My question is what changes by the time it slows down? I want to know that, too.
Has it generated heat anywhere by there? I haven't checked for heat
Anything swelling? I hope not, but.... either of those would close up tolerances and slow things down. Does the motor labour? How would you tell if something is swelling? It is all metal. I don't run it on and on
How long do you get to sew before it slows down? It runs well for about 10 seconds then starts to slow. The motor has no drag on it when the clutch is released. I don't believe it is a motor problem. I'm wondering if it might have a bent shaft the hand wheel goes on. Maybe someone dropped it or something. (Someone knew - there was an incredible amount of oil in that area - I've never seen oil pooled up inside a balance wheel before. There was a pool of oil in the gear place where the motor goes, too. Incredible amounts of oil... or maybe grease..). I put a handwheel off another machine on it and it would not move at all. The machine turns very freely without any handwheel - just rather awkward to run a machine like that...
How much do you sell a machine for that you spent between 7 and 12 hours cleaning and tuning up? LOL I get the same as when I have a very nice one. I consider machines like that continuing education costs... and if after 12 - 15 hours they aren't going to work I set it aside for a while.... then again some machine are for parts... argh... I really don't need a parts machine and I paid too much for it for it to be a parts machine. WAH...
Maybe this one could be modified somehow to treadle... Any ideas how to do that? It IS a 401A not one set up from the factory to be treadled... The machine sews great - fine stitch - the stitch selector turns as good as new - everything is clean - machine looks great. It may be the only thing that will save that machine... well short of a new shaft...
Last edited by miriam; 01-22-2013 at 02:28 AM.