Universal Machine, Advice?

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-11-2018, 05:23 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,257
Default Universal Machine, Advice?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]590580[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]590581[/ATTACH]
Asking for a friend. She said her machine is not working, I have not had time to go over and take a look at it. I/we have no idea what is wrong with it (I don't know if it's not running at all, won't stitch, etc.). Do you have any thoughts on this machine? Is it a good machine that would be worth checking into having it serviced/repaired? TIA
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_9283.JPG
Views:	351
Size:	722.5 KB
ID:	590580   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_9282.JPG
Views:	387
Size:	548.5 KB
ID:	590581  
CindyA is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 03:39 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,578
Default

It might be something simple like needing a new light bulb. It looks like a heavy "portable" mechanical machine and for simple sewing straight/zigzag, might be pretty good. Foot controller /wiring looks old, but you've got the manual and it looks like an attachments box tucked on the side. I'd go for it, but that's just me.
QuiltMom2 is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 06:27 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 374
Default

That looks like a great vintage machine! I am into my Singer 301's, but that one looks great if you ask me and worth working on it for sure....save all these lovely machines!
MarshaEIEIO is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 06:37 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,821
Default

I would think it's something simple. It doesn't appear to have electronic parts, so that's a plus. If it just "won't work", I'd start with the controller. I'm a novice machine collector, not a mechanic, but that's where I would start. Motors seldom fail on a sewing machine, so "won't work" usually means the motor is not getting power.

Also, I just saw this - It has that weird plug "thingy". The motor and foot pedal plugs have to be plugged into certain slots. If they are reversed, the controller won't work, but the light will come on. So, first try reversing how they are plugged in. (I had that problem with my MW 17 Jewel, also a Japanese made model. If this doesn't make sense, I'll try to be more accurate with my language.)

bkay
bkay is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 07:13 AM
  #5  
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 29
Default

Old lubrication could be another potential issue. I worked on a Singer 9020 that the needle was sluggish when zig-zagging, and it was because the grease on the cam followers had dried out into a gummy mess that acted like silly putty.
Puffie40 is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 08:33 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
leonf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: near Topeka kansas
Posts: 4,524
Default

bkay,
Are you talking about his kind of plug ins? https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...922-590161.jpg

Last edited by leonf; 03-12-2018 at 08:35 AM. Reason: wrong link
leonf is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 08:38 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
leonf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: near Topeka kansas
Posts: 4,524
Default

Cindy A try turning it by hand before you plug it in. If it will go through full rotations, then you can try the motor.

Is it belt driven? Can you loosen the belt and see if the motor will run by itself?
leonf is offline  
Old 03-12-2018, 09:50 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,821
Default

Originally Posted by leonf View Post
bkay,
Are you talking about his kind of plug ins? https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...922-590161.jpg
Yes, but mine was not labeled. It had worked previously, so I kept searching the internet and found the instructions that explained that the different parts had to be plugged in a specific outlet. I switched the plugs and it worked perfectly.

bkay
bkay is offline  
Old 04-18-2018, 03:34 AM
  #9  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,257
Default

Thank you, bkay!
CindyA is offline  
Old 04-18-2018, 03:35 AM
  #10  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,257
Default

Thanks, everyone! My friend and I have both been super busy and she hasn't had a chance to do anything, yet. But we really appreciate all the great input. She will keep it and try to get it working.
CindyA is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
riutzelj
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
07-16-2014 06:02 AM
Blackberry
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
7
03-25-2014 08:11 AM
mimiknoxtaylor
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
2
12-13-2012 08:07 AM
Cacklinghen
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
9
11-28-2012 11:57 AM
fktsewing
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
5
01-01-2011 07:34 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter