My Hubby's Great Find!
 

So, the picture is sideways :( but my hubby scored today. He found a 201 at a consignment shop and picked it up for me. It is absolutely filthy, and the cabinet needs some work but I think it will be a winner. The decals are pretty faded and you can tell it was actually used, but I can't wait to have a go at her.

Now, how do I clean this up? I am going to take a look at the videos on this site, but would it be easier to take it to a SM shop to get it cleaned the first time? I have absolutely no idea what to do, and don't want to break it. I pluged it in...the light works and the needle/feed dogs move well. My main concern is that the motor starts smoking whenever I press the pedal down:shock:. What could cause this? Would love any info you can give!!



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here you go, i flipped it upright. :)

Thank you!!

Be sure to add grease to the external motor housing...two large nuts in the rear...and oil well. This machine has several metal gears that need grease and you will have a winner.

DanofNJ,

Hope you weathered the storm ok! Do have a question for you...the nuts have a sort of spring under them. Do I take the spring out and put the motor grease in there? I downloaded a manual and will try to read it tomorrow. I've never worked on anything mechanical before, so I really don't know what I'm doing!

Newbie,

The Bakelite caps with the spring under them are the brush caps, do not oil or grease them. That would really mess up the motor.

The grease caps are on the bottom of the motor. Two large metal slotted screws with knurled edges. Lay the machine on it's side, remove the slotted metal caps and stick the end of a tube of SINGER lube in the hole and gently squeeze it in. These big holes lube the motor bearings and the drive gear at the same time. So don't go nuts with it, but don't be chinchy either.

If the wiring is good, check it thoroughly, then the motor is most likely just as filthy inside as the machine is. Lube it, then run it. It should clean up inside.

To clean the machine externally use oil and cotton balls or flannel cloth. Underneath same thing. Oil everything that moves other than the motor.

There is no need to take it to a service person unless you just can't work on them.

Joe

Thanks, Joe. I looked again and found the place to put the lube. Can I buy it at a store or just online? SM oil can be purchased pretty much anywhere, right? I have plenty of cotton balls, so that won't be a problem. I downloaded the manual from the Singer site, so I think if I do some reading I should be able to figure it out. Like I said though, I've never done anything like this before so I don't want to mess it up! :)

Joe, now you have me looking at my 201-2 trying to see where the Bakelite caps with the brushes are. Hmmm, I am clueless. (Not unusual!)

Newbie,

I used to buy the Singer lube at JoAnns and other fabric / sewing shops. Nobody here carries here any more. I don't even know if my LSMG stocks it. I should check. I do know that Sew-Classic and others have it on line so it can be had.

It will probably take me a half tube of the lube to fill the grease cups and gear area on the 15-91 motor I'm working on. Pretty ingenious design. (15-91 and 201-2 use the same motor)

The last couple machines I cleaned up were cleaned with cotton balls and LSA oil. I got it at a military surplus store, it stands for (L)ubricant (S)mall (A)rms and it does a real good job of cleaning. That saves the Tri-Flow and sewing machine oil for actually oiling the machines.
Most any oil can be used for cleaning, but many of them shouldn't be used for actual lubrication.

Joe

Lyncat,
Look down at the top of your machine's motor. You'll see the motor cover facing away from you and between the cover and the machine's body will be a little (maybe 1/2") screw head. That is the top brush screw. There is another one down on the bottom.

I don't have a clear pic of one right now or I'd post it, but here is Sew-Classics link to the brush caps they sell:
{ http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Moto...-Parts_c21.htm }
The first listing you'll see is the carbon brush cap that your 201-2 has.

Joe

Newbie:

Thanks for asking about all of us at the Jersey Shore. Ocean County is in terrible shape. Most do not have power and it is cold! Trees and power lines on houses and resources are scarce..I was lucky and had minimal damage and power earlier than most. Those with power are offering their houses as shelter for those who don't. It is refreshing to see this level of compassion and concern for others. Families are truly suffering!

As for your machine: Joe did a perfect job explaining the process to you. I should have been clearer re: grease housing in the rear....I apologize for that. The machine, once greased and oiled should spin so easily that it practically sews on its own. Sometimes you have to remove the flywheel at the rear to clean it if the machine moves when winding the bobbin. Check the wiring and make sure it is not frayed because it is tucked tightly in the rear. If it is Ok, there is no need to remove the Bakelite.

Dan, I am so glad you got through the storm with minimal damage! I have been praying for your area of the country and hope all is back to normal soon. :)

I really appreciate all of the information Dan & Joe!!! I oiled the machine and it is so much better! I think once I find some lube to put in it, the motor will stop smoking a bit. I did notice something tonight when I was sewing tonight...It was giving me a bit of a zing whenever I touched anything metal. I checked the wires and they are all covered well. There are no cracks in the cord or exposed wires at all. Is this normal? I wouldn't think so, but since it's an old machine, I didn't know.

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I am alarmed that you are getting a Zing...the machine is prone to wiring shorts and they are hard to find. The motor should not smoke at all. I suggest that you not use it until you find the short, and I'm sure there is a frayed wire somewhere. I don't want to see you hurt so please look for it.

You may have to take off the bakelite at the rear of the machine. It is one or two screws. Note were the wires go because they can break easily. Inspect the wiring all the way to the motor. I am sure you have some very bad wires. Keep us informed.

PS...thanks for the nice thoughts.

Rain has a blog with info on rewiring those potted type motors: http://vssmb.blogspot.com/search/label/Rewire

very nice!!

Thanks, Dan. I will check it out right away!

Thank you Miriam and Solstice!

I need a light switch for mine. Anyone know where i can get one. / I love this machine. you can PM me . at cmaras1234 Thanks carol

OK all, I think I found the source of the zing... This is behind where the power cord connects to the machine.

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Rain has a step by step tutorial on his blog for rewiring that. Or you could remove the motor and put a different motor on it. You can put a big wheel on it and put it on a treadle, a HC will fit. You might have to buy some parts either way.

I'm so glad you found it...I was really concerned!!!! Rewiring vintage machines goes with the territory.


You will have to rewire it. Follow the wires and carefully document. I would use 18 gauge wire...so that it is THICK since it carries current to the motor. You will have to totally disassemble the Fly Wheel. Remove the motor housing, and then inspect and replace. From the looks of it, nearly all the wires will have to be redone. It is a tedious job but you will be able to do it. Have a soldering iron handy as well. You should also disassemble the motor housing and inspect the wires all the way to the internal workings of the motor. Good luck.