ILoveToQuilt

My "new" FW, bought at auction for $75, is smoking from the motor. Does it just need to be cleaned or is this indicative of a bigger problem? Since it was bought at auction, I have no idea of the history of the machine (other than it was "born" on October 10, 1938 in Elizabeth, NJ) and how it was cared for previously.

It does sew nicely and aside from the smoking, I am very happy with my find. DH does not want me to use it until we get to the bottom of the problem.

This is my second FW (other is a Centennial that belonged to my Mom) which needs to be serviced as it has been years since it was cleaned.

Thanks for your help!

Stitchnripper

I just took a class on Featherweight maintenance. You can probably find a lot in the manual and on line on Youtube. As far as the motor, that is something I don't fool with because it is way out of my comfort level. I would take it in to be looked at. Let us know how it turns out.

ILoveToQuilt

My DH is an electrical engineer, so he'll be the first one to check it out! Don't know if this is a mistake (LOL) or not!

Will post pictures of the new "baby" as soon as I can.

Thanks for the help. I have a manual as well as the FW 221 book (purple cover).

Stitchnripper

Well that is lucky! I'm sure your hubby can fix it for you. we are the least handiest people on the planet we think. I do manage to clean and lube my machines but anything beyond that is for the OSMG who is a young woman with green hair!!!

Tom W

may just be dirty and running it for 5 minutes or so at full speed will clear it out, but first check that the carbon brushes have plenty of life left in them. The other possibility is that someone has put oil in the lubrication ports and the motor will need to be opened and cleaned to remove it. Once clean, use original Singer motor lube (not the stuff they sell now) or Petroleum Jelly in the grease ports. You can spend big $$ on Nova Montgomery's or the Featherweight Shoppe's new motor lubricant, but it isn't necessary as Singer recommended PJ when they quit making the original motor lubricant.

ILoveToQuilt

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ILoveToQuilt

Okay...the pictures are of my new "baby". Still haven't had DH look at it, hopefully this weekend. I'd like to be able to take it to my guild meeting next Tuesday.

I think she's (he's?) mighty pretty, but then I am biased!

DonnaMiller

Someone may have put oil in the motor by mistake or it is just dirty. Anyone familiar with motor brushes and cleaning same can take care of this for you. After all it has been here a long time and needs a little TLC. Not much else will last as well as these machines. You will be glad you got her.

machinemaven

If you'll go here https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...vicing-manuals you can download the service and adjuster's manuals. Be sure you get all 3 files. The info there on keeping your 221 running well is invaluable.

ILoveToQuilt

DH looked at machine today. We tried petroleum jelly to lube motor...still smoking. He says the brushes look good. He is planning to look closer at the motor sometime next weekend. Glad that it doesn't seem toooo bad (or so I think).