So many replies! JD: I don't know if anyone has mentioned however there are a few sites that may help you figure out what ails your machine. I have purchased bargain machines at yardsales in the past and what I have found is either the seller doesn't sew and is just getting rid of what doesn't interest him or the machine has not been well cared for and needs some TLC. You'd be surprised at the kind of gunk I've cleaned out of machines to get them purring again. Anyway: check out this site:
http://www.tandtrepair.com/Futura.html for more info on your machine. a little time and patience is sometimes all it takes. good luck