I agree that the cost is steep just to clean and adjust the tension. I turned my 401A over onto the floor and jammed the gears (this machine had never been in hospital). I dreaded the cost, but off she went to my local sewing center. $25.00 later, she is as good as new. It sews anything! I'd try to get her fixed AND get a new machine if you can affort it. The 401A has all metal parts and will outlast anything made of plastic.