Singer 600e tension dial
 

This machine sews great but the tension dial keeps moving from say 8 to 6 to 4. The little set screw that is on the side of the cover won't budge and I think that's why the tension numbers keep changing. I ordered a complete tension dial that was listed as fitting this machine but I can't figure it out. The part I received had a metal stud on it that goes into the machine. My machine already has a metal stud on it. I called the company I ordered it from and asked how to install it...the person seemed a little irritated and said to just mail it back. It has to be modified. Of course it didn't say that anywhere on the website. Does anyone have any suggestions of either how to put on the new one or how to get to stop screw loose? If my description doesn't make sense, let me know. It's hard to describe.

Is this the screw you mean?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]618370[/ATTACH]

If so, I would use some kind of penetrating oil, like PB blaster. I'd lean the head back, so the screw was facing up. I'd apply the oil and wait overnight and try it again. If it doesn't work, then I'd lean the head back, put a screwdriver that fits the slot and tap it with a rubber hammer. I'd keep on doing the two aforementioned things until it came loose.

I'm not the most experienced person around, so wait for Janie or someone like that to agree with me or maybe suggest a better idea.

bkay

edit: This is not a 600e, it's a 600, so it might not be exactly like yours.

Sorry, bkay, I'm not sure how much help I can be. I haven't really messed with my 600s, I did get a 626 to chain stitch, but it took a bit of doing as the bobbin case was messed up.

I'm thinking it is the set screw for the stud portion of the tension assembly.that ssorrow is referring to. That screw would be accessed after opening the nose plate. The same oiling or penetrating oil might help. Besides oiling and gentle tap on the properly fitted screwdriver, heat is an option. I'm not sure I would heat after using PB Blaster, maybe just SM oil.

I don't know if http://site.tandtrepair.com/600Stuff...tuff/600TR.pdf would help or not. I know Terry has been recommended by others, especially when working with slant shank machines. I think that there are two sites, but I believe http://site.tandtrepair.com/ is the most up-to-date site.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

The screw I'm talking about is actually on the tension indicator. I looked up Terry's site and he refers to the screw as a "set screw" on the "tension indicator". Apparently some of the early T&S machines had a plastic pull off tension indicator and the 600e has a metal tension indicator that has a set screw. No wonder you weren't sure what I was talking about LOL...it's specific to this machine. Unfortunately, Terry's site still didn't help me figure out how to attach a new complete unit or get the screw loose. I've tried the lubricators but that didn't budge it. Terry just says to make sure not to remove the set screw...no problem there...I can't get it loose.

Terry is a great guy and very helpful. Ask him. Be aware that he lives in American Samoa, so you will not get an answer until the next day. I try to buy anything I need for a slant machine from him, as he is so generous with his knowledge.

bkay

Here is the screw that holds the tension assembly to the frame.
:thumbup:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]618381[/ATTACH]

This set screw holds the dial.
:thumbup:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]618382[/ATTACH]

That's it exactly!! But, I must not be living right. I tried to get the other screw out and it's stuck too. I'll keep trying. Thanks for the help.

I'd just send that picture to Terry and ask him if he has a set screw.

Barbara

Great idea. Thanks.