I got the stitch length lever unstuck. The part that was stuck was the part farthest up inside the head. That's how it goes for me, it's never the easy to get to stuff that gives me fits, it's always the stuff that I can't reach, I could barely even see the part. It's working now but needs re-assembled. It took over an hour of fiddling to get it to break loose. I used excessive force (again) and it went with a loud pop when it finally broke free. I could have sworn that I broke something but got very lucky this time.
I think I'm going to buy some kerosene to use as a solvent for these machines. This White is absolutely filthy inside, so much so that I want (need) to flush every part on it inside and out to remove all the rust, grit,dirt and grease and dried oil out of it before I go much farther. I don't think I'm quite brave enough to tackle what it really needs-a full teardown and cleaning of every single part in it- so I'm going to settle for scrubbing and flushing everything I can get to instead.
Sewing machine oil is too expensive for general cleaning chores of this magnitude plus I think the kerosene will work better for dissolving old oil and other yuck in the places I can't get to easily. While alcohol is fine on metal parts removed from the machine, I don't want it anywhere near my finish. Mineral spirits is usually pretty safe but I do wonder if it contributed to damaging the shellac clear coat on my daughter's 99, I don't want to test it on this machine.
I'm going to be settling in for some quality time with Qtips, old toothbrushes and old rags on this one. I think I'll give my buffing setup a workout too.
I'll be needing it for the White Cari gave me too. That one is in worse shape. The hook area is severely rusted from being in direct contact with the ground. I may be looking for a donor machine for that one. It would probably make more sense to use Cari's machine for a donor but I'm stubborn and foolish that way.
I'm very impressed with this machine so far. I'm no expert on old sewing machines but the engineering on this machine is very good, I think in some ways superior to the Singers that were being made at the same time.
The oil has been working it's magic now that it can seep into the areas where it's needed. The machine turns very freely now. I expect this machine to be a joy to sew with when it's done.
QUESTION: I took a look at Sew-Classic's website but didn't see them there. I'm going to need new drive wheels for these machines. Both are the conical type. Does anyone know a good source? I'll probably need new bobbin tires too.
Rodney