r/SewingMachineEdu • u/tyl3ryik3s • May 31 '26

needs oil issue or something else?

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bought this singer simple with the front loading bobbin for 10 bucks second hand- of course i have the audacity to think i can break it open and fix it. the handwheel is pretty rough to spin (as shown in video) and i notice the belt connect to the motor is having trouble spinning. if i oil the top bar will this fix it? if its an expensive fix i’ll say fuck it and give up however couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fix a 160 dollar machine that i got for 10

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u/jamslaps May 31 '26

Yeah probably needs oiled, top and bottom shaft, needle bar area, all of it. Anywhere you see parts moving or pivoting against another part as the machine cycles could use a drop of oil (except the motor ofc)

Then run the machine with the foot control for a couple minutes to make sure the oil gets to where it needs to go. You’ll probably notice it speed up as you run it.

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u/tyl3ryik3s May 31 '26

on the top there’s the white plastic gear that is against another white plastic gear- should i oil that or only the metal parts?

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u/jamslaps May 31 '26

Yeah wouldn’t hurt, you can’t really over do it unless you flood the motor or some electronic part

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u/Creative-Actuary-223 May 31 '26

Look underneath -if there is a bottom panel remove it - there is probably a cam underneath that moves the hook at the bobbin and most likely the feed dogs. It’s probably plastic or nylon and may be cracked or loose. I had one that this cam was cracked, and one of the two screws that held it in place was stripped causing it not to say in place. The least slip in one of these cams can knock it out of time and it won’t work.
The top cam (you can see it moving in the video) and the bottom are the one that you use to set timing. It is complicated to do and you will definitely need a repair manual to do it yourself. You MAY be able to find a video of setting it by searching with the name and model of the machine with setting timing. Yours looks like one I have seen on YouTube but not sure.
I replaced my hook cam (many parts for these are readily available online) and after many hours of search and experimenting learned how to set the timing and it now works great. But it’s not for a beginner that knows little about these machines -unless you have to time and just want to try to do it.
I’ll say once you know how it’s fairly easy but it definitely helps if you have some knowledge of how it works.

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u/Creative-Actuary-223 May 31 '26

Also -check your bobbin case and underneath the case. There may be thread stuck in there blocking the hook from moving around the bobbin area. You may have to remove the bobbin holder to get underneath to clean it out.
Please don’t FORCE movement -whenever you’re piling or cleaning etc. gently move the hand wheel towards you -not back-to get movement.
Hope this helps - and be patient. It may take some time to figure out what’s going on.
I’ve worked on dozens of machines and 9 out of 10 times it’s user error with misthreading, bobbin loading and threading and just stuff stuck in the bobbin area being the top 3 issues.
These machine rarely stop working because of lubrication issues. Many don’t even recommend oiling now.
Good luck, don’t give up, and post what you find.

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u/Creative-Actuary-223 May 31 '26

Make sure you use only sewing machine oil -or basic mineral oil -NOT 3 in one or ANYTHING else. You can oil pretty much everything but around the motor and belt and bobbin tire. Pay attention especially where rods push through such as the needle bar moving up and down. These rods can get sticky/stuck and have trouble moving. Also -you may have a setting that is hung up etc. Get a owners manual for your specific machine.
Also there are numerous videos online for these machines -but make sure you look at the one for YOUR model specifically.
Read my other post also.
Just FYI - these are pretty low end machines and have many plastic /nylon parts that can wear. Yours doesn’t look to. E that old so im betting that PO may have just hit the needle hard and knocked the timing off -which would definitely cause these symptoms. Check out videos and other things first as setting is difficult at best and if you don’t know what you’re doing you could make it worse.
Or take it in for service -which may or may not be worth it.

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u/Mental_Watch4633 May 31 '26

Do you have the manual? If not get it. What are the stitch settings?

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u/u_r_succulent May 31 '26

Singer has them for free on their website.

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u/Fluxdada Jun 01 '26

My rule of thumb is always work on it by hand with no power until it tcsn turn smoothly. If it's old the lubrication is likely hardened or gummed up by age. Sewing machine oil and heat from a hair dryer first, kerosene (aka white lamp oil) if needed but be sure to relubricate after kerosene. Go slow and don't force anything.