quiltdoctor,
I got the same one, had to put a new cord on mine too. My zig zag was froze up, got that freed up and then found that the hook had some burrs on it. Got those mostly taken care of this afternoon and now it doesn't snag the upper thread at least. Mine came with a Necchi cabinet that has a few water spots on it. Machine has grime on it like yours, brown crap.