Iris and I also looked at the bobbin case. Candace, you were right someone was using the wrong needle and the bobbin case is all torn up. We worked on the burrs a bit - it is going to take more than I was able to do with what was on hand. The needle plate was a bit torn up as well. I also noticed the rod the tension goes on is not quite horizontal so one day will have to tackle that. Then we looked at the electric parts - Iris thinks I need to scrap them & put Mr. Ed in a treadle. He does have a VERY fine cabinet though - one of the best I have ever seen for an electric.... I wonder if a hand crank would go on there?

Wow Miriam, that was awesome. The pictures really make sense. Thank you! Another thread to bookmark now! I wonder if I can still pickup wifi from my garage when I get ready to clean mom's machine. I think that's what I'm going to name her "mom's".

Iris and I worked cleaning on Mr. Ed's tension. The 319 user's manual was incorrect on putting the tension back together - at least we kept it in order when we pulled it off - it is still crooked though and that will drive me nuts. I looked up more information so we can set it in right - of course, I haven't done it yet - but I like to look up how to so I can get it back together. Anyway here is some information on tensions. http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/do...sion.html#more look under #2 refurbishing - tension mechanism then look for a tension that looks like your machine's tension. This blog was helpful as well http://vssmb.blogspot.com/

Miriam, you sure it's incorrect? The 319 tension has that flat disc in the middle, I believe for twin needle stitching.

It is that way in the manual but when we took it apart that flat piece was in the back. It could be for twin needles but what does the whole mess rest on? Have you got any idea how to get the needle holder thingy back together?

PM me with your e-mail addy. I'll try to get you a picture today. I've taken both of mine apart for cleaning and reassembly.

Thanks so much for showing us the "evolution of a vintage machine". She looks great now. I'm sure once she gets her motor she will run forever.

one more question. How far up the shank does it go? I don't see a specific spot for it. I'm thinking this most probably is going to involve some timing at some point.

Ok - Candace says the correct needles are shorter than average needles. Someone tried to raise the needle holder higher up the shaft and use regular needles. No wonder the bobbin case is so chewed up. I can see that someone fooled with the tension so Iris and I are going to have to do it again - maybe this time get the shaft straightened out. Iris - all that work was for practice. DH is such an enabler - he stopped up the 2 inch gap under the old door and put bubble wrap over it so we stay warmer out there. Then he put a door knob on the other door and insulated the holes. Then he found a heater. Then he found a piece of plywood for me to use on top of old sewing table legs - we swiped the top to put the 401g in the treadle.

Here's a perfect link and shows how the 206 x 13 needle compares to regular needles. http://sewing-machines.blogspot.com/...n-needles.html