Worked perfectly! My sewing machine has been sitting in the corner for months waiting for me to get around to take it to a technician. Now its good as new, thank you so much!
Wow!!! About to give up midway through your video but I told myself, "have faith!", and, voila!!!!, it worked!!! You are a lifesaver!😁😀 Thanks a million! 😃👏👏👍
Thanks for the excellent help on this repair. We removed the base from our Kenmore 385 sewing machine and followed these instructions. The pivot rod seemed clean, but we cleaned it, oiled it, and reinstalled the parts. And all is now working well again. Very helpful instructions that showed us how to get this done. (The warning re the flying snap-ring is well warranted. Ours took flight, and it took a while to find it!) Thanks Again!
Thank you for a great video! It reassured me I was on the right track with a Kenmore 385.1764180. I was just too scared to remove and clean that piece. Took the plung and SUCCESS!
Thank you so much for posting this video. I bought my Janome 4023 2nd hand so it was pot luck whether it worked or not. So chuffed I got the reverse stitch to work now as it makes my clothing and me feel more secure. Got it working in 10 mins. Thanks again 👍🔎🔧
Thankyou so much for this video!!! I just fixed my Janome sewing machines reverse problem following the guidance from this video. I can’t believe I did it and my machine is now reversing correctly. It was stuck as hard as as described. I cleaned it. So grateful to you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge about this. 🙏🏻
Thank you so much! I have a Janome machine that is about 27 years old, and the reverse hasn’t worked in ages! I really appreciate your help, now it’s perfect!
This was exactly what I needed to find! I had no idea how to fix this problem when it came up. The person who taught me to sew passed away recently, so I couldn't ask her, and Googling was no help at all. I'm so glad I found your video. Your explanation was simple, helpful, and clear. Thank you so much!
I also had a 24-stitch 385 model Kenmore stuffed in a closet with an inoperable reverse. I took it out tonight, took off the bottom (what appears to be phillips are actually flat-head screws), and then easily found the spring & lever shown in this video, and fixed it. I was surprised - there was really nothing visible stopping the lever from spinning on the shaft. The tolerance on these machines must be insanely tight. I screwed up and unhooked the long arm to the right and it fell off from the other end, but I was able to get it reattached and now it's running perfectly. This process is not that hard at all when you have a good video to follow. So happy to have found your channel. Subscribed - hoping for more handy tips on reconditioning sewing machines - Thanks!!
Thank you! I just bought a School Mate off Craigslist (same model you show in the video) and was so bummed that the reverse wasn’t working. Fixed it in 10 minutes with your instructions - and yes, the washer flew off into space, next time I’ll be more careful! 😂
My new (used machine) now will reverse. Thank you!! But I found that the optional stitches (other than straight stictch) on my Kenmore 358 are stuck. I opened my machine up and it's npt really diusty.. but the discs that represent zigzag, etc. are all stuck together with a white, almost glue like substance (maybe the special grease?). Will they loosen up if I put sewing machine oil on them?
The residue is likely the original very poor grease Janome used when manufacturing the machines. I don't think it is the actual discs or cam stack that is the problem, rather it is likely the slide mechanism that is sticking. If you can open the machine panel under the hand wheel and watch as you turn the stitch selector dial, you should see the cam follower moving across the cam stack. That is the thing I have found most at fault. I use Tri-Flow oil and oil the slide bar on both sides of the cam follower carriage until things run smoothly. I also use Tri-Flow grease on the cam stack itself. Hopefully this will get your machine back running properly again. :)
The hook you said to be careful with did come off so I had to remove another bottom piece which is covering the electronics. I can't see where the other end of the hook goes. Do you have any idea or a schematic?
Hi Annabelle. No worries, these things happen. I do not know the model you are working on but I am assuming when you took the other bottom cover off, there is a large black box with the electronics in it. If you can, see if you can look over the top of this from the front end and push the reverse lever on the front of the machine. You should see a linkage moving side to side. There should be a button appearing thing on the end of this. That button is what you hook the bar hook to the reverse mechanism. Please let me know how you make out.
@@cameronbailey4777 Hi. Thank you. I have the Janome My Excel23x.We did undo the bottom and had to also undo the black box of electronics to lift it in order to see anything. We found a hook to attach the wire to. I could tell immediately that it would work because the feed dog was reversing!! Thank you for responding..
Forward was working before I fixed the reverse problem. Your instructions were great. Now it won't go forward. I got it at the goodwill 7 days ago and I have until the end of today (5 hrs) to return it. I can't find any videos on this problem. I am running it with the bottom case off so I can try and see what the problem is. I can see the reverse mechanisim is working perfectly when I engage the reverse button, but there is a larger lever right next to the reverse lever that doesn move back and forth like the reverse lever does. Any suggestions?
With the machine on its back does the reverse lever you just lubricated move in both directions when the reverse button is pushed? If not, there is other parts that are locked up with old grease. Checked the black ring on the main shaft where the reverse lever sits in the groove moves laterally on the shaft in both directions. This mechanism is also prone to seizing up.
That's the problem I'm having with a long-unused Kenmore 385. The spring thingie in your video moves just fine, but the lobed piece that is supposed to shuttle L and R to switch gears is gummy and doesn't want to slide on the shaft. A video on that would be great.
@@mikerawdon8518 I do not have one of these machines at the moment, but will see if I can do a video of it when I do. In the meantime, when you have the lever off, you should be able to move the lobed slide back and forth with your fingers. You will have to continually oil both sides of it as you move it until it moves freely. I use Tri Flow oil as it also helps dissolve the old oil. While you're doing this, turn the handwheel as well so the slide thing engages and disengages fully on the left side of it. Please keep me posted on your progress! :)
The issue I'm having on my Janome Excel 5018 is that it sews backwards when it should go forward and forward when i hit the reverse lever. The part you show on this vid is moving just fine. Any other ideas why?
Thanks for the inquiry. It could be a few things wrong. Would it be possible to send me a picture of the reverse mechanism or even a short video of it while you push the reverse button? Thank you
I have a Kenmore 158.1795 and I don't see anything that looks like this whatsoever! I have cleaned and oiled the machine. The reverse button moves changes the feed dogs so they no longer pull the fabric backward (normal stitching) . But it puts the feed dogs in an up-and-down-only position. It doesn't reverse the movement and the fabric stays in place. I'm at a loss
@@latitude1904 I have looked up this machine and I am afraid I would have to have it on my workbench in order to figure out what is wrong with it. I suspect it is something loose in the reverse mechanism or something seized up from lack of lubrication as these machines are very difficult to actually break. If you can find a service technician in your area to take a look at it, I think it is emmenently fixable. Good luck! :)
@@cameronbailey4777 Thank you for investigating it. I was able to use this video to fix another Kenmore (a 385 model 24-stitch) that also had an inoperable Reverse. Now if I can figure out where to find that mechanism on the 158 I'll be in business - all thanks to your video
@@latitude1904 Very glad it helped to get one of your machines going. Good luck with this one, and please keep me posted on your progress! Take care! :)
I have a janome older model. Can't get the screw out from the bottom left foot ( only 1 screw ) like that. 😤 the other side top didn't Lso has a screw there but I can't loosen them to remove the bottom part to fix the no reverse problem
Hi Marilyn. What model machine do you have? If you could somehow post or send me some pictures of the problem area so I can get a clear idea the problem. Email is mediccjb @ hotmail. com No spaces.
Hi Ana. As I do not know what model of sewing machine you have it is very difficult to diagnose it. I would think there is a loose electrical connection somewhere. Check that your power cord is firmly plugged in and also test the wall plug to make sure it has power. Make sure your foot control is firmly inserted as well. If it still doesn't work, if possible try another foot pedal. These are the basics to test. As I said, I would need much more information to go further. If after all this and it still doesn't work, then it will have to go to a repair shop for further testing.
Worked perfectly! My sewing machine has been sitting in the corner for months waiting for me to get around to take it to a technician. Now its good as new, thank you so much!
Excellent news! So glad the video was able to help you with fixing your machine! :)
I was having trouble with the reverse on my Kenmore. I followed your simple instructions and it's fixed! Thank you!
Excellent! Good job on fixing your machine! :)
Amazing, it worked, thanks a million. No way I would have worked it out without your video.
Excellent! Glad you got it working! :)
Thanks a million. We were going to throw the old beast out. We followed your instructions and the reverse works like new... Cheers
Excellent! Well done! :)
Wow!!! About to give up midway through your video but I told myself, "have faith!", and, voila!!!!, it worked!!! You are a lifesaver!😁😀 Thanks a million! 😃👏👏👍
Excellent job in getting your machine fixed! Well done!
Thanks for the excellent help on this repair. We removed the base from our Kenmore 385 sewing machine and followed these instructions. The pivot rod seemed clean, but we cleaned it, oiled it, and reinstalled the parts. And all is now working well again. Very helpful instructions that showed us how to get this done. (The warning re the flying snap-ring is well warranted. Ours took flight, and it took a while to find it!) Thanks Again!
Excellent! Glad you got it working!
Thank you for a great video! It reassured me I was on the right track with a Kenmore 385.1764180. I was just too scared to remove and clean that piece. Took the plung and SUCCESS!
Well done, indeed!! :)
Thank you so much for posting this video. I bought my Janome 4023 2nd hand so it was pot luck whether it worked or not. So chuffed I got the reverse stitch to work now as it makes my clothing and me feel more secure. Got it working in 10 mins. Thanks again 👍🔎🔧
Well done! Glad the video helped! :)
Thanks Powell. I just bought an older Kenmore model that had this problem with the reverse not working. I got it working. Thanks again.
Good job! Glad you could get it running again. They are wonderful machines!
Thankyou so much for this video!!! I just fixed my Janome sewing machines reverse problem following the guidance from this video. I can’t believe I did it and my machine is now reversing correctly. It was stuck as hard as as described. I cleaned it. So grateful to you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge about this. 🙏🏻
Excellent! Glad the video helped! :)
Just fixed my old Kenmore that would not reverse thanks to your tutorial. Thank you!
Glad it helped! This is a common problem with this type of machine, but a fairly easy fix. :)
It worked on my Kenmore machine! Thank you so much, great explanations🎉
Thank you! Glad your machine is back in fine form! :)
Thank you so much! I have a Janome machine that is about 27 years old, and the reverse hasn’t worked in ages! I really appreciate your help, now it’s perfect!
Glad I could help!
Thanks, this is great. I just fixed my Janome. Appreciate you posting this.
Well done! I am happy it worked!
Most helpful!!! Your approach to the fix was very clear and easy to understand. Video was good despite not having a third hand ;-).Thanks!
Glad to be able to help! I have purchased a tripod in case I make more videos! :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My really old Kenmore (by Janome) is now reversing like it did when new. Plus, it was fun to work on it. :)
I'm so glad to hear that. Well done in getting it running again! :)
This was exactly what I needed to find! I had no idea how to fix this problem when it came up. The person who taught me to sew passed away recently, so I couldn't ask her, and Googling was no help at all. I'm so glad I found your video. Your explanation was simple, helpful, and clear. Thank you so much!
Thank you! Awfully glad it helped! :)
I also had a 24-stitch 385 model Kenmore stuffed in a closet with an inoperable reverse. I took it out tonight, took off the bottom (what appears to be phillips are actually flat-head screws), and then easily found the spring & lever shown in this video, and fixed it. I was surprised - there was really nothing visible stopping the lever from spinning on the shaft. The tolerance on these machines must be insanely tight. I screwed up and unhooked the long arm to the right and it fell off from the other end, but I was able to get it reattached and now it's running perfectly. This process is not that hard at all when you have a good video to follow. So happy to have found your channel. Subscribed - hoping for more handy tips on reconditioning sewing machines - Thanks!!
Thanks so much! I was able to repair my sewing machine because of your video 🙂
Well done! Glad to have been some small assistance! :)
Thank you! I just bought a School Mate off Craigslist (same model you show in the video) and was so bummed that the reverse wasn’t working. Fixed it in 10 minutes with your instructions - and yes, the washer flew off into space, next time I’ll be more careful! 😂
Excellent! Well done indeed! Very glad you found the washer, they can be tricky! :)
Thanks for listing the needs for the job
You are most welcome. :)
Thank you so much! It worked on my Jonome MyStyle 30!
Excellent! Glad it was able to help! :)
Thanks! I couldn't get snap ring off but was able to apply oil and clean in place. Took a little while to loosen but eventually came good.
Terimakasih banyak. Saya menemukan solusi dari tayangan ini. Sukses selalu untuk anda. 👍👍
Anda yang paling diterima. Saya senang mesin Anda berjalan lagi! :)
Thank you!
You are most welcome! :)
My new (used machine) now will reverse. Thank you!!
But I found that the optional stitches (other than straight stictch) on my Kenmore 358 are stuck. I opened my machine up and it's npt really diusty.. but the discs that represent zigzag, etc. are all stuck together with a white, almost glue like substance (maybe the special grease?). Will they loosen up if I put sewing machine oil on them?
The residue is likely the original very poor grease Janome used when manufacturing the machines. I don't think it is the actual discs or cam stack that is the problem, rather it is likely the slide mechanism that is sticking. If you can open the machine panel under the hand wheel and watch as you turn the stitch selector dial, you should see the cam follower moving across the cam stack. That is the thing I have found most at fault.
I use Tri-Flow oil and oil the slide bar on both sides of the cam follower carriage until things run smoothly. I also use Tri-Flow grease on the cam stack itself. Hopefully this will get your machine back running properly again. :)
@@cameronbailey4777 Thank you!! I oiled everything and it seems to be freeing things up. The cams were definitely stuck.
@@rlm7712 Glad you are making good progress! :) It was an awful grease they used in production!
The hook you said to be careful with did come off so I had to remove another bottom piece which is covering the electronics. I can't see where the other end of the hook goes. Do you have any idea or a schematic?
Hi Annabelle. No worries, these things happen. I do not know the model you are working on but I am assuming when you took the other bottom cover off, there is a large black box with the electronics in it. If you can, see if you can look over the top of this from the front end and push the reverse lever on the front of the machine. You should see a linkage moving side to side. There should be a button appearing thing on the end of this. That button is what you hook the bar hook to the reverse mechanism. Please let me know how you make out.
@@cameronbailey4777 Hi. Thank you. I have the Janome My Excel23x.We did undo the bottom and had to also undo the black box of electronics to lift it in order to see anything. We found a hook to attach the wire to. I could tell immediately that it would work because the feed dog was reversing!! Thank you for responding..
@@annabellekeil1216 Excellent! Glad you got it fixed! Well done! :)
Forward was working before I fixed the reverse problem. Your instructions were great.
Now it won't go forward. I got it at the goodwill 7 days ago and I have until the end of today (5 hrs) to return it. I can't find any videos on this problem. I am running it with the bottom case off so I can try and see what the problem is. I can see the reverse mechanisim is working perfectly when I engage the reverse button, but there is a larger lever right next to the reverse lever that doesn move back and forth like the reverse lever does. Any suggestions?
With the machine on its back does the reverse lever you just lubricated move in both directions when the reverse button is pushed? If not, there is other parts that are locked up with old grease. Checked the black ring on the main shaft where the reverse lever sits in the groove moves laterally on the shaft in both directions. This mechanism is also prone to seizing up.
That's the problem I'm having with a long-unused Kenmore 385. The spring thingie in your video moves just fine, but the lobed piece that is supposed to shuttle L and R to switch gears is gummy and doesn't want to slide on the shaft. A video on that would be great.
@@mikerawdon8518 I do not have one of these machines at the moment, but will see if I can do a video of it when I do. In the meantime, when you have the lever off, you should be able to move the lobed slide back and forth with your fingers. You will have to continually oil both sides of it as you move it until it moves freely. I use Tri Flow oil as it also helps dissolve the old oil. While you're doing this, turn the handwheel as well so the slide thing engages and disengages fully on the left side of it.
Please keep me posted on your progress! :)
The issue I'm having on my Janome Excel 5018 is that it sews backwards when it should go forward and forward when i hit the reverse lever. The part you show on this vid is moving just fine. Any other ideas why?
Thanks for the inquiry. It could be a few things wrong. Would it be possible to send me a picture of the reverse mechanism or even a short video of it while you push the reverse button? Thank you
I have a Kenmore 158.1795 and I don't see anything that looks like this whatsoever! I have cleaned and oiled the machine. The reverse button moves changes the feed dogs so they no longer pull the fabric backward (normal stitching) . But it puts the feed dogs in an up-and-down-only position. It doesn't reverse the movement and the fabric stays in place. I'm at a loss
I have hunted around quite a bit and I find no reference to a machine with this model number. Perhaps you could double check this. Thank you! :)
@@cameronbailey4777 Oh, so sorry. It's a 158.17851. You are so kind to have even replied
@@latitude1904 I have looked up this machine and I am afraid I would have to have it on my workbench in order to figure out what is wrong with it. I suspect it is something loose in the reverse mechanism or something seized up from lack of lubrication as these machines are very difficult to actually break. If you can find a service technician in your area to take a look at it, I think it is emmenently fixable. Good luck! :)
@@cameronbailey4777 Thank you for investigating it. I was able to use this video to fix another Kenmore (a 385 model 24-stitch) that also had an inoperable Reverse. Now if I can figure out where to find that mechanism on the 158 I'll be in business - all thanks to your video
@@latitude1904 Very glad it helped to get one of your machines going. Good luck with this one, and please keep me posted on your progress! Take care! :)
I have a janome older model. Can't get the screw out from the bottom left foot ( only 1 screw ) like that. 😤 the other side top didn't Lso has a screw there but I can't loosen them to remove the bottom part to fix the no reverse problem
Hi Marilyn. What model machine do you have? If you could somehow post or send me some pictures of the problem area so I can get a clear idea the problem. Email is mediccjb @ hotmail. com No spaces.
How come my Kemmore sewing machine I press the pedal and it won’t go
Hi Ana. As I do not know what model of sewing machine you have it is very difficult to diagnose it. I would think there is a loose electrical connection somewhere. Check that your power cord is firmly plugged in and also test the wall plug to make sure it has power. Make sure your foot control is firmly inserted as well. If it still doesn't work, if possible try another foot pedal. These are the basics to test. As I said, I would need much more information to go further. If after all this and it still doesn't work, then it will have to go to a repair shop for further testing.
should have mounted camera someway!!!!!!!!!
I had no way to do so, and did the best I could. Sorry it is not up to your professional standards!!!!!!!!!