thick grease built up on old sewing machine
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
thick grease built up on old sewing machine
Hi there!
About two years ago, I bought a Kenmore 21 sewing machine off eBay. It has worked great, but just recently I noticed a build-up of gooey black grease on the back of the machine, just behind the hand wheel and near the motor/belts, etc.
Any thoughts on the cause? I am wondering if the machine was oiled with something gnarly and if I need to get it cleaned out, or if this is more or less normal.
Thanks for any input!
About two years ago, I bought a Kenmore 21 sewing machine off eBay. It has worked great, but just recently I noticed a build-up of gooey black grease on the back of the machine, just behind the hand wheel and near the motor/belts, etc.
Any thoughts on the cause? I am wondering if the machine was oiled with something gnarly and if I need to get it cleaned out, or if this is more or less normal.
Thanks for any input!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
msulliv3,
Welcome to the forum.
Any build of grease or old oil should be removed if for no other reason than to keep the machine clean. Keeps your hands clean and your work too.
I'm not familiar with the Kenmore 21s, but I'd start carefully with sewing machine oil and cotton balls or a clean flannel cloth. Avoid strong chemicals such as those found Simple Green, 409, Go Jo, Gunk or others.
They can damage certain finishes and decals too.
Joe
Welcome to the forum.
Any build of grease or old oil should be removed if for no other reason than to keep the machine clean. Keeps your hands clean and your work too.
I'm not familiar with the Kenmore 21s, but I'd start carefully with sewing machine oil and cotton balls or a clean flannel cloth. Avoid strong chemicals such as those found Simple Green, 409, Go Jo, Gunk or others.
They can damage certain finishes and decals too.
Joe
#4
I recently purchased a Domestic 935. Lovely machine and clean everywhere except around the handwheel. When I took it apart to clean I couldn't believe what someone had done. Thick black grease on the handwheel and the belt. Had to clean it all out (what a job that was since it was so thick) and buy a new belt. I used Goo Gone Extra to desolve the grease. It works just fine now.
Kitsykeel
Kitsykeel
#5
Remember the days when you could buy a tube of “Belt Dressing”? It was a tar-like substance that you could rub onto an old belt, especially one that was slipping, to “rejuvenate” it and save the cost of a new belt......
CD in Oklahoma
CD in Oklahoma
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Joe
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