Hi folks, enjoying this somewhat recent thread and the info on oiling and operating these, since it applies directly to my 1924 16-141 machine. I plan to put it onto my domestic treadle stand at some point. CD did you change the pitman arm length for more leverage or slower motion (or both)? My 16 also came with an original knee lift but I will need to remove the wooden drip tray on the treadle stand to access the machine underside. Sounds worthwhile.
Now, a bunch of questions, so any feedback is appreciated.
One thing I noticed was that the tension disc release lever 4378 actuated by the knee lifter is incomplete on my machine. Looks like the hook extension on the "knee lifter bracket end" is broken off. The machine also has a damaged tension disc assembly spring 2124. Based on illustrations for the -141 variant here. http://parts.singerco.com/IPpartCharts/16-137_141.pdf
CD, any images of these on your machine would be helpful. I am having skipped stitches which may be caused by poor adjustment of this spring. I assume these parts are hard to find new. I did find a decent used Simanco PN 3126 guide on the auction site. The original one has failed rivets on one of the bosses so the outer foot would twist "pigeon toe" during travel. We'll see how that replacement goes.
Also, are the small flat outer feet I see on the 16-41 and the 42-5 labeled with a simanco #? Mine has a jagged welting foot which is unforgiving to smooth leather, but instead of modifying it I wanted to replace it and then have a few options for material feeding. That welting foot may work well for canvas and webbing. Are the outer feet universal "low shank" or unique to this model (i.e. Singer 16,17,18,consew 18) like the inner foot is?
Finally, when the bobbin holder is removed, there is some wiggle in the hook. It moves up/down about 1/8 in. The race looked ok when I removed it and examined, but not sure how much slack there should be between the oscillating shuttle driver (or lever) and hook.
Cheers
Bill