Do you have a local sewing machine repair center? I had to bring my 1947 FW named "PeeWee" to the local repairman and he had her up and running in about 2 hours for only a very few dollars. The tensioner was 'eating' the Coates and Clark thread that came with her because it was loaded with 'slubs'. My repair guy said to use only Guterman and be sure the flat side of the needle goes to the left when installing.