Help! Does anyone else have a problem with Pfaff 2144?
 

A couple of years ago my MIL gave me her Pfaff 2144 and I have loved it. Over the last year or so I have had repeated problems with threads getting caught in the bobbin housing and causing such a problem that it had to go in for service. At one point the service man said that the part made of carbon which allows the machine to be non-oiling had become so grooved that we had to replace it. Because the factory was out of that part we installed the metal replacement which requires occasional oiling--ok, no problem, I just didn't want to wait at least another month for the part to come in. I doubt that has really had an effect on the repeated problem.

He did say that the front load bobbin was notorious for this problem and suggested making sure that threads were pulled to the back of the presser foot before starting to stitch. I have done this and still had this problem occur, jamming the works again and requiring the shop one more time. I am so disgusted. I love sewing on this machine and keep wondering if I am causing a problem in the way I load the bobbin or replace the bobbin case. I know that Mom didn't have this problem so I am thinking that I may be the problem. I asked him to check the bobbin winder, too, to make sure that the thread was being loaded correctly.

Does anyone else have experience with this problem? Do you have any ideas about how to avoid it? Help!! I know it is a good machine and I am really frustrated. I even tried to take it apart to see if I could deal with it, but that was impossible, too.

Please, do you have any suggestions other than buying a new machine?

I haven't had that problem (2140 and 44) but I don't use the thread cutter for anything, even embroidery. I've turned it off.

I either hold both threads to the back, or start on a scrap piece of fabric.

Have you checked your bobbin tension or even the case? I have some old cases that have snags in them. Did the serviceman clean all the old threads out of the bobbin area? How about the top tension?

Try what they suggest for Free Motion Quilting - take one stitch, pull up the bobbin thread by using the top thread, and then hold both threads to the back. If it still snags, there might just be a burr somewhere or even needle or timing. A burr on the plate can cause problems. Crocus cloth can fix that.

If you are quilting - get a single stitch plate. You can temporarily make the hole in the zigzag plate smaller with tape to experiment.

How old are your bobbins? The plastic ones can get out of round. The Pfaff name is supposed to go on the top of the bobbin winder spool. (according to the book - I use generic Pfaff bobbins along with branded Pfaff) I've had some go wonky.

If you are winding a bobbin through the needle, check the threading and try filling bobbin from the top. Use a recommended Schmetz needle and the right fabric for that needle.

HTH.

I have a 2170 which is essentially the same machine (i think). I love it and would not want to replace it!! I usually never have a problem with it.

I never wind my bobbins through the needle. I too never use the thread cutter. When piecing using this machine, I always use leaders and enders (small pieces of folded fabric). I find that much easier than holding the threads. I also use the 1/4 inch foot as well as the stitch plate with a single hole in it.

Weezy Rider had some good advice. One other question - have you changed thread type? have you changed bobbin thread?

When I have problems, it is usually lint under the stitch plate. If that does not fix it for me. I start from the top (new needle, re-thread completely, check tension). I then do the bobbin. Check to see if your bobbin is loaded correctly. When the bobbin is in the case and still in your hand. if you pick up the thread end the tension from the flat spring should be enough for the bobbin case to lift off your hand then slowly fall back into your hand (mine is actually tight enough I need to jiggle it a bit for it to fall). After inserting the bobbin case, I always pull up my bobbin thread to above the stitch plate and have a 2-3 inch piece pulled to the back.

If you are still having problems - try a leader - for me it works perfectly. Sorry to hear you are having troubles. I have two of these machines a 2170 and a 2054 and love them.

Good luck - let us know haw you make out.

Have you checked your throat plate for a small crack?

Thanks for all the tips. I will check the bobbins and I never use the thread cutter either. I will go through everything suggested when the machine is back. It was simply not usable and I am sure there was a piece of thread caught in the hook or bobbin housing. I keep thinking that I am not getting the bobbin loaded correctly so I am going to check that out further. If you think of anything else, please share.

Very grateful for your help!