When I purchased my Janome, the dealer told me NOT to oil my machine. He said for the newer computerized ones, it was not necessary and that it could actually gunk it up. However, because I live 2 hours from him, he did show me where I could oil if it really needed it. I have had the machine about 4 years and have never oiled it, I clean it often (especially the bobbin area), change my needle with almost every new project. Still have not had to have it serviced. I did have to replace the bobbin holder after a thread nest caught the spring and broke it. Otherwise, I have not even had it serviced. Still runs smooth as long as I follow my manual and not what I want to do.
That said, if your machine has been stored in a dry place, it could be more dry than usual. I would contact a dealer or go on Janomes website. Contact a professional who deals with it daily. Too expensive a machine to be messing it up.
Last edited by wvdek; 11-11-2011 at 07:22 PM.