i think if your Viking is having a little trouble it may just be time to take it in & have a good cleaning/tune up done on it.
i've used my viking for all sorts of sewing without problems for over 10 years- i do now have a 1956 singer i use as my (travel) machine- it is a simple straight stitch machine but at home-for sewing/garment/costume/home dec & quilting i use my viking. I love the ease of zippers, the button holer, the fact i can go from sewing a pair of denim jeans right to working on a silk quilt block with just a change of needle & a couple settings.