I've had the face plate off numerus times, but left it upright so that seems to be okay. And it works like a charm. My machine was not rusty but caked with old oil/grease. It cleaned up so well! The chrome is worn off the wheel, but that's okay. I didn't use kerosene cuz it's too cold here to go to the garage, but spring is only 60 days away :-P !!! I plan on taking over a corner to work on these machines! Another thing I haven't told the hubby! My tension is very very tight so need to work on that yet, but my thread us just going around the outer part the the tension spring and the stitches are perfect. I'll bet after the oiling last night, this will help the tension. I'm sure enjoying her.