Clutch will not engage
 

I'm new to the sewing life, so forgive me if this is simple. Just bought a Koyo Centennial (or Dressmaker Centennial II - not sure which one it actually is). When I bought it, the sewing machine worked fine and was able to sew a few practices runs just fine. Now the needle will not engage via the clutch wheel. The motor works and spins the larger wheel. The smaller wheel on the right ( or clutch) will spin freely and move the needle and all associated components manually, but I can't get the clutch to lock into the larger wheel. I can't see anything broken and nothing sounds like it is grinding when turning manually. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Is there a small gib screw in your clutch knob.? If this is like most machines it is designed to turn between three lobes of an odd washer between the clutch wheel and the and wheel. if that screw is missing you won't get it to work.
Have you tried holding the handwheel with a gripper as you tighten the clutch wheel?

If these don't work you may have to that the gib screw loose and tighter the clutch wheel less than 1/3 of a turn and tighten it again. Those are the first 3 steps to try. IMHO

Inside of the clutch wheel and the clutch washer will be shown in the next post.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...738-576744.jpg

you can also see the gib screw poking through.

And welcome aboard.

Welcome. I agree with what Leon said.

I found a few links that tell a bit about the clutch washer that might be helpful.
https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.c...utch-part-one/
https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.c...nger-part-two/
http://lizzielenard-vintagesewing.bl...ion-screw.html

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

Thank you for your help, looks like the gib screw is actually missing. It worked when I brought it home, so probably somewhere in the carpet upstairs now. I'l have to have a search party!

Thank you, I appreciate that! I have already learned a lot from everyone helping out.

Thank you for your help, looks like the gib screw is actually missing. It worked when I brought it home, so probably somewhere in the carpet upstairs now. I'l have to have a search party!

I found mine laying in the floor the other day, so I sympathize. I found it before I realized it was missing, thank goodness.

Remember that it's magnetic, that might help.

bkay

Thank you. I’ll go into the shop and grab a magnet and scarp the floors. Haha. When putting the screw back, do you just screw it in enough to catch the winged washer or is there a sequence you have to do to make it run right after?