Yes we used the brushes sew-classic has on her website - worked fine - looked just like the ones we took out

ArchaicArcane, Miriam,
I remember that thread, even looked for it. But I didn't find it. I'll bookmark it this time. Thanks.

From the bottom, the motors on the 401 and 500 look pretty much the same. But removed and compared I have no idea.
We have a 201-2, a 15-91 and a FW. So, if I bought a set of those brushes and they didn't fit the 500, I wouldn't be out any.

However ...... :) Mizkakis idea of the motor oil down on top of the bearing seems to be working. I was sewing with it a bit ago after putting several drops of Penzzoil 30 WT motor oil on the bearing and it is quieting down. Got a couple projects to do with it later and then I'm going to do a felt stitch pattern sheet. That should give it a work out.

Joe

THe 401 and the 500 and the 600 motors ARE the same but the 500 and 600 have a different top gear on them.

Good to know. Thanks.

Joe

I'm thinking the gear on the 401 is a tad shorter - the 500 or 600 motor will work in the 401 but the bobbins won't wind in the 500 if you put the 401 in it.

Correcto Mundo. The 500 motor has a taller shaft with a spiral wound thing at the top to run the bobbin winder.
I think the drive gear on the 401 might be slightly larger in diameter but without having them side by side I can't be sure.

Joe

UPDATE: Fast forward to March 10th 2013. Since I posted this thread I have kept the 500 set up and ready for use. Both my wife and myself have used it quite a bit. Decorated many squares for my denim quilt, repaired clothes, made a Wacky Bag, plus other things. Not a hint of trouble.
Mizkaki's tip about the motor oil on the top bearing worked. Not a squeal out of it since I put the oil in.

So any one who finds a pathetic machine like this one and want's to try their hands at refurbing them, go for it.
In this case, the results justified the effort and cost. It's one of my favorite machines and I'll not be parting with it any time soon.

Joe

I was under the impression that there aren't many types of brushes, maybe two sizes or so. A OSMG told me to get the biggest and file them down if necessary.

I just got a pathetic 301 working again! It needed a total make over. There was mold, mildew etc on the paint. Some scaring from that - blotches in the paint where that all was. The motor squealed but good, there was rust on the shuttle, the tension had to be rebuilt, the whole thing had to have the grease and oil cleaned up. The balance wheel had a lot of dried up oil in there - the machine would not stop running when I took my foot off the pedal. Now it works just fine. Took several hours though.

LOVED this one! wow, what a beauty . . . you do great work, Joe. wish you lived closer to me!! lol ;0))