15 Clone Tension Problems
 

I have a Japanese 15 clone that I bought at a thrift shop for $5!!! I was amazed at how well it sewed--great stitch. I made a quilt with it and decided that it was my favorite machine of all. Suddenly the upper tension would not release or adjust. I disassembled the tension and cleaned it. When I put it back together it worked okay for a little while. Then back to no release even when I raised the presser foot. Any suggestions? Should I be using something other than sewing machine oil to clean the tension assembly parts? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I really want to get this back to working like it was.

There is a TFSR manual link: http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...achine_manual/ that has good info on the tensions but I don't know where you will find something exact for a clone. You do not use oil on any part of the tension. I use denatured alcohol or I use Naptha to clean. There may be some dried up oil on the pin or you may have some little part put back together in the wrong order or backwards.

The tension release pin was the problem with my 201. When cleaning didn't work, I examined it closely and found it was ever so slightly bent. I ordered a new one and have never had a problem since.

Redmadder, I have seen all kinds of rigged up pins as well as bent or gummy.

If you do replace the pin be sure it is the correct length.

One other thing to check is the presser foot release lever. It's held in by and pivots on one screw. If that screw comes loose (and I've found several that way) the lever will wobble back and forth and it won't push the tension release pin properly. There might be a small lock screw to lock the lever pivot screw so check for it. And make sure that pivot screw is tight.

Joe

Thank you for your help. Miriam: I did use that manual when I took the tension apart the first time. It was very helpful.
The pin seemed to slide in and out okay when I had it out but I will check that and the pressure foot release lever.