Fraying/breaking top thread on 111-155

[blue duck]

Good Afternoon Folks~

As you can see in the pics, I am having problems with the top thread fraying/breaking. This is on a Singer 111-155, Organ Needles 120/19, Top thread #92, Bobbin thread #69. I have rethreaded, changed bobbins, new needle, oiled, tried different leather/fabric, the usual that occured to me. It will sometimes run 20" before it happens and sometimes only 2". I thought the hook was the culprit-polished it up, didn't appear to have burrs. Checked the hole around feed dog, can't see/feel anything. I then spent hours trying to replicate problem to document it and found that the upper thread would go to the wrong side of the hook when going around the bobbin. (I hope I have the right terms here). You can feel it when it happens.  If you look to the right side at the top the bobbin latch, you can see where it has gone in between instead of over. I can't figure out the why of it though, much less how to fix it. Then again, it could be something else completely and this is just the result. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. If you need more pics or info, please let me know.

Thank you for your time.

Kathi

[suzelle]

blue duck,

Do you have a manual that clearly shows how to thread the top and bottom? I know this is frustratiing, I'm dealing with some shredding issues on a machine now too. Trying to read everything I can and finding some poorly illustrated instructions on an old machine that is new to me. 

Edited March 15, 2022 by suzelle

[blue duck]

Yes I do. Haven't looked that part it in years though. But I have it out looking for answers, so I will make sure. Thanks.

Edit: So are you looking for a manual?

 

Edited March 15, 2022 by blue duck
add

[suzelle]

blue duck,

Oh good, I'm glad you at least have the instructions and can go over them. 

I was looking for a manual. But I think I have enough info now printed out from different places online. I have a manual given to me by the Seller, which is the poor copy I started with. Yikes! LOL.

[blue duck]

Still trying to sort this out. (Birthday present is going to be late :{ , oh well)

So when I said I could feel it grab, right where this 90* spot on the needle guard is where it seems to be. I had this replaced by an campbell bosworth in tx and they returned the original with the machine. The two seem quite different. The original is one piece and the edges are rounded and flowing. The replacement is, well not. The split is large enough for thread to go between. You can see quite clearly how different they are. So it makes me question if it is even a correct replacement. Ideas and or opinions? Do you think it a good idea or possiblity to change them around? Or does this even seem like it could be the culprit?

I would gladly pay for the repair, but nothing is close, which is why I sent it to Texas the first time. Shipping right now is insane though, so can't do that. 

[ljk]

Been there done that on a very nice 111w155 which I bought for $12 at the Mt Hope auction had bad belt. I would try one thing first.  Change to 20 or 21 needle.  Move hook as close as you can to needle.  Make sure needle bar timing to hook is correct.

If this fails go to Uwe Grosse he will come up on Google. Review his Consew/111w155 video.  50yrs ago I had to put a 111 on the bus 300miles.   After that I made sure I learned how to adjust the machine.  These machines properly setup will have 1/2" lift a long stitch and will do whatever you want, until you graduate to a big bobbin with reverse.

Better pictures of machine might help so I might be able to see overall condition.

 

 

[toxo]

After timing the hook, make sure the top tension isn't too tight and make sure the take up spring releases the thread before the needle starts to rise else a loop can't form for the hook to latch onto. There has to be tension somewhere to fray the thread unless it's catching on something. If you're using the correct needle and it's still happening try a bigger needle.

[blue duck]

@ljk Thank you very much. I found Uwe's site and will double check my machine against it. But what I noticed more than anything was the needle guard. It is the same as my old one. But Uwe also offers service by Skype. Great option.

 @toxoThank you. I will try the larger needle, but feels/sounds like it is catching. The top tension has always seemed to tight to me, but without it the stitch is terrible to the point of useless. So that may be the next problem to look at.

[Marcremb]

Hello. You can Also try to reduce tension on the bobbin so you dont have to tight the top one 

 

[CowboyBob]

Try sewing on it w/o putting the thread through the needlebar thread guide,if it sews better you need a new guide as they many times get a groove cut in them from the thread.