If the wiring is still good, then cleaning and putting new brushes in a motor takes about 10 minutes. Personally I'd rather have a 301 than a 401. I don't care for the 401 or 500 Singers but I love my 301s. I don't use them for FM work though so can't comment on that other than to say I know someone who does.

Cari

Singer401A is an awesome machine. It is not my go to but it is to my daughter. I would get it.

This machine looks just like my moms! I got it for my youngest daughter when mom passed. It's in the original cabinet. It has drop in disc with different stitches, even the zig-zag stitch, if I remember correctly. Sews a pretty wave stitch that none of my machines have.

Cari, do you know if any tutorials on how to do that? Also where would I get the new brushes? I sent A PM but figured I'd reply here too to cover my bases. Thanks so much, I'd eventually like a new machine but if this is a quick fix I'll just keep this one as well thanks Joe

I replied to your PM but I'll put the links I gave you here too.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/co...ted-motor.html

http://mckennalinn.com/sewing-machin...g-a-motor.html

Cari

I know this is an old thread but I'm wondering why no one ever caught this.................

Cari

I have 3-301's...one in a cabinet...and I do FM with it and only it. I seem to have more control with hit then the newer machines...Got a FM foot thru singer. com, my stitches come out more even. I gave up trying to FM on my Husq SE or Lily...nope love my 301's

How much are they wanting for the machine? Should be less than $100. Mine was free and it worked after I oiled it and cleaned out the packed lint.

I know this thread is super old but I just came acrossed it while searching information about a Singer 401A machine. I have a friend that is having to clean out her mother's house because they just recently put her in a nursing home. She has a Singer 401A machine in a cabinet that she is needing to get rid of. Any ideas what it would be worth and where I could post it to help her sell it?

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I think $125 is reasonable but picked all my 401s and 403s up for around $60 each 2 years ago. Not sure I would pay $160.

The cabinets and machines are pretty easy to come by and the accessories really dont have much extra value for the 401s although the monogram cams and professional buttonholer might be worth having.
The 401 cabinet will take a cradle for a 301.
I love my 401s.