kenmore 158.19412 problems with switch
 

just got this from ebay seller for 50 bucks. the switch that goes back and forth to modify b/t straight and zigzag stitches doesn't work properly. I have to actually take the top plate off and manually push the parts around... not very convenient. i've gone onto the kenmore parts website and that particular part is no longer available thru them.

anyone have suggestions? i am gonna call my LQS guy and ask if he wants to take a stab at repairing it. I admit I am sort of done with getting cheap older machines from 'nonprofessional' folks. after the sale, and paying for repair it's not really a deal.

I don't really know that machine real well. Can it be a frozen knob or lever? I'm fighting with a frozen knob on a Japanese machine right now too. I think it needs a bit of Triflow oil deep inside and around the knob every day for a while and then maybe a little heat to get the knobs un-frozen. It is probably caused by dried up oil in the works. It is also possible that it has plastic broken in the control some place I've seen that happen on a couple machines.

When I looked over the scematic for my model it appears that there are parts that broke off... at least that's what my untrained eyes with bifocals and improper lighting are telling me. The Kenmore replacement website says that those parts are not available. I am hoping my local shop will know of alternative parts/solutions to the problem. Sad because it's actually something I know I could fix if I could get hands on parts.

IN the mean time the wind is sort of out of my sails. =(

If you bought it on ebay you need to let them know what kind of seller that jerk was. I think you have recourse.

well.. there is a happy ending after all.

I took your advice this morning, and directed hot air from a blow drier into the top of the opened machine, hoping to heat up the metal.

As I worked on this, prodding the switch and gears from time to time, I suddenly was able to see from that vantage point that something was very slightly out of alignment.. grabbed the screwdriver and with just a quarter of a turn of the screw... *plink* .... every one slid back easily into place.... and then I remembered when I first time opened the box the machine top was ajar slightly. So who knows, it might have been jostled. In the mean time, I have a honey of a machine that purrs b/c of the cleaning, oiling, petting, and buffing that I did in an effort to fix the modifier switch problem. haha!

Those are a fun machine. I love the double disks.