This is a great subject for me--my favorite machine--all time favorite--is an Elna bought in 1986, never seen the face of a repairman--but it does do this to me occasionally. Should I just continue to catch it with the flywheel, or should I attempt the take-apart of the foot pedal. Even though I have never spent any money for repairs to this machine, I can't stand the thought of paying $200 for a foot pedal that supposedly no longer available. Decisions, decisions, decisions......