I can't take credit for this, it's not my idea. I read it in the files of the Vintage Singer Yahoo group. The first 401 I bought was so loud and whiny I hated it so decided to give this a try and it worked.

Cari

I have a 401G whom I love, and am looking for an original extension table for her ( the metal one). If anyone knows where I can get one, I'd sure appreciate hearing about it.

I can vouch for this method. Be sparing with the oil (I used bar oil for a chainsaw because of its high viscosity); you can always add another drop later if the first application doesn't solve the whine. The trick is to be sparing so the oil won't run down into the motor.

Love my 401.

Thank you this is spot on. Joe, I hope you don't mind but I borrowed your pic and added something to it. I was asked in a PM to show exactly where to add this drop of oil. I added a green arrow to show it, right below the upper motor gear.
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Cari

[QUOTE=Cari-in-Oly;7368069]Thank you this is spot on. Joe, I hope you don't mind but I borrowed your pic and added something to it. I was asked in a PM to show exactly where to add this drop of oil. I added a green arrow to show it, right below the upper motor gear

Thank you Cari! and Joe, for this picture.
I was thinking that had to be the area.....
Mish k in NJ

Thanks for that picture both to Joe and Cari. I just finished cleaning and lubing my daughter's 401 EXCEPT the bearing. That green arrow was really timely. I was getting ready to ask how to access that bearing too. I'm still getting a bit of noise in that area so I'll be adding a drop of oil there too.
Olivia has used the machine at 4-H a couple meetings now and is really starting to like using it.
Rodney

Rodney, on your 301 try turning the wheel to put the needle down into the fabric, then lowering the foot, and then sew. No need to hold the threads. This tip came from the 301 manual, and I've found it to work on every lockstitch machine in my herd.

The needle only needs to be a few threads into the fabric for this to work.

Dianne in Colorado

Thanks for the tip but it wasn't me asking. :) I will give it a try though.
Rodney

Greased the cam gear, regreased the other gears, oiled again and wow what a difference! Thank you. Will try that tip for the 301, too.