Originally Posted by
KenmoreRulesAll
The length knob probably needs oiling and you'll likely have to lift it up so that the underside is facing you as you sit in front of it. Following the mechanism with your eyes, oil any joints where metal meets metal or where there are screws/nuts.
Just looking at the pic of the tension assembly, it appears as though it's screwed in tight, all the way to the right. Have you loosened it all the way?
THANK YOU! You're absolutely right. I usually oil everything right away, but this just looked so well-maintained that I skipped it. As soon as I oiled it all over, it ran much quieter and starts immediately - no wheel turning necessary.
The tension was a two person job. I had tried to loosen it, but the spring was too tight, so it was just turning the tension up higher. When I held back the spring with both hands, DH turned the knob several turns to the left and now it's just fine.
Will try to reach the stitch length control tomorrow. It's just in an awkward place.
Thanks again - everything is so much better!