Back for more help - 401A
 

Thanks to several of you, I've got the 401 clean and everything moving. Yesterday I started trying to put the top tension assembly back together - it was apart when I bought the machine. I purchased new springs for it, and with online instructions in hand, did my best. However, I am missing the "stop washer with an extension". I checked with Sew Classic, and she only has a complete new assembly, which would sound like a perfect solution, except that it has to be modified for the 401. Has anyone used that? I'm concerned about getting it modified correctly. Looks like something a machine shop would have to do. I know this is getting a bit technical, but so many of you have so much experience and are so willing to help, that I thought I'd ask.

Also, I did not take out the main "stud" which everything revolves on. When I line all the small part up on it, the indicator (G5) with the + and - signs is not straight up as it should be. Should I take the stud out and try to get it lined up? Thank you for any help you can give me!!

Cowbelle,

I don't have my parts and instruction manuals in front of me, but the factory manuals you were linked to tell you how to do these adjustments.

Also another source for information is TFSR: { http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...machine_manual } They have step by step instructions on fixing top tensions.

Not all Singer tensions look alike, but they are enough alike that the instructions for one will work with others.

Joe

I would keep my eye on ebay for a spare tensioner unit. I would want a vintage one and not a repro. if at all possible. You shouldn't need to remove the stud.

There's not been small parts on ebay that I could find - has no one used the replacement assembly from Sew Classic?
The chance of finding the "stop washer with extension" is pretty low, I think. I did go back to the antique barn where I got it and looked all around on the floor where it had been, no luck. I'm really bummed out.

i looked on ebay for "singer sewing machine tensioner" and found this one for a 301. I have a 503a and it looks just like the 301, so maybe it would work on yours, too. i don't know but thought i'd at least pass it on.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-301-3...item257a02bb1f

here's for a 329K http://www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-329K-...item232339fe2b

you could also message one of the posters on ebay that's selling parts of tension components (i saw several) and ask if they have that specific part. good luck!

Once you have done the stud thing you will wonder why you were so afraid. Just get the tfsr manual out and follow it exactly - enlarge the pictures. I'll look and see if I have a part - I kind of doubt it. Did you look all over your floor? They sometimes fly off in an eye wink when you open up the tension.

Wow, you gals are great - I know that searching on ebay can be a puzzle as to what to search for - I hadn't seen those at all. Thank you so much - I'll follow up on them. Mimiam, the assembly was loose and had been taken apart in the antique barn where I bought it - I even went back there and searched the floor - no luck. I do know what you mean and I was very careful as I took it apart and matched it to the diagrams. Thanks again!!

OK. I have the part you need. I had to rebuild a tension on a 301 today but that wasn't the part - I robbed parts off a T&S with melted gears - send a pm with your address.

is this the right part?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]401327[/ATTACH]

You can turn the stud so that the groove in it is horizontal. Just screw the outer-most knob thingy back on to the stud...place the end of a screwdriver into the groove on the stud and give it a little turn. Be careful, because the stud is soft and it's easy to pry the groove open while turning, which is why I screw the little knob on before doing this. It helps keep the groove from distorting. Those directions sound about as clear as mud.

I'll have to check to see if I have what you need. I bought a box of 301 parts, a few years back, and possibly I might have one. I wonder if 301 and 401's have the same tensioner.