Singer 403A motor dead silent & rough
10-01-2020, 03:26 PM
#21
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Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by leonf
Correct,. That tester is made for steady current, not variable. it could help measuring at the light and AC going into the controller but not after.
I'm watching YouTube videos on electricity and using testing meters but I haven't gotten very far in understanding how to test a cord or the foot controller.
Any tips on articles or videos showing how I can do these things? Thanks.
10-02-2020, 04:23 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,819
Gearandsuch, I have the same problem with figuring out electric stuff. My local sewing machine repair shop will do a 5 minute diagnostic for $15.00.That's what I would do if faced with your problem.
I have no idea how much you have invested in this 403, but the problem with the machine seems to be beyond your capability. Have you considered parting it out and buying another machine? Even if you finally figure out it's the motor, can you replace it yourself? Can you rebuild the motor yourself? How much will it cost to get a used motor? How do you know if the replacement motor is good? Is it worth buying another controller just to test your machine or maybe borrowing one?
I assume the 403 has the same electrical setup as the 401, in that the controller plugs into the machine and the "wall plug" plugs in at a different spot. The controller itself is generic and can be replaced, but you will have to use the cord that came with the 403. I don't know if you can buy a controller that is already wired to fit a 403 or not. All in all, it might be easier just to wire your cord to a controller from another machine. That would be easy to do if you have one available. Just follow the instructions of a youtube video for adjusting a controller/foot pedal.
I'm sorry if this is kind of rambling, but these are the thoughts/questions I have about your problem. I'm not an expert, but I have adjusted a controller. I would not tackle replacing a motor or rebuilding a motor.
bkay
I have no idea how much you have invested in this 403, but the problem with the machine seems to be beyond your capability. Have you considered parting it out and buying another machine? Even if you finally figure out it's the motor, can you replace it yourself? Can you rebuild the motor yourself? How much will it cost to get a used motor? How do you know if the replacement motor is good? Is it worth buying another controller just to test your machine or maybe borrowing one?
I assume the 403 has the same electrical setup as the 401, in that the controller plugs into the machine and the "wall plug" plugs in at a different spot. The controller itself is generic and can be replaced, but you will have to use the cord that came with the 403. I don't know if you can buy a controller that is already wired to fit a 403 or not. All in all, it might be easier just to wire your cord to a controller from another machine. That would be easy to do if you have one available. Just follow the instructions of a youtube video for adjusting a controller/foot pedal.
I'm sorry if this is kind of rambling, but these are the thoughts/questions I have about your problem. I'm not an expert, but I have adjusted a controller. I would not tackle replacing a motor or rebuilding a motor.
bkay
10-02-2020, 05:58 AM
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
Why would you buy a machine that requires a fair bit of work that you lack knowledge of, from ePay. Or did the seller not describe the item properly? Anyways, with bkay on this....probably best to look for another machine in better condition as a starting point. One note though, forget replacing the bearing if that is the cause (hopefully not), motors are easy to swap out.
10-02-2020, 07:56 AM
#24
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Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 31
The seller said, "Unit can power on..." It didn't "power on" for me. But it was only $31 and I don't want to pursue an eBay dispute.
I still think I can get it sorted out. I texted my cousin last night who said he'd be happy to help—he's a very hands-on electrical engineer. If it turns out I need a new power cord I'll buy one—they're easy to find online. If it needs a new foot controller, well I might like a modern one better anyway.
If it needs a new top bearing I'll have to spend the "big bucks" and get another (used) motor (I think they go for about $50). Even with that cost and the (extravagant) $35 I've spent for a tension assembly (I failed to notice it was missing a few parts in the eBay photo) it'll still add up to less than the $250 to $300 refurbished ones go for.
I still think I can get it sorted out. I texted my cousin last night who said he'd be happy to help—he's a very hands-on electrical engineer. If it turns out I need a new power cord I'll buy one—they're easy to find online. If it needs a new foot controller, well I might like a modern one better anyway.
If it needs a new top bearing I'll have to spend the "big bucks" and get another (used) motor (I think they go for about $50). Even with that cost and the (extravagant) $35 I've spent for a tension assembly (I failed to notice it was missing a few parts in the eBay photo) it'll still add up to less than the $250 to $300 refurbished ones go for.
10-02-2020, 08:40 PM
#26
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Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 31
Turns out I'm an idiot!
Originally Posted by JoeJr
... Try the simple things first. Just yesterday I was using a foot control to bench test a machine, first there was power then none...
Uh, it runs. What the he—...wait, could I have not turned the power strip on the first time? What a dufus move!
(It sounds like a dinosaur grinding its teeth, so I'll have to try that 30w oil trick on the motor top bearing. I read a tip (here?) about asking for a bit of oil at an auto oil changer place. More to come.)
