How to Service a Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine Motor
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Stevie shows how he services and rebuilds motors. He generally does this to every machine found in the wild. Remember, they're 30 years old and motors do need servicing from time to time. Learn to clean and check the motor for repair needs. Get your supplies here: amzn.to/3mNoESO
The mission of Sew Save Me is to rescue, refurbish, and re-home vintage sewing machines while educating other sewing aficionados about the joys of collecting and using these old beauties.
Vintage Sewing Revolution (VSR) is a videocast series created by Crystal & Stevie from Sew Save Me that is all about fixing, caring for, and using vintage sewing machines and accessories for modern day sewing and quilting projects. Find the full playlist of our VSR videocasts here:
If you’re on the hunt for a machine or just want to see some of our beauties and the basics on how they operate, see the full playlist of refurbished machines here: bit.ly/2jdylPm
This videocast is sponsored by the Sew Save Me Etsy Shop where you can find manuals, parts, and accessories for vintage sewing machines, as well as refurbished machines! Check out the store here: www.etsy.com/s...
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I really love your videos. You're an excellent teacher. You're thorough, clear, concise and I love the way that you repeat the important parts. I have the 1802 also, and I just love this machine. I would really appreciate it if you could someday show us how to replace the cord on some of the old sewing machine motors. They're still good, but the cords have become brittle. I know that I could do it if I had one of your well done videos.
Thats a good idea for a video. Ill have to put it on the list. Its not super hard but does require sold soldering skills.
I am just amazed at your ability - this is another wonderfully informative video. I appreciate your video style, subtle humor, EXCELLENT explanations and the occasional, helpful still picture. I have taken motors apart and done some of the work you've shown here: cleaning the commutator (PLEASE, forgive me for the correction, but it's commutator, rather than communicator), checking brushes and bearings - but you have taught me so much more!! And I am very grateful - thank you. Now I need to obtain a soldering gun and learn how to solder so I can learn from your re-wiring video. I have been sewing for many years, I love it and and I love sewing machines. I own 12 of them currently, mostly vintage, so your videos are beyond helpful to me as I can do a lot of my own maintenance. I am now a subscriber and want to see every video you make!
By the way, I'm 70 years old - you CAN teach an old lady new tricks!
You are right I did that to see how many people actually pay attention.
@@SewSaveMe 😂
Thank you. I have replaced the brushings, bearings, and REMOVED THAT DAMN CORD and replace the electrical wiring because of this very visually and verbally clear and concise video. Thank you! You're awesome!
Imma take a lil stumpy hammah *tink tink tink*
Haha! Thanks a bunch, glad you enjoyed and learned.
@@antoinettemunn3453 Haha!
Spectacularly clear video! I'm working on a straight stitch Brother Super Streamliner that had a smashed cord, so I've taken apart the motor as long as I was in there replacing the cord. I have always had Fear of Electricity, but this video is really helpful in reducing my fear. I watched it twice through before diving in. Thank you!
Excellent video that removes the mystery for me on how to service Kenmore motors.
This is exactly the tutorial I needed. Woke up this morning with a strange urge to fix a neglected used vintage sewing machine. Just asked my community page on FB if anyone had one they would like to give me for free bonus if it doesn't work and now here I am. Thank you for making this video! Super helpful also my husband is helping me a littlebit with the stuck parts. Hopefully I can start offering this as a service for others and not just for myself or as a weird hobby. :)
I just picked up a Kenmore 158.950. Gorgeous mint green from 1967. It was very neglected, covered in old oil and grime, but otherwise in great shape. There is a spark in the motor, though, that refuses to go away, so I suspect I'll need to take it apart and give it a good cleaning. Thanks for the great video. I feel so much less intimidated to tackle the job!
Remember brushed motors all have a little spark to them but I did this to almost every single machine I own and the Power increase was very noticeable.
This is exactly the video I needed. You actually preface to the video stating that this is what I needed. You are correct.
Stevie, your videos are amazing. They're explanatory which is good for those of us (me) who aren't mechanically inclined, just desperate lol. Also having watched a few your editing style has such underappreciated humor, I love it!
Wow, thanks!
Thank you for posting! I was going to start looking for replacement motor for 60 year old sewing machine I just bought. You gave me the courage to take the motor apart. I need new brushes. Mine are a little shorter than in your video. Now I just need to figure out where the heck I would get brushes! :-)
Ebay there sold by size in mm. You can get pretty much any size you want might have to file cut or snip but there cheap.
I'm really glad to have found this video because I have 3 vintage Kenmore sewing machines. My Tri-Span needs its motor repaired/ replaced for sure. Thank you for this tutorial.
Glad I could help!
Because of you my Kenmore Model 29 has never ran better!!! This step by step was exactly what I (and my machine!) needed. Subbed!
Glad it helped!
@@SewSaveMe You have no idea- seriously, thank you again!
You are a Godsend!!!! I have just acquired a ' Fridor' sewing machine the motor is toast! I just ordered a vintage motor and hope to refurbish it myself. I call myself a 'Techno Granny.' You video has shown me some wonder pointers to look for. I've already removed the motor from the machine just waiting for my parts to arrive. Thank you again for doing this most helpful video. You are a Doll!
Glad I could help!
What a great video. Just used it yesterday to overhaul a Taiwanese motor out of a Simplicity plastic machine. That unit had brush caps so brush management was easy. Looking forward to watching more videos from your most practical sewing machine repair series.
Glad it helped
Fantastic video. Great instructor. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Just what I was looking for! Great job explaining and showing what you were doing. Subscribed!
Thanks for the sub!
Awesome! I would never take my motor apart because I'm sure I would end up ruining it. So nice to know it can be done. You are a genius! I thought the whole motor would need to be replaced. Sure hope my motors never wear out. Sure wish I had a smart neighbor like you to help me. Thanks for showing this!
Believe me, if I can repair a sewing machine motor, you can do it too! You will be so proud of yourself when you're done. It's low-risk too because if you ruin the motor, it's easy to find a cheap replacement. Either way, you will notice a big improvement in the way your machine runs. If you don't want to try it on your favorite machine, how about buying one from a yard sale or Offerup on which to experiment?
Thanks Stevie! I'm in the process of rewiring the motor to my Singer 128 and this video helped me a lot. Subscribed!
Elle hi! I was just reading your comment and noticed that you are good with wiring… Can you help me with my question? I know you don’t know me from a hole in the wall but would literally be willing to DM you a picture in insta of my issue
you can always hit us up on facebook.
I think it would be great if you also showed how to remove the motor from the machine. I have a similar motor and would like to clean it, but I'm nervous about removing it properly.
These types of motors are usally pretty simple to remove. Few bolts and there in your hands.
Glad to see you back posting videos.
Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
I adore you. And I happen to adore this video. We sewing machine people are a different breed. I mean that in the very best way.
Thank you.
So helpful! No nonsense explanations and to the point without all the blah blah blah....
Videos that get to long get boaring and last thing I want is another Ben Stein dull boring class.
Thanks for making the video for us. I hope to do this to my machines soon!
Amazing!! You make it look so easy!!
It is super easy when youve done a few. :D
You are my new best friend! Outstanding tutorial!!! I now feel I am ready to do my first motor!
No, he's MY best friend! Lol
Very helpful. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks I learned something new from you.
Glad to hear it!
Thank you for this video! I didn’t know a mere mortal could take apart a motor without exploding something. Luckily, my new-to-me machine only needed a new belt and electric cord. But I’ll be prepared for next time.
Very cool video! Just dragged home an old White zig zag with a potted motor, was wondering about it. The machine has been sitting for decades.
Very cool! Hope you get it running well.
Really helpful! Saved me a trip to the shop
Great to hear!
Hey, I just found your channel and your videos have been really helpful. Would love to see you make some new ones. Hope you’re doing well. Thanks for all the great info 🙏
Subbed !!! Great vid...love your straight forward approach my friend. Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦
Really well done, detailed and informative. Thanks for sharing this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for this it was exactly what I needed
Glad it helped!
Thanks great video
Thank You.
My mother’s 1970 Kenmore 158.1601 motor has stopped working (after many thousands of hours of sewing!) I’m hoping I can give it this treatment, and if all else fails, I do have a donor motor! But I want to attempt this re-hab first.
I do this til you cant do it no more.
Very helpful and love the nail color
Thank you! 😊
You are fabulous! I'm working on a Necchi Supernova Ultra.
Good luck! And thank you.
Thanks for making this video. It helped me a lot! Love all the details :)
You're so welcome!
Awesome video, thank you. Very informative.
Our pleasure!
Can you explain how the light is supposed to be wired. I bought a used machine that came with the lightbulb plug cut off. I don't know where it is supposed to be attached. It has the lightbulb on the left.
Very helpful. Thanks!
Your Welcome.
AWESOME VIDEO!!!! THANK YOU!!!
You bet!
Thanks. Just acquired an old Kenmore, the motor needs some TLC.
Your welcome.
Awesome, well sequenced and clear instructions. Very, very helpful indeed to my motor maintenance on a 158.220 that I am working to fully revive.
For s suggestion to a future video: If the top right machine on the shelves behind you is a Kenmore SensorSew 70, I'd love for you to point out the steps to un-stick one that is stuck in reverse. That is what I have in one of mine. It looks to be old grease that has gotten solid between two delicate plastic components in the mechanism, but these don't have threaded fasteners to take them apart. As they have flat, sliding contact services I don't want to use any penetrants that could damage the plastic. Therefore, if it were meaningful to your channel and efforts to address this, I would much look forward to viewing that one. Thank you and good luck with your endeavors. John.
Triflow :) Soak the hole lower end with triflow it wont hurt the plastic gears. Just try to keep it out of the server motors.
@@SewSaveMe Thank you! I'llget some and give that a try.
What a fine video, thank you! The strain-relief bushing on the cord had me stumped as well. Nothing like a pair of needle-nose pliers is there?
I do have a thought about the label, and that is if one cuts a very small slot from the edge of the label to the hole for the rivet, the motor can then be pulled apart without risking further damage to the label. The motors on some of my Singers have that slot.
Again, thanks for a very fine video.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video. I’m working on a machine that I “found in the wild”. I cleaned it internally, but haven’t touched the motor. It runs and actually sounds good, but every time I accelerate, I get a puff of smoke. If I look in the motor while it is running, I see what looks like fire. I’ve never looked in a healthy machine to see what’s happening. What to do? I’m not sure I have the guts to take the motor apart. I can take it apart, no prob, it’s the putting back together and plugging in that worries me. Thanks
I would def oil clean and polish it like I do all my machines when I first get them. Its amazing on how much it helps.
Thanks for the in-depth demo. I did my Kenmore 117.740 motor. Wasn't too dirty but I cleaned up what little was on it. Brushes were quite good. I didn't have any of that spray stuff you have so I gently brushed the insde with a soft toothbrush. Still dirty but I was afraid I might knock something loose. It was still attached to the machine when I worked on it. I have no idea how to remove those cords to the machine.
No with out having that specific machine IM not real sure how to remove the cords. There all just a bit different.
Please tell me you’re still around?!! I need help knowing how to oil the motor on my Kenmore Model 117-959. She’s my favorite machine and I’m trying to take good care of her. I know how to oil every other part except the motor.
Weve been super busy with other projects. Otherwise yes were still around. Just put a few drops on the felts at the end of the shafts most old old motors even have a little hole you put a few drops in from time to time.
Also, you said to use rouge to polish. Do you mean literally rouge makeup, or am I missing a motor thing? Thanks
no as in polishing rouge for a wheel.
The motor of my vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine model 158.350. sparked during sewing. I'm not good at fixing electrical stuffs. Do you where can I buy a replacement and how to replace it? Thank you.
You can try ebay and buy a universal lump motor. Youll still have to wire it. Honeslty I would just tear it apart and clean it. Its prolly filthy with spent brushes old oil and dust.
Binh Minh Pham, If I can repair a sewing machine motor, trust me, so can you. You will save money and be so proud of yourself. If it doesn't work, you can always buy a replacement. What have you got to lose?
Thank you for the INCREDIBLY helpful video! I recently got a sears Kenmore 158.523 and I'm not finding a lot on how to service it.
It's well used and was someone's baby (they even etched their SSN in the base 😳) so I'm betting that the brushes need replaced, or possibly the entire motor?
It does basically function but it keeps stopping like it can't get through the fabric even though it's thin fabric and a new, correctly sized needle. I can get it going by manually turning the wheel back and forth until it eventually "catches" and then it's fine for awhile until it does it again.
Do you think this is a problem with the motor or something else?
I'm a newb 😅.
Not a clue almost like asking the mechanic theres a noise in my car what is it. LoL as I just make informational Videos and dont really offer servicing for people. I suggest joining the Kenmore sewing group and ask in there I know theres people with the exact same model that would be more helpful to you. Only other suggestion I have is release the cluch and spin it see if the "catch" is still there. If its not then its not the motor its the machine. And going to assume you didnt get something oiled well. If it is there with the cluch released its possable your motor has an issue. Im assuming you serviced it already.
Hi there! Haven't gotten to chat with you since I left FB. I was wondering if you had, or could do, a video on rewiring those 158s with that weird 3-prong plug. I've had people ask me about a good video of that, and yours are always so fantastic.
Maybe but I havent had to rewire one yet. If I ever do ill make a video of it.
Hello!! Thank you so much for this video!!! I have a question about a loose copper wire , I don’t know if it’s supposed to be loose or connected to the inner wire 😱.. other than that I can totally put it back together .. please help ❤️
I would have to rewatch the video to grasp exactly what your asking. So im not totally sure theres a lot of copper wires in those things. Hit us up on facebook with a picture of what wire your asking about and perhaps we can help.
I need a new one
I have a Kenmore 38 and I need to clean mother but it is different from the video. Please i need help
Theres a Few flavors of motors but inside there all about the same.
Hi, I just came across your video and it was so helpful! I am not a handy person and I was able to take apart the motor and clean it all by myself. Something I noticed putting it back though is the thick spacer you put on at the end. Mine did not have one and it does smoke and stinks like you describe. Where would you recommend I get one of these or could you put something modern there in place of that...like a washer?
Not all motors are the same. Thats a spacer in mine to keep it from slopping around inside the housing. Chances are your motor didnt need it.
@@SewSaveMe So, my machine is lightly smoking and does have a smell. Runs fine though (other than that of course) What would you recommend trying since I have cleaned everything and other than the spacer idea, everything else is in good shape and in tact. Nothing burnt or even looks burnt.
I love your videos!
Thank you.
Hello, I’ve followed your video and did my restoration as described. You make it too easy, it was a little tougher for me. However, after I reassembled everything- the motor did not run? Did I mess up something? What happened?
you may have broken a wire inside. Some of them have pretty thin wires that hook up to the brushes. I would look for a loose wire where the brushes are. You may have to solder it back on.
I love your hair 😍
Thanks. You should see it in Rag Curls.
Super helpful video! Thank you. After servicing mine it makes an odd noise. Everything functions but it sounds odd. Not sure how to describe it. Do you think that could be the brushes making contact and it will eventually go away as they wear down? Any other ideas?
Yes most of them do. And should go away if its kinda a ticken noise. After the brushes wear back in..
Communicator or commutator?anyway, Nice vid. Great help
Yea I do that a lot Commutator I didnt want to reshoot it. People will get the jist.
Love your videos Stevie! Just refurbished my lavender 52, with the exception of the motor. I followed your video, and my last step is to replace the carbon brushes, which were worn down to mere stubs. I'm having trouble finding replacements, or even the exact size that the replacements should be. What do you recommend? Thanks!
I measured mine, and it was 4.6mm square (which is 3/16" square). Finally found on McMaster Carr website. Any other suggestions? I would have thought this was going to be an easy find on regular sewing machine parts sites . . .
Try Ebay you can buy brushes in bulk sticks and just cut them down to what size you need. I do recommend finding something super close to the diameter they should move freely but not giggle to much. If there to small of a diameter they will bang around in the brush holder and risk cracking in half. If there two thick of diameter they wont feed down freely.
@@SewSaveMe Thank you!
Hello I love your videos I used them to oil my kenmore 158.1654 and it ran beautifully for a week. Now the motor is buzzing but not spinning and the spark is gone from inside. Do you think this procedure will be enough to save it?
Its always worth a try most likly its gummed up in the bearings.
@@SewSaveMe Omg it totally worked. You're my hero. Thanks for your response too!
This video is superb and I’m having a blast tinkering with my 1753. When I tore down my motor. A couple of the spacers crumbled as soon as they came off the shaft. Any idea where I could get new ones Stevie? Can I use plastic washers?
I wouldnt use plastic if the motor gets hot it will melt it to the crank. I would recommend a fire retardent materail. The automotive stores sells sheets of gasket. You can certinaly cut new ones for that stuff as its heat resistant materials.
Thank you so much. Excellent video but I was waiting for you to show how you replaced the black plug part. I tried to squeeze it back in using needle nose pliers but it seems impossible:(
Its really tuff to get that back in there. Its more of a push in though instead of a squeese and put back in. I usally put the cord back in squeeze it til the cord shapes inside then push it back into the hole. If your cord is thicker then what it had you might not get it to go or you might have to use vice grips to keep it squeezed over night to shape the cord inside the plastic plug.
@@SewSaveMe Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it. You are so kind. I told my son that I couldn't get it back in. He said the same thing you did: "Just shove it back in there!" He ended up doing it for me. I wish I had his big, strong hands. Not sure how we will get by when our kids leave home.
I've been your subscriber for a few years. I will look forward to more videos. All the best to you.
rofl Honeslty I think I used a hammer in some sort of fasions on some of them cause they are tight thats for sure.
Hello dear Steve I enjoy your teaching. I have a question do you think I can remove the inside of the new motor (FEIT HI-Q) and put it inside the old housing (226 sewing machine) I want to do this because the older motor is beige and the new is black. You think is compatible? Thanks for all your help. I hope you don’t get offended but you look so beautiful I love to watch you.
with out seeing the motors im not sure but if you want a guess I dought it. If you want my advice take the machine down to the local autobody paint shop and have them color match some enamel for you and paint the new motor to match, that would prolly be easier.
How can I send you pictures?
Stevie - Thanks for posting! Not so many videos on maintenance for a kenmore motor. Question - the black cables that connect my motor to my Kenmore 48 are shot. Insulation has broken off and the wire is exposed -- i think the cable rubbed against the belt. Do you have any videos that go over re-wiring a motor? Is it worth trying to do?
It depends. If its a painted motor that was with the machine you can see it might be yes. Sometimes you can find a modern motor thats just as good as the old kenmore motors. But be warned some replacement sewing machine motors are absolute junk. Personally me Yes I would rewire the motor but I havent got a video of it and in most cases requires soldering skills.
@@SewSaveMe Your videos were perfect! Not only was I able to take apart the old motor and re-wire parts where the insulation was shot. I was able to get it back together. And, most importantly, the motor works and I didn't electrocute myself! I'd soldered some things before but never taken apart a motor. Thank you for the great videos. You saved me serious $$$ from the repair shop. Also, great tip for using the tape to keep the brushes in place. I was swearing up a storm even with the tape, can't imagine without it.
Nice soldering isnt that hard just takes a little practice. But its not overly tuff to do this and the results are totally worth it.
Hi Stevie, is there a topic cleaning/greasing technique we can do to the shaft and pulley? Noticing mine is i bit grungy. This vid is the best! I am pretty sure that my machine service did NOT include cleaning the motor housing. haha. I just cleaned out a lot of lint from the front and back casing openings. Thanks!!!
I would just wipe the shaft down with a rag and triflow and try to get all the burned oil you can off the shaft the best you can. If its real heavy and you can feel that its cooked on thick then some 800 grit sand paper to clean it off. Other then that I wouldnt put grease on it. The felts in the motor housing its self is suppose to keep it oiled and grease is pretty heavy it might drag on it. I would check the felts to make sure there still there and not all crumbly.
@@SewSaveMe thank you! i went out today looking for triflow and cdc electronic cleaner. did not find triflow yet but searches say lowe's sells it. getting.
many, many thanks for all your generous help to us all.
I order mine ace hardware has it sometimes but its about twice the price as amazon.
Hi Stevie - this is a fantastic tutorial. I have three motors that I was going to take to someone else to refurbish, but after watching this, I'm going to take a stab at doing it myself!! My question is - where you are using Tri-Flow oil, can I use sewing machine oil instead? And secondly, the tin with the used electronics cleaner, how do you dispose of that when you are all done? Is it flammable or dangerous? Thanks again, this is fabulous information and expertly communicated.
Its not any worse then deposing a can of hair spray. Far as I know the Cleaner its self is not Flammable but if you read the can it can burn as the propellent is most likely propane.
Currently giving my aunts Kenmore 158.17741 some TLC and this video is amazing!!! Where do I get the brushings from? Are those generic for anything with a motor like a power drill?
Brushes are sold by size usally in MM. simply measure them and order the right size. If there to long just cut them to size some places even just sell a long stick of carbon brush and you just cut to size what you want.
Well, I figured out how to remove my motor, but ended up mangling that plug like thing that held the cord into the motor. I can still use it if I have to, but it looks so ugly I'd like to buy a new one. Do you know what it is called or where I can purchase one? Your video is great!
Haha! I found it! For anyone who has obliterated this part like me, it is called a power cord strain relief.
Sorry for the late delay some reason youtube didnt pop this comment up. Im glad you found it :)
Hello Steve, may I ask why you stop making video's? You did such a good job of it.
Been busy sewing LoL and doing other projects. Im in the works of making more just havent finished editing yet. Plus I dont repair machines for the public so I dont really have an endless supply of different makes and models of machines. Just the ones I own for the most part.
@@SewSaveMe Okay Steve, it's just you do such a good job my friend. Guys like me could use the help. Now one more thing, because I know you're very busy. Do you know where I can find a FREE users manual for a Kenmore 158.433? God bless ya!
You could try the Kenmore group on facebook in the files.
@@SewSaveMe Okay thanks.
What a legend, thanks mate perfect content. So it’s safe to touch everything inside so long as the machine has been unplugged and left to sit for a day? I’m thinking this one I found might be shagged as it’s got black dust all over the outside of the motor housing, not too optimistic about what I will find inside.
You shouldnt need to let it sit for a day long as its not live via plugged in youll be fine.
@@SewSaveMe I opened it up and I think it’s ok the brushes weren’t worn much, maybe they’re a newish set that have been put in at some point, I found I couldn’t get the belt pulley off of the shaft as it’s screw seemed to be fully stuck in place and attempting to loosen it began to ruin the top of the screw head so I can really only service the end that has the brushes. It has very dry felt near the bearings, I’ll oil them and hope for the best, as I can’t access the bearing at the pulley end let’s hope enough oil wicks to the bearingfromtheventwhereican accessthatfeltwith a needlemaybe through the vent.
A Mini Hammer driver can usally do the trick you can buy them at Harbor Freight. But if you Soak that felt down and let it soak in and oil the bearing it should do the trick. I dont normally tear all my motors down for rebuild like this not unless I know they were used Real Heavy. Most of them if the brushes arent worn to a nub ill just wash best i can with CRC oil the felts with Triflow let sit for a day or so to dry and get oil wicked where it needs and put back into service.
I think your channel is great! Can you do one on a Kemore Sensor Sew 70 and on a Morse fotomatic 4100. thank you
The Sensor Sew 70 motor is quite a bit more interactive as it has start caps and a boat load of electronics running it. Even though it is a 110v motor Ive never actually pulled mine out. Im not even sure if its a two wire motor or not. I know theres a lotta electronic junk that runs it though. If I ever have to service it Ill make sure I make a video.
Would it be better to polish the commentators before spraying cleaning the coils? That way, any of the Rouge dust would be washed away?
You could but if the Commentators are gummy oiled up you really dont want that on your polishing wheel.
I enjoy your very informative videos and LOVE your dress! So pretty! :)
Thank you so much!
*commutator
:p awesome how many people pay attention. And your absolutly right.
@@SewSaveMe I'm an electrical engineer by trade. 😂 My OCD couldn't let it slide. 👀