JoeJr

I received a Kenmore 158.15160 Model 1516, a basic zig zig machine. It also takes cams for different patterns. It seemed to clean up OK but when I tested the zig zag all it did was move the needle over to the left, and sewed straight stitch, basically as a left homing machine. There is no cam in the machine.

Does anyone know if a cam is required for it to sew zig zag, or is something still stuck?

This is an early 70s era machine, aluminum body but all metal inside and underneath.

bkay

Generally speaking, if it has a place for a cam, you have to have a cam to make it zig-zag. Post a photo, you can usually tell by looking at the machine. (I hope I don't have a foot in my mouth.)
bkay

OurWorkbench

It looks like this is one of the cam machines that does require the #1 cam do do zigzag. Some of the machines that take cams will do zigzag without a cam.

I'm basing that on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hCRg5z9xr0 and https://manualsoncd.com/wp-content/uploads/558d.jpg

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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JoeJr

Here's a picture. I'm pretty sure it requires a cam, it's pretty clean inside and everything seems to be moving well.

I guess this may end up being a straight stitch machine.