Bought an old Kenmore that can only sew in reverse !!!
 

Now why would I do that? It was made in the early 70's. I bought it in a thrift store and talked them into selling it to me for $3.00 as I didn't know if it worked and was missing the foot control/AC adaptor. i was able to locate the foot control/ac adaptor on Ebay $27, and a copy of original manual for $6.00. So $36.00 total for machine. Well it worked, but unfortunately can only sew in reverse. The Reverse lever is there. It just doen't engage, or I should say disengage I guess.

Never took a machine apart. Would all be new to me, and I would have no parts to install anyway. The machine is not one of those special oldie but goodies coveted by some, but it does sew nicely, albet backwards. ':D

Has anyone ever had an older machine with this malady, that was able to fix it? Would not be worth spending more money on it taking it to a sewing machine shop. Just was wondering if it might be worth my time to take it apart to see what's going on.

I had a Kenmore that I was trying to use in a storm situation....something got zapped in it when the power went on and off a few times and I didn't unplug it. It would only sew in reverse after that. I did not try to get it repaired.

I have had that happen, actually 2 different machines, a Morse and the Kenmore, after a "friend" used them, I took them to my machine guy and fixed them. I don't remember what he said was the problem, but they're both great machines, and work horses, so to me, they were worth the repair.

I used to have a Kenmore 10. Love that machine, but the I lost it. After 2 years of searching for one I found one. Got for 18.00. Problem? Top stitches are fine, but I constantly have to adjust the bottom stitches. I do plan to taking for service after my beloved Bernina is taken care of. Did you know that the first machines sewed backwards? Turn it around! I know it does seem way to expensive to have a machine serviced, compared to the price you paid. Think of the years of use you will get. My is for hauling to sew-ins at guild. It will always in the tote, ready to go.

A picture of it may give us a bit of a clue. Have you tanken the top off and oiled everything that moves?

A model number off the data plate under the front edge of the bed would also be helpful. The medel number will start with a 158.xxxxx or a 148.xxxx. It probably just needs a good cleaning and lubrication with sewing machine oil.

John Thomas in NC

I thought the same thing as sylviasmom. Sew with it turned backwards as long as you can adjust to it.

When we do our HC demos, we get really good at operating the machines backwards..
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I had a machine with that same issue once. (Not a Kenmore). Someone had rewired the foot pedal backwards. It was a bit odd....driving backwards like that. :shock:

Must hae been a DC machine.