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How to do Motor Maintenance


HOW TO INCREASE THE SPEED AND POWER OF YOUR VINTAGE FEATHERWEIGHT AND OTHER SEWING MACHINES:



Service Level:
  • SL-1 (owner/operator, external adj. should be in owners manual)

  • SL-2 (follow directions closely if not sure see technician)

  • SL-3 (technician only)
CHECK AND ADJUST: Things to check before you consider motor maintenance or replacement:

#1 Clean, Oil &Adjust (SL-1) lubricate motor, oil entire machine, check for build up of lint in feed dog area, adj. pressure, check and adj. stitch regulator etc. See your instruction manual.

#2 Check Belt Tension (SL-2) see Fig. 1: Tension on the belt should be just enough to keep the belt from slipping. If the belt is too tight, the machine will run slowly. This will overload and possibly damage the motor.

TO ADJUST:
  • #1. Loosen bracket screw (A) a full turn.

  • #2. Allow weight of motor to supply correct belt tension.

  • #3. Tighten bracket screw. Test and re-adj. if necessary
    NOTE: if inside diameter of belt is worn or slick replace with Singer new, softer, black V belt #194144 (17-1/2").

  • #4. Check clutch (SL-3) make sure clutch is not allowing hand wheel to slip when in operation.

  • #5. Check Foot Control (SL-3) Technician can check your foot control by crossing wires for a direct flow of electricity to motor. You must take in your machine and control.

  • #6. Check for bind in machine (SL-3).


If after the above checks and adjustment you have not been successful in increasing the speed and power of your machine it is now time to consider motor maintenance or replacement.

MOTOR MAINTIANANCE:
In preparing this service page I checked the r.p.m. (revolutions per minute) of all the machines I serviced last week. Even after a complete cleaning, oiling and general servicing I found a considerable difference in various models in their r.p.m. Most differences however were related to the different size of the diameter of the hand wheel (from 2,500 r.p.m. to 1,200r.p.m.) In this group of 15 three were featherweights (1,500 r.p.m.; 1,700r.p.m.; 1,800r.p.m.). Featherweights in there nature are not intended to be fast and powerful however 1,500r.p.m. would be a good benchmark to go by. Many Featherweights I have serviced over the years were much slower than 1,500r.p.m. and I was in most cases able to bring them up to acceptable performance some I did have to replace the motor .Try some of these procedures before you consider a motor replacement.

NOTE THE FOLLOWING MAY BE CONSIDERED SL-2 & SL-3, IF YOU DO NOT FEEL KNOWLEDGEABLE OR COMFORTABLE WITH THESE PROCEDURES, TAKE MACHINE AND CONTROL TO YOUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOW:

  • #1. In reference to CHECK AND ADJUST #1 see above (lubricate motor) clean out grease tubes see Fig. 2 with a tooth pick, put only one drop of oil in grease tubes (only one drop) than fill grease tubes with motor lubricant.

  • #2. Unplug machine cord from electrical outlet. Remove motor from machine see Fig. 1 motor screw A (do not unwire motor). Place motor in small glass dish. Remove top motor brush cap see Fig. 2 spray into hole C-60 Solvent Cleaner immediately insert cap and turn a few revolutions. Plug machine electric cord into a GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) and run machine fast. Note C-60 is a solvent cleaner which can be used on electric motors while motor is running. This product will remove carbon build-up on motor armature; please follow complete directions when using. You may need to complete this process several times (remember to unplug your machine).

  • #3. Heavy build-up or uneven wear on motor armature may require this procedure: Remove top and bottom brush cap and brushes. Now remove motor housing screws see Fig.2 and remove motor end plate to expose brush end of armature (note: remove carefully, some models may have wires attached, keep wires in place). Now with armature in view and accessible clean armature with CBS5 brush seater, AC6254 Diamond D Rubrite polish or AC204 Resuferacer Stick. While you are at this stage check motor brushes, if less than 1/8" replace with Singer motor brush kit #192457. Reassemble and adjust motor and belt. Now plug machine electric cord into GFCI outlet and check for improvement and power. This procedure will apply to almost all motors. If you had no significant improvement, it may now be necessary to replace the motor; if so keep your old motor or any parts you replace on your vintage machine. If someday you sell or pass it down the new owner will want these and any service records you may have. Replace your motor with 221 motor #98376-004 or the refurbished original Singer motor. (see below)

    PARTS you may need to complete Motor maintenance:
   
oil.jpg Oiler with Extendable Spout, Contains 1oz of Oil #NK2
$4.95
Oil, lilly white, no wax will not gum-up over long periods of use. Comes with 4" extendable spout to reach into tight areas. Apply this oil sparingly where metal moves against metal. Long neck spout style of oiler may vary depending on availability. Do not oil the motor, use lubricant #S-2129 ONLY on the motor as instructed in your manual or as information found in the operators maintenance kit.
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NewSingerLubPic Singer Lubricant: #S-2129 (190613)
$4.95
Singer lubricant, tube
Reformulated (white in color) for metal and synthetic parts
Use on motor hub ports and metal gears. Consult your manual for information or information found in the operators maintenance kit.
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lintbrush.jpg Lint brush: #S-2110
$1.25
Long flexable handle with long stiff brush to remove lint and dirt from hard to reach areas.
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Brush Seater: #CBS5
$11.95
For cleaning armature, medium abrasive, for better seating.
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Armature cleaner: #AC6254
$11.95
Cleans, removes dirt & polishes armature, very light abrasive. Diamond D Rubrite
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Armature resufacer: # AC204
$11.95
Armature resufacer, hard abrasive, removes uneven copper.
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MotorBrushes192457.jpg Motor Brushes (set of two): #192457
$15.95
Motor brushes with copper springs.
Brushes come in a set of two.
This is the ONLY old style motor brush still available.
It may fit the following models: 221, 201, 15-91, 301, 401, 403, 404, 500 Slant-O-Matic series, 600 Touch & Sew series, 700 Touch & Sew series and possibly some other models.
NOTE: On some models it may be necessary to gently file down all four edges of these motor brushes to make them "Free Fitting" in the motor brush housing.
Remember these are the ONLY motor brushes available for older model Singers.
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221Belt194144.jpg 221 Belt #194144 Black
$12.95
Belt for the 221 Featherweight
ALSO see the New Style Featherweight belt #194144N.S.
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tr714179p2.jpg Double Lead #714179 (123)(bin 43)
$24.95
For machines requiring one electrical cord for both power, 74" long and foot control cord, 56" long.
Models may include: 15-88, 15-90, 15-91, 27, 66, 201, 221 222, and some 301-A which do not use a seperate cord for the foot control (197628/9).
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tr197874p2.jpg Single Lead #197874 (122)(bin 44)
$22.95
For machines requiring two electrical cords.
This one is for power only, cord 72" long.
Your machine will have two pins, the cord has three holes, however the center hole of the cord is inactive.
Models may include: 301, 319, 401, 403, 404
You should have a different cord for the foot control (see #197628)
Also fits some 15 class/201 and other models mounted in cabinet with seperate wire from terminal box (192797) to foot control.
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tr197628p2.jpg Foot Control Cord (bin 45) #197628 (197629)(783)
$9.95
For models: 301, 401, 403, 404
Cord is 62" long.
These models require electric cord #197874
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98376-004.jpg 221 Motor 110volt #98376-004 Black
$139.95
Fits Featherweight 221 and 222
New by Alpha-Sew motor (no longer available by Singer).
Black original style, standard USA 110-120 volt. Input 70Watt, 0.4 amp., 25-75 cycles, 5500 R.P.M.
This item does not qualify for the $45.00 free freight offer. It is F/I Freight Intensive choose $8.95 for S&H
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referburshed.GIF Refurbished Original Singer Motor
$0.00
OUT of STOCK
Resurface, polish and clean armature. Replace motor brushes, clean and lubed.
Present motor has 29,000 R.P.M. (see "FREE Service" Motor Maintenance)
This item does not qualify for the $35.00 free freight offer. It is F/I Freight Intensive.
On the order page choose $6.95 for S&H

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221ManualPic.jpg Manual for Singer 221with "Free" Bonus Parts Chart
$19.00
New enhanced reprint of the original manual with larger text for an easy read. Also includes instructions for using the attachments, contains information on operator adjustments, cleaning and oiling. 64 illustrations, over all measurement is 8 1/2" X 11", 67 lb. card stock front and back covers for durability.
As an added bonus we will include a parts chart for models 221-1, 221K1, 221K4, 221K5, 221K7. NO return on manuals.
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servicemanual.GIF Singer Service Manuals
$24.95
The following Singer service manuals (reprints) are available at $24.95 each
Please note: These manuals are written for technicians assuming prior knowledge in the repair of sewing machines. They do not show the replacement of parts, they do show the sequential order of adjustments, including timing procedures for hook, needle bar and feed system, which would be necessary in the replacement of parts.
Not all Singer model numbers will have a dedicated service manual since many models have the same service procedures.
In some cases the operators manual that came with your machine will cover basic operator maintance, cleaning, oiling and balancing the tension, etc. Please check your operators manual for these procedures.
**Some service manuals have been very difficulte to reproduce because the original manuals contained photo art, in some cases where photo art was used there is also line art to aid in some adjustments.
On shopping cart instructions PLEASE list the lead numbers in blue color.
NO return on manuals.
Choose from the following:
127/128 treadle, also 27/28 non-electric
66, 99, 185
15-91 gear drive (pages 16 thru 37 of form #18847), 15-88, 15-90 (belt drive) Not Available, order manual 15-91
193M, 164M, 227M, 228M, HA-1
201, 1200 (pages 42 thru 68 of form 18962)
221
237 zig-zag, 239 straight stitch
**240 series:, includes 242, 247, 248, 262, 263, 288
**250 series: includes 252, 257, 258, 259. (no service maunal for the 360 series, use 250 series).
290 (use for 1411, 1425 which are No Longer Available)
301 (form 20579) 12 pages including wiring diagram.
306, 206, 319 N/L/A No Longer Available
327, 327K, 328, 328K, (337 & 338 No longer available) order 327, 328
416/418 Stylist (413, 457, 466, 477, 478 apollo supplement N/L/A)
500/503 Slant-O-Matic, (401/403/404 is N/L/A order this manual).
500 series Stylist, 513, 514, 518, 533, 534, 538 (800 stylist N/L/A order this manual)
600 Touch & Sew, 600E, 603, 603E, 620 series
630/640 Touch & Sew series: Please note this is a supplement to the 600 Touch & Sew (There will be references made to the 600 series in this manual; in other words if you have a 630, 640 you may also need to purchase the 600 Touch & Sew manual
6211/6212, 6011/6012, (6215/6217 N/L/A order this manual)
"6233/6234/6235" Since the introduction of the 6233, 6234, 6235 series in 1984 (Duratec/Slant/Apollo/Wind-in-Place) ALL similar models which followed use the same basic mechanical system of which no new service manual of these models was printed or needed. The following of which is a partial list: 4552, 4562, 4610, 4613, 4616, 4617, 4622, 4623, 4630, 4633, 4637, 5910, Serenade 30, (6408, 6410, 6416, 6423 supplement for bobbin case/position bracket adjustment), 7004, 7028, 7033, 7050, 9005, 9008, 9010, 9015, 9018, 9020, 9022, 9030, 9032, 9034, 9044, 9052, 9110, 9113, 9117, 9124, 9133, 9134, 9137, 9143, 9416, 9417, 9420, 9423, 9432, 9430, 9444, 9408N304, 30920. For these and similar models order manual "6233, 6234, 6235"
750 series Touch & Sews 750, 755, 756, 758, 770, 775, 778
for other 700 class machines including 717, 719, 737, 714, 724, 734, 774, 776, 6704, 6705 these models use the same basic mechanical system of which no new service manual for these models was printed. The Touch & Sew service manual will be of some help in the basic mechanical adjustments.
900 series Futura 920, 925
1030/1036 Creative Touch If you have these models you must also order the 900 series Futura (above).
1060 1060E electronic
2000/1200 electronic
2001A(2001)(2001-13) eletronic N/L/A No Longer Available
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opermankitp.gif Operator Maintenance Kit
$12.95
*High quality oil in refillable extendable spout. Long neck spout style of oiler #NK2 may vary depending on availability.
*Lubricant for gears
*Lint brush
*Extra fine quality screw driver for tension adjustments
*2 strips of crocus cloth for removing burs on hook, etc.
*6" abrasive cord #52 for removing burs in and around needle plate, etc.
*Oil and lubricant instructions pamphlet for various models
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MinatureDriverSet.jpg Mini Precision Screwdriver Set (Bin T-4)
$12.95
Small compact set includes convenient bit holder
Set includes 18 different bit ends: Slotted: 1/8", 3/32", 5/64", 5/64", 1/16"
Phillips: PH000, PH00, PH00, PH0, PH1
Torx star: T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15
Depending on current inventory this item may very in color and / or brand
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tweezersTWE6p.gif Tweezers #TWE6
$3.95
Top quality tweezers with guide pin
6" long with bent point design.
The best tool in your accessory box. Ideal for threading needles on sewing machines and needles and loopers on sergers. Many other practical sewing uses: removing thread and lint build-up from small areas in the sewing machine, pulling out unwanted stitches, etc.
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DriverSetWithOffsetRatchet.jpg Small Tools, Driver Set with Offset Ratchet (Bin-T-1)
$24.95
Sewing machine and other small appliances require different tools than your car or home
This set is a great place to start
Set contains one each: reversible ratchet handle, spinner screwdriver handle, 3 1/4" extension handle
One each of the following bits
Slotted screwdriver: 1/8", 1/4"
Phillips screwdriver: PH#1, PH#2
Hex: .050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4",
Torx: T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25
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TorxLongNarrowBody.jpg Torx Bit Set 5" Long with Thin Shaft (Bin T-2)****No Longer Available****
$0.00
****No Longer Available****
Sewing machine and other appliances require a long thin shaft for getting into confined areas
5" long with a standard 1/4" hex shaft
Set includes one each: T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T25, T30, T40
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Small Torx.JPG Torx Bit Set Small (Bin T-3)
$13.95
Hard to find Torx bits, standard 1/4" hex shaft
Set includes: T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25
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