Timing
 

Hopefully someone out there has had this problem and can help me. I know the timing is off on my Kenmore Model 117-959, but I can’t figure out how to adjust and nothing I’ve found online pertains to my machine. Help please!!

There are a few timing settings. Which are you needing help with?

#1 Feed Dogs
#2 Loop Lift
#3 Needle/Hook Distance
#4 Thread Passage

There's a "Vintage Kenmore" group that you could join. With lots of knowledgeable people and a great assortment of service manuals.

#3. I’ve tried literally every other possibility so it narrows the field. I’ve done it many times on my modern machines, but this is the first time I’ve encountered this problem with my antique machines

Usually on a vintage Kenmore there's a screw at the top of the needle bar, that needs to be loosened. The screw holds a small shaft in place. When it's loose, you can move the needle bar forward and backwards.

I have a model 117 somewhere.... but I can't find it.

Here's a picture of a different Kenmore, but it will give you an idea of what to look for. The green arrow is pointing to the screw that gets loosened. You can see the small shaft in front of the screw.

Loosening or adjusting the needle bar will correct the timing? In the past I’ve always had to correct timing issues in the bobbin compartment. I’ll give it a shot. Thank you.

Yes, the needle bar pivots and brings the needle closer or farther away, from the hook.

The needle sits just to left of center, I do have to adjust that from time to time. It just doesn’t have any effect on my current issue. I love that machine and just can’t get a handle on how to correct it.

So.... you need to adjust the needle bar side to side? Or forward and backward?

The hook is coming across the needle late, so I’m not sure what adjustment to the needle bar would correct that. I’ll just have to play around with it and see what happens.