Thanks for the help getting the plate off, that is very neat and I wish all machines were like that, no need for a screw driver.
I do have the book but is doesn't show removing the plate, the only useful maintenance it gives is changing the light bulb. I did oil the chase but I don't buy "modern" machines don't need oiling or cleaning, friction causes wear and damage, oil reduces friction of moving parts. After purchasing my Elna and removing the side housing cover I found the better part of a spool of thread wrapped around the uptake and several other moving parts, I suspect it was the reason the last owner sold it.
I did get the housing cover off, with WAY more force then should be used. It turns out it has 3 catches/hooks that hold it and need to be worked off perfectly to come free, or they are going to break, just like the hook I broke off the silly extension table the first time I used it.
Thank you for your help, after de linting and oiling the uptake and needle rod it sounds much better.
Thanks for the help.