Jama Report post Posted March 11, 2023 Hey you guys, My Singer jammed right in the middle of a set of Jeep covers, so I moved to the National 26-188 to try to finish them, but something is wacky with the stitch length selector; when I try to shorten the stitch there is a loud clicking noise! I pulled out the post, dial and spring, and I don't see anything wrong. After reassembling it, there's still a loud clicking noise, no matter where I try to set it the stitch length stays the same. Anyone ever encountered this issue? That lever looks lower than it should be and not really locking anything. Can you help me figure this out? The other machine (Singer 11W-155) is too messed up and there are no service/repair appointments for three weeks! This one is the same casting as Nakajima, Rex 26-188, Singer 16-188, etc., I have an eight inch handwheel with a servo. If anyone has had this happen, how did you resolve it? Thanks a bunch. (Oh, and if you'd like an Avocado tree for your sewing table I have a few extras, LOL!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quade Report post Posted March 11, 2023 I'd unscrew the screws in the needle plate so, it's just sitting there then cycle the machine by hand and see if the feed dog is hitting the needle plate. My Juki was clicking at long stitch length and the problem was the feed dog was hitting the needle plate which being screwed down, pushed back on the feed mechanism. Once I unscrewed it, I could see the needle plate jumping as I cycled the machine. I had to adjust the feed dog so it didn't touch anymore. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jama Report post Posted March 11, 2023 43 minutes ago, Quade said: I'd unscrew the screws in the needle plate so, it's just sitting there then cycle the machine by hand and see if the feed dog is hitting the needle plate. My Juki was clicking at long stitch length and the problem was the feed dog was hitting the needle plate which being screwed down, pushed back on the feed mechanism. Once I unscrewed it, I could see the needle plate jumping as I cycled the machine. I had to adjust the feed dog so it didn't touch anymore. We think alike, I did exactly that. The feed dog is a little out, but the clicking noise is coming from the RH side (upright) of the casting. I've taken the selector back off and shot some WD gel in there, in case it's just dry metal on the end. I can't see anything when I run it slowly that would cause the clicking. I think I will try turning the handwheel until the take up lever is all the way up and then reassembling the spring, pin, etc. Thanks Quade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quade Report post Posted March 13, 2023 My clicking was coming from the right too. The stitch length adjustment is connected to the feed dog shaft so when the dog hit the plate, the shaft was jammed which actually made the reverse lever jump up and down and click. The fact yours clicks when you reduce the stitch length means that my idea was less likely for your issue. Because short stitch length keep the dogs more centered in the needle plate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jama Report post Posted March 15, 2023 Well...I finally solved the clicking. Blasted the inside with WD gel, moved the take up lever, removed and then reinstalled the threaded post, moved the lever further in, pulled out and cleaned the spring pin...threw myself at it until it stopped. I have no idea how I resolved it, actually. I'm afraid to touch the thing. I'll be sewing everything with the setting it's on, whatever that is. So of course it sewed fine for about two hours and then it started skipping. Changed needle, played with thread tension, set a different cone of thread on the stand, etc. I discovered I'm out of the size of needle I need. The 111W155 was locked up. Not one thing, always TWO. I called a repairman who complained about how "screwed up" it was and told me he didn't like people watching him before he robbed me of $165 and left. It will only sew with WHITE #69 and the tensioner twisted down until it won't turn anymore. It frays the thread. Basically I'm dead-calm in a sea of seat cover pieces and ready to go out in the cold and bang my head against the bird feeder pole. I need a back-up machine for my backup. It's time to work the puzzle and fall asleep face down in the keyboard. I hope the sewing machine elves come tonight and fix something so I can sew tomorrow. I left them a hammer and cookies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quade Report post Posted March 15, 2023 Quote It will only sew with WHITE #69 and the tensioner twisted down until it won't turn anymore. What needle are you using? Needle size is probably the most important factor when you can't get the tension right. If the needle is too small, the thread will drag in the cloth, requiring a huge amount of tension. https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html I use this chart which someone posted on this site. I once got gouged by an HVAC repairman because I watched him work. Still, I saw what he replaced and now have the tool and the knowledge to do it myself iif it fails the same way again. It was worth the expensive education. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jama Report post Posted March 15, 2023 7 hours ago, Quade said: What needle are you using? Needle size is probably the most important factor when you can't get the tension right. If the needle is too small, the thread will drag in the cloth, requiring a huge amount of tension. https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html I use this chart which someone posted on this site. I once got gouged by an HVAC repairman because I watched him work. Still, I saw what he replaced and now have the tool and the knowledge to do it myself iif it fails the same way again. It was worth the expensive education. It's a 22. Thanks for the great chart. This particular cover is only PART leather, the insert. So what works for the vinyl bolsters along the seam doesn't work well on the leather section. I skim the foam back from my stitch line to drag it under the presser foot. Lots of little problems in constructing covers on the National, while the 111W-155 works great...when it sews. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 16, 2023 Here are some manuals covering the Singer 111w155. Perhaps you will find answers to the issues plaguing your machine. Singer-111w155-Parts-List.pdf SINGER-111W152-111W153-111W154-111W155.pdf USNavySinger111WConsew225REPAIR.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quade Report post Posted March 16, 2023 (edited) That navy manual is fantastic. Wish I had it when I took apart my 211. I have army version of the 111 manual and it's not nearly as well written. Edited March 16, 2023 by Quade Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
