OurWorkbench

I'm glad Joe told you how to post pictures.

There are two manuals for the 401 at https://www.singer.com/search/support?title=401 One at the top and then one further down the page. One is from 1958 and the other is a revised in 1976 version.

While it is fairly long, there is some good info at Shall I try and get this machine? There are a couple of others at 401a problem and She's real fun, my 401... particularly She's real fun, my 401...

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

BonnieJP

Here's a link to a Singer 401 manual that you can download and print for free.
Singer 401 Instruction book (ismacs.net)


There are Kenmore manuals for $6.95 here:
kenmoresewingmanuals.com/#gsc.tab=0

intoquilting

Glad someone found a place for you to download a manual. Lots of help on this site.

leonf

There is a facebook group for sears and Kenmore machines and they have a ton of manuals there. Your model # will be under the bad as you look at the from usually three numbers. period bunch more #s.. That's how you will search.

Roy Morgan

I have just overhauled a 401A here - WONDERFUL machine. I have digital copies of the manual (there may be more than one version out there on the web, for free), and would be happy to email one to you.

If the machine turns, but somewhat stiffly, it just needs oil and patience.

Roy

bkay

I unstuck a 401a. I used strips of old t-shirts, q-tips and cotton balls that I soaked with 90% rubbing alcohol from Walmart, sewing machine oil, denatured alcohol from Home Depot (pretty much the same as the rubbing alcohol, but more expensive). I also used kerosene (unscented lamp oil from Walmart). You soak the fiber and rub it on the yucky places until the brown gunk comes off. I used the strips to go under things and "see-sawed" the strip until I had to change to another strip. A pair of hemostats is helpful to get the strips, or cotton balls into the tight places. It took a while, but it's my go-to machine now. (Don't get the alcohol on that red lever, it will dissolve the paint.) I used various solvents at various times so I'm not sure which is best. I think the alcohol works best, though. (Don't use alcohol on a Black Machine, it will dissolve the finish.)

If you'll look at some of archaic arcane posts here and on youtube, you'll find great tutorials. I think AndyTube did a series on the 401a on youtube as well. Andy tube is very detailed, Archaic arcane moves a little faster. Both do excellent tutes.

bkay

themadpatter

Well, dear friend, here is my thread from when I was exactly where you are!! Seized 401 A, possibly bad motor It seems that it is rather common to get these when they are glued immobile by old oil.

For my manual needs, I always check Manualslib.com first here. I like it because you can make a free account and keep all your manual there. I have them stored on my laptop, as well, for when I want to print one, but I can always access them from my phone if I need to. I don't always find the manuals I need there, but I mostly do.

I think I used alcohol to unglue mine, too. It worked very well on the 99 I just did, too.

I can't wait to hear what kind of Kenmore that is!!

bkay

The vintage Kenmore group at groups.io may be of help if you still need it. https://groups.io/g/VintageKenmoresSew

Armysoldier1073

I appreciate everyone's help. However the Kenmore I have i can't find a manual. I don't have social media so the Facebook group isn't helping. I have found a model similar but it is not the same. The one on the internet has stitch patterns like the 401a, however mine does not. I have emailed the company that used to own the Kenmore sewing machine line. They stated they do not have any historical information available... I have also emailed the gentleman who ran the site that has the similar one and he has no idea..

How do you add pictures to here?

Armysoldier1073

I couldn't figure out how upload here but I figured out how to upload in profile. Thank you again for all your help. I apologize i don't get on much to reply.