Hey everybody, I'm new here and don't know anything about quilting (i was looking into it the past few weeks) but i came here after a search on google for my newley bought Singer 431G Slant o matic. The seller told me it was cleaned and tuned (sorry i'm Dutch and can't find a better word) But it is NOT!!! It is dirty i do think he oiled her but way to much if i turn it on and sew with it there is a weard smell comming out of it. I really hope the motor isn't broken. So can anybody tell me where to start with the whole cleaning and tuning proces? I can't find much about this model online (or i'm looking in the wrong places). I hope you people can help me, i really would love to get it to sew again.

Maybe you can start by cleaning off any excess oil and be sure to clean off lint. Then let us know what else you find.

Ok and should i just start by taking off the top part of the machine? I know i have to to open her up but i'm a bit scared to do that hihi.

You can take things off. Just do one at a time. Keep track of what you take off - think ahead how you are going to get it put back on. Muv has a very nice video about cleaning a sewing machine: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...v-t167789.html
She has older machines but they clean about the same.

@Miriam Thnx for the encouraging words!

The tension was WAY off and the number plate could turn without me turning the tension so that was loose. I took the tension parts off cleaned it. The tension stud was bended, i had to carefullly bend it back and put the whole thing back together at first the tension was still way off and even if i put it at 9 it was still not tight enough. I had to tighten the threaded nut a bit and than put the numbered dail on so it was all a bit tighter.

I think i had the same problem as Plume with the tension. O and i did have problems with the cheaper tread at first but now it takes all tread.

Tisch, ik ben blij voor jou, geweldig!

Yesterday I had a good run with a different piece of fabric, so... I think right now I have to learn more about the correct thread/needle/fabric balance. Hopefully that's all it is.

:)

Some new pictures & 1 question:

I finally opened up the machine. It was in the same condition inside as it was outside: pretty clean (I think), oiled and greased. I still cleaned it a little more, and added a tiny bit of oil & grease afterwards.

My question is about the underside cover. The felt on its inside is completely damp & oily. As you can see from the side view (last picture), it's also disintegrating. If I pick on it, it comes out as a bunch of hair.
Is it better to leave it as is? Remove it and try to dry it? Remove it altogether? Replace it somehow?...

Thanks!

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Some of mine came with felt some did not - I'd pull it out and toss it. Maybe you can cut a new piece and put it in if you like.

Hi Miriam,

OK, I'll just toss it, and next time I'm in a fabric store I'll buy some.

And... guess what... I just tested the 401 again after opening it & cleaning/greasing/oiling it, went from a 6 to a 2 on the dial (6 suddenly felt too tight), and the stitch is amazingly nice (with the "bad" thread)!!! I'll test some more and will reset the dial once I'm certain all's good. This will most probably get rid of my "0 is too tight" problem too.

I still need to learn about the needles & thread weight.

Anyway, thanks again, all of you, for helping me out!

I've used about any needles on mine. Did you know you can put 2 needles in together? Mine uses about any thread.