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Member since 11/10/03
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Posted on: 8/16/11 0:11 AM ET
I just received a Singer 411G that has been sitting unused for close to 20 years. I cleaned and oiled the machine but I didn't lubricate the gears as I don't have any sewing machine grease/lubricant in the house right now. After cleaning and oiling, I tested the machine and the machine is running very slow (1 stitch per second or so) and a weird humming noise is coming from the machine. The handwheel turns freely when I turn it by hand but when I press the foot pedal it moves very slowly. Is this a motor issue, a foot pedal issue, a gear issue, a handwheel issue? Any ideas? I'd like to try to fix this on my own (if I can) before taking it to a repair person. Also, the machine doesn't sew completely straight (the stitching is a bit crooked) - not sure if that is related to the speed problem.
  
Member since 9/3/06
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Posted on: 8/16/11 0:25 AM ET
In reply to zeddie
If you have any petroleum jelly, use that for a lubricant. Have you looked at the belt? It could be either too loose or has solidified with age.
Lots of machines do have the basic straight stitch at a slight angle. That is normal..some modern machines do it to. But first, lube the machine...vaseline does work well...then you can go from there.
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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 11/10/03
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Posted on: 8/16/11 9:39 AM ET
I will try the petroleum jelly. I had read somewhere that petroleum jelly could be used but I was a little reluctant to use it. I'm not sure what belt you are referring to as the machine is gear-driven. Are you talking about the ridged belt like piece that attached in the handwheel? That is attached right into the handwheel so I don't think I could loosen or tighten it.
  
Member since 11/10/03
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:02 AM ET
I lubricated the gears with petroleum jelly and cleaned the hook/race area more thoroughly. It made no difference. The machine is still making a growling noise and is still sewing very slowly. I was going to try the foot pedal/cord from my 403 with the machine to see if the problem is with the pedal/cord/wiring but the 403 does not have a combination cord like the 411.
  
Member since 9/3/06
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:03 AM ET
In reply to zeddie
What brand and model of machine do you have? The belt is a loop that goes around the hand wheel and the motor. I have machines that I can move the motor mount up and down, thereby tightening or loosening the belt. Sometimes, with age, the belt can lose its elasticity but if it is turning ok with no stops and starts, it should be ok. Have you checked all the visible wires for corrosion, splits, and damages?

You said that you've cleaned and oiled...did you take the bobbin assembly apart to get all the old lint out and around the feed dogs also?

The petroleum jelly really does work..you just have to reapply it more often....
------
2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:12 AM ET
In reply to zeddie
I see we cross posted. Do you have a manual for it? Have you found the Vintage Singers site at Yahoo?

They do have lots of manuals and repair guides in their files and also will answer repair questions.
Singer Group

edit to correct link
-- Edited on 8/16/11 11:15 AM --
------
2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:14 AM ET
In reply to zeddie
If you have a competent repair tech to take it to, that's what I would say to do. This machine is a VERY nice machine....very nice...if in good shape, you will have an excellent machine! That Singer 400 line made in Germany is really nice.You might want a tech to check out the wiring as well as all moving parts, lub correctly and so on.
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 11/10/03
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:18 AM ET
I have checked the cords and there is no fraying or corrosion that I can see. The machine is a Singer 411G (which is similar to a Singer 401). It is a gear driven machine made in 1961 and from what I understand, it has no belt. I applied a fair bit of petroleum jelly to the gears; I would run the machine more but the noise coming from the machine sounds like I'm taxing the machine and it's going to stop working! When I cleaned the machine, I had unscrewed the handwheel and oiled the parts of the handwheel. I'm wondering if I put too much oil on the handwheel. I understand that machines can run slowly if lint or dirt has gotten into the motor compartment. I'm very reluctant to open the motor compartment or to remove the motor since I'm terrible at putting things back together again properly!
  
Member since 11/10/03
Posts: 100
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:23 AM ET
In reply to jannw
Thanks for all your help. Yes, I do have a manual for the machine. I had used the manual to figure out where to grease the gears, how to remove the throat plate, how to remove the bobbin assembly etc. I think I will have to take the machine in. There is a repair person in my city but he takes forever to fix machines. This machine was supposed to be a gift for someone but I think it's best to have it looked at by a professional.
  
Member since 3/24/10
Posts: 1949
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Posted on: 8/16/11 11:58 AM ET
check the bobbin hook, then check the motor brushes.
It's most likely something very very simple
at worst the upper bearing could be going out, which is fixable.
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http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
  
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