the side panel. Now I know, and I also know that there is sufficient play in the belts. I'm oiling other areas to see if that helps wake it up. I also appreciate your comment about not tightening the screws holding plastic and metal pieces together too much. Excellent video!
I have the exact same machine that someone used the wrong lubricant on. Luckily for me, they didn’t apply it under the top or on the bottom. You are teaching me sooo much. I hope I have the patience to save this machine. GREAT WORK!
I have just started watching your videos. I like your approach to repairs, patience. Great videos. I have a few questions. Have you ever used brake cleaner to help clean parts? Is sewing machine oil the same as sae 20 non-detergent oil? Where would be a a good source for parts? Keep the videos coming. Thanks
Thank you for watching Anthony! I have not used brake cleaner. One reason for this is that when using any kind of liquid, its so important to control where it wanders and runs to. Any strong solvent can react with and damage paint finishes. The other concern is keeping any liquids out of the motor. For mechanical parts, your idea might be useful, but I have not experimented. I have another product I plan on trying for this stubborn Kenmore so stay tuned. Oh, no, sewing machine oil does not have an SAE specification as far as I know. Thank you for sharing and commenting!
Hi this is great. I have this machine. I need the upper and the lower belts but I can’t find them. Can you tell Me where I can fine them? Thanks I bought from Amazon but they are wrong.
I have 158.17033. Has plastic side panel like yours, but the side wheel covers the hole keeping side panel from coming off. The band slips. I want to get to the band and clean it up or replace. How to get the side wheel off ? Any idea? Belt seems oily, but may just need the bracket adjusted.
I have a zig zag that was making noise. I ordered belts, but when I checked the originals, they seemed fine. What WAS loose though, was the PULLEY. It wiggles a bit left and right. The bracket is lower than this machine though. its RIGHT underneath the 2 spaces where you put the side plate back on. Is there any way to tighten this or fix this without taking the spring and whole bracket off? anyone have any idea?
The kenmore I had was older than this one.It was a flat bed and the dials were different.I thought it was a 1976 model but noe I'm thinking it was a '75 model
I have a kenmore Mdl 1914. My motor belt broke, so I couldn’t see how it was actually threaded before, nor see how it looked in your video since you didn’t have that showing on your video. I have the new belt on, and the machine sees, but is now making some type of rattle noise and the belt doesn’t look right to me. If I could see “how” it should be threaded on the motor that might help me figure out what’s wrong. I was trying to keep it out of the shop so I wouldn’t have to do without it for 3 or 4 weeks. Any idea where I might be able to see the entire setup?
Hey, since you had already loosened the tension screws, why didn't you remove the belts, unscrew and remove the pulley, and give them all a good clean? And then you could have easily cleaned off that grease from the other parts too.
Great question. I was able to inspect the belts and ascertained that they were not contaminated. Had they been, I would have removed them and replaced with new. Since lubricants will degrade and shorten belt life, I would prefer to replace belts instead of washing them, but these ( surprisingly) were fine. I find these Kenmores one of the best machines for clients that want a vintage machine that can convert to a Free Arm setup and so I will likely have one that needs new belts in the future and will gladly make a video showing how to replace them. Thank you for your suggestions.
Similar to machine in this video, Do you know if the 158 (chrome/plastic) hand wheel assembly is interchangeable w other “158 - Chrome/plastic” hand wheels? Like a model 158.1941 with a 158.1781?
I actually do not know for sure Kevin, but given that I've never seen an alternate size, I would hazard to guess that the answer is yes. But this is a guess on my part.
New subbie here. I came over from a Vintage Kenmore Yahoo group. You have great content! I have a question. You mentioned that you had shown how to remove the lid in some other video. I went to search, but could not find it. Would you please direct me to that one? Thanks for all you do! btw, I have a 158.1980 with the Cams that my mom gave me years ago when she got herself a portable to take around to some quilt classes she was doing. Before that, I had her old Singer from 60's. I gave that one to a missionary when I got her Kenmore. I now alos have my grandmother's machine: Singer, straight stitch, black with gold designs. It's a dreamy one. I will have to invest in some rewiring, but the rest should be just basic cleaning. I learned to sew on that sweetie. lol
Hi Judi. It sounds like you have a nice array of family heirlooms! I made quite a few videos staring this Kenmore Free Arm and they might all have something useful for you. I believe there may have been more than one video where I demonstrate how to remove the tops that don't have screws but this one for sure does. FYI, each model can vary so use this as a guide but examine your model to be sure there is not some alternate way to remove the lid. I hope this is helpful. ua-cam.com/video/MHM-MNJz5wk/v-deo.html
You must install the correct belts or. endless, pressure,,, also you must oil the double pulley,,,remove and clean pulley shaft. ,,,use a proper screwdriver. ,,,why don’t you remove the belts and reinstall,,,that will be exciting,,, you clean the belts ,,by running the Machine,,,and wiping the pulleys with paper towel. All screws must be proper tightening,,not a pinch. This is a good machine.
You share some good ideas Michael, but if the belts and pulley were the issue, the machine would not run after each of these initial 'cleanings' with the various products I have tried. The pattern of behavior for this machine reveals that whatever grease I am loosening with these products I'm trying is thickening back up after the machine cools. But , I "think" that the machine is getting cleaner with each application so we will see. I do agree that it would a great video idea to showcase the belts and pulley overhaul. However, I perform work on machines based on my assessment of what they need. If I cannot get to 100 % normal running, I may take on your suggestion so thank you for that.
Just bought the exact same machine for $25.00. While it is not gummed up, it needs some timing work. Really looking forward to seeing more in this series. There are lots of videos out there on Singers, but very little on Kenmore machines. So THANK YOU!
mk wats these machines hardly ever need timing work. Look into other issues it maybe having first. What is the machine doing or not doing to make you think timing is s problem?
I’m working on a kenmore that I found in a storage room at my parents house. There seems to be a slight scraping sound coming from the wheel area. I was wondering how to look at it and make sure it wasn’t oiled. Thank you so much. You’ve been a great help to me. Julie 🥰
Thank you so much! I have a new-to-me Kenmore 158.1831. It's in pretty good shape but I was worrying that the handwheel moved too stiffly & could not figure out how to remove the side panel. Now I know, and I also know that there is sufficient play in the belts. I'm oiling other areas to see if that helps wake it up. I also appreciate your comment about not tightening the screws holding plastic and metal pieces together too much. Excellent video!
I have the exact same machine that someone used the wrong lubricant on. Luckily for me, they didn’t apply it under the top or on the bottom. You are teaching me sooo much. I hope I have the patience to save this machine. GREAT WORK!
Dual belt reduction pulley system is something you really want, White also used it. Completely different animal than a single belt. You’ll love it!
Thanks. Super helpful seeing this side open and the belt adjustment.
Great video!!! I commend your staying with the machine to the end. Oh yes, nice work!
Try magnifying your bits by rubbing a magnet over the bit. Is very handy to have bits magnetised.
Many thanks for posting this video! My machine is back together and running like a top :)
Glad it helped!
thank you on the belts
I have just started watching your videos. I like your approach to repairs, patience. Great videos. I have a few questions. Have you ever used brake cleaner to help clean parts? Is sewing machine oil the same as sae 20 non-detergent oil? Where would be a a good source for parts? Keep the videos coming. Thanks
Thank you for watching Anthony! I have not used brake cleaner. One reason for this is that when using any kind of liquid, its so important to control where it wanders and runs to. Any strong solvent can react with and damage paint finishes. The other concern is keeping any liquids out of the motor. For mechanical parts, your idea might be useful, but I have not experimented. I have another product I plan on trying for this stubborn Kenmore so stay tuned. Oh, no, sewing machine oil does not have an SAE specification as far as I know. Thank you for sharing and commenting!
Hi this is great. I have this machine. I need the upper and the lower belts but I can’t find them. Can you tell
Me where I can fine them? Thanks I bought from Amazon but they are wrong.
Oh wow, they really went to town with that grease, didn't they?! Thank the sewing machine gods they somehow avoided the belts and power switch.
I have 158.17033. Has plastic side panel like yours, but the side wheel covers the hole keeping side panel from coming off. The band slips. I want to get to the band and clean it up or replace. How to get the side wheel off ? Any idea? Belt seems oily, but may just need the bracket adjusted.
I have a zig zag that was making noise. I ordered belts, but when I checked the originals, they seemed fine. What WAS loose though, was the PULLEY. It wiggles a bit left and right. The bracket is lower than this machine though. its RIGHT underneath the 2 spaces where you put the side plate back on. Is there any way to tighten this or fix this without taking the spring and whole bracket off? anyone have any idea?
I have the same problem the bottom pulley moves in and out or left to right if you are facing the front of the machine.
My top belt is loose, do I look for the same screws for that?
I have a Kenmore 10 model, series 158.12512. how do I lower the feed dogs to do free motion quilting with a ruler foot?
The kenmore I had was older than this one.It was a flat bed and the dials were different.I thought it was a 1976 model but noe I'm thinking it was a '75 model
I have a kenmore Mdl 1914. My motor belt broke, so I couldn’t see how it was actually threaded before, nor see how it looked in your video since you didn’t have that showing on your video. I have the new belt on, and the machine sees, but is now making some type of rattle noise and the belt doesn’t look right to me. If I could see “how” it should be threaded on the motor that might help me figure out what’s wrong. I was trying to keep it out of the shop so I wouldn’t have to do without it for 3 or 4 weeks. Any idea where I might be able to see the entire setup?
Is there anyplace where you answer questions? I have the Kenmore 1941, and I'm having clutch trouble. thanks
how to set the timing on kenmore zig zag
Hey, since you had already loosened the tension screws, why didn't you remove the belts, unscrew and remove the pulley, and give them all a good clean? And then you could have easily cleaned off that grease from the other parts too.
Great question. I was able to inspect the belts and ascertained that they were not contaminated. Had they been, I would have removed them and replaced with new. Since lubricants will degrade and shorten belt life, I would prefer to replace belts instead of washing them, but these ( surprisingly) were fine. I find these Kenmores one of the best machines for clients that want a vintage machine that can convert to a Free Arm setup and so I will likely have one that needs new belts in the future and will gladly make a video showing how to replace them. Thank you for your suggestions.
Thanks for your answer. I'm looking forward to your next videos.
Where can I find those belts please
Similar to machine in this video, Do you know if the 158 (chrome/plastic) hand wheel assembly is interchangeable w other “158 - Chrome/plastic” hand wheels? Like a model 158.1941 with a 158.1781?
I actually do not know for sure Kevin, but given that I've never seen an alternate size, I would hazard to guess that the answer is yes. But this is a guess on my part.
New subbie here. I came over from a Vintage Kenmore Yahoo group. You have great content! I have a question. You mentioned that you had shown how to remove the lid in some other video. I went to search, but could not find it. Would you please direct me to that one? Thanks for all you do! btw, I have a 158.1980 with the Cams that my mom gave me years ago when she got herself a portable to take around to some quilt classes she was doing. Before that, I had her old Singer from 60's. I gave that one to a missionary when I got her Kenmore. I now alos have my grandmother's machine: Singer, straight stitch, black with gold designs. It's a dreamy one. I will have to invest in some rewiring, but the rest should be just basic cleaning. I learned to sew on that sweetie. lol
Hi Judi. It sounds like you have a nice array of family heirlooms! I made quite a few videos staring this Kenmore Free Arm and they might all have something useful for you. I believe there may have been more than one video where I demonstrate how to remove the tops that don't have screws but this one for sure does. FYI, each model can vary so use this as a guide but examine your model to be sure there is not some alternate way to remove the lid. I hope this is helpful. ua-cam.com/video/MHM-MNJz5wk/v-deo.html
The chrome hand wheel stops the metal plate from coming off. How do I remove it?
You must install the correct belts or. endless, pressure,,, also you must oil the double pulley,,,remove and clean pulley shaft. ,,,use a proper screwdriver. ,,,why don’t you remove the belts and reinstall,,,that will be exciting,,, you clean the belts ,,by running the Machine,,,and wiping the pulleys with paper towel. All screws must be proper tightening,,not a pinch. This is a good machine.
You share some good ideas Michael, but if the belts and pulley were the issue, the machine would not run after each of these initial 'cleanings' with the various products I have tried. The pattern of behavior for this machine reveals that whatever grease I am loosening with these products I'm trying is thickening back up after the machine cools. But , I "think" that the machine is getting cleaner with each application so we will see. I do agree that it would a great video idea to showcase the belts and pulley overhaul. However, I perform work on machines based on my assessment of what they need. If I cannot get to 100 % normal running, I may take on your suggestion so thank you for that.
How do you remove the hand wheel?
Why you want to do this. Clutch must put back properly