AeAeAe

I am cleaning up a Kenmore 148.12181 (1972). There is a little wire--I think it is called a bobbin winder kick out spring--that is causing me some problems. I see what it does when I have the top of the case off (floats freely yet acts as a brake), but once I screw the top back on it seems to get stuck and rattle. Does anyone know what I am supposed to do with this thing?

Also, the machine has a two-position knob for dropping the feed dogs, but nothing seems to happen when I move it. Any suggestions?

Thank you. Any help is appreciated. This is my first attempt at cleaning and bringing an older machine back to life. My enthusiasm is greater than my knowledge.