Thread: Best Sewing Machine Oil?

I really miss my old Kenmore, for piecing! Took it apart again, for the umpteenth time, trying to figure out why it wants to balk. No lint build-up, no thread nests, nothing obvious . . . except that I noticed one of the little "oil this" areas was practically bone dry. I oiled the whole shebang, less than a month ago and haven't used it, since. SO! I'm wondering if maybe my Singer sewing machine oil is too old. Does sewing machine oil expire (found no date on the can)? Can't remember when I bought it but am betting it was at least a good 10 years ago!

Anyway, I need advice! What's the best sewing machine oil, to be had? This is a 158.19142 Kenmore, about 35 years old.

Thanks, for any advice!

the vintage machine group swears by tri-flow. it's on my list of oils to get. you can also ask on that thread about your kenmore and its issues. maybe someone can assist or have had the same issues and can offer some advice.

Originally Posted by Havplenty

the vintage machine group swears by tri-flow. it's on my list of oils to get. you can also ask on that thread about your kenmore and its issues. maybe someone can assist or have had the same issues and can offer some advice.

Thanks! Will look into that.

I'm pretty certain it's an oil issue, since it runs smoothly immediately after oiling.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions, everyone!

Originally Posted by Havplenty

the vintage machine group swears by tri-flow. it's on my list of oils to get. you can also ask on that thread about your kenmore and its issues. maybe someone can assist or have had the same issues and can offer some advice.

I agree with Havplenty. Post a pic of your sewing machine on the Vintage board. I am sure you will get a lot of suggestions. I also agree with some of the others that the real issue may be the foot controller.

Originally Posted by Beebee

I don't think the oil is old. Give it a chance to work its way into the gears. BUT sew some scraps to make sure you did not over oil or you will have it on the fabric. My mother got one in the 1940's it still runs but you do need to oil where it tells you to. Do you have a manual? That would help

Yes, I have the manual and have oiled it, repeatedly. Right after oiling, it runs smoothly for maybe an hour or so, then starts balking again. I've oiled and let it sit, also. I've had this machine, for about 35 years, and it's been a sweetheart, until this past year. After we moved, it sat unused, for a couple years (lack of sewing space), so I suspect that has something to do with the current problem.

Originally Posted by Neesie

Yes, I have the manual and have oiled it, repeatedly. Right after oiling, it runs smoothly for maybe an hour or so, then starts balking again. I've oiled and let it sit, also. I've had this machine, for about 35 years, and it's been a sweetheart, until this past year. After we moved, it sat unused, for a couple years (lack of sewing space), so I suspect that has something to do with the current problem.

try the tri-flow oil. many of the vintage machines we score today have sat forever without use so your kenmore cannot use that as an excuse. maybe you just need to oil more frequently like every day. i am sewing on my singer 15-91 (i just love jo-jo) and i oil her everyday. she just purrs along happily.

Originally Posted by Havplenty

try the tri-flow oil. many of the vintage machines we score today have sat forever without use so your kenmore cannot use that as an excuse. maybe you just need to oil more frequently like every day. i am sewing on my singer 15-91 (i just love jo-jo) and i oil her everyday. she just purrs along happily.

Last time I was sewing on her, I got maybe a good hour's worth of sewing done, before having to give her more oil. After the third time (same sitting), I just gave up and decided to buy a new machine. I've oiled and let her sit. Doesn't help. A relatively short while after oiling and starting to sew, the problem starts. I'll start a new seam and she hesitates, until I put more pressure on the pedal, which causes her to race ahead.

Will try to get a good picture, of the area I think may be the problem.