Thanks for the replys! It seemed it was the way I was threading to the tensioner, there are 2 small discs and the thread needed to go between those two. I had the thread inside closer to the machine itself. After threading it properly and adjusting the tension to about 4.5 the machine sews like a dream!! The needle center and right position work just fine, but the left position doesn't work. The lever moves, but the needle doesn't. I am going to bring it to a dealer, they quoted me $85 to clean and service the machine.