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Machine runs when it shouldn't

Machine runs when it shouldn't

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Old 03-18-2020, 01:48 PM
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Default Machine runs when it shouldn't

I'm sorry if this topic has been covered previously, but I don't know how to ask the question to find an answer! I have a Singer 66-16 in a sewing cabinet, with a knee controller. It sews like a dream, but lately when I release the knee lever, the machine keeps stitching. It actually doesn't even slow down. My first guess was that I needed to adjust the belt, but that didn't seem to help.

Can anyone suggest a solution, and/or a link to a blog or video on how to fix this problem.

Thank you so much for any responses.

Carol
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Old 03-18-2020, 02:01 PM
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When my old Singer did that, it was a short in the foot pedal. I think you should take off your knee controller and try the foot pedal if you have one.
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Old 03-18-2020, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Tartan View Post
When my old Singer did that, it was a short in the foot pedal. I think you should take off your knee controller and try the foot pedal if you have one.
Thank you! I'll try that.


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Old 03-18-2020, 04:57 PM
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Ditto what Tartan said. The controllers have continuous power flow, but there is a switch or something that interrupts it. Then when you step on it, the "interrupter" gets lifted and the power can flow again. You can change out the controller, or let a repair person fix it.
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Old 03-19-2020, 05:27 PM
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Look at some of the youtube videos on servicing Singer foot pedals. As they get older they can get stuck (sort of). The videos are very explanatory. It's an easy fix, you just take it apart, clean it up and adjust it. All the old Singer foot pedals are the same. I'm assuming you know that your foot pedal is inside the knee lever apparatus. Just push it up and the pedal will come out. When you put it back, just push it down in the bracket.
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Old 03-19-2020, 06:12 PM
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I had the same problem with my Janome foot pedal. My machine would just start sewing when I wasn't even around it! Yikes! I had to unplug my machine every time I was finished sewing for the day so it wouldn't start up on it's own in the middle of the night. Had the pedal replaced & that fixed the problem. Now (years later) I have another foot pedal problem. A lot of the time my machine won't start sewing when I push down on the pedal. If I "tap" it several times & sort of move it around on the floor it will start again. I have a start/stop button on my machine & I've resorted to using that now until I can get another pedal.
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Old 03-20-2020, 04:06 AM
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More than you ever wanted to know about restoring controllers - Andy Tube. He's great at doing tutorials, but they are really detailed.
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Old 03-22-2020, 06:31 PM
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If it's like most of them, the knee controller actually pushes on a foot controller up in the cabinet, so that's what needs fixing.
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Old 03-23-2020, 05:57 AM
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Originally Posted by themadpatter View Post
If it's like most of them, the knee controller actually pushes on a foot controller up in the cabinet, so that's what needs fixing.
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Thanks, C.O. When I know something, sometimes I forget that others don't know the same tings I know.
She says it's a Singer 66, so the foot pedal should be behind the knee lever (on the underside of the sewing machine).
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Old 03-23-2020, 07:11 AM
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I should mention that this can also be a fire hazard. Some folks have melted their carpet. Unplugging is always a good idea.
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