Sieck 269-373 Tension trouble

[Uwe]

The Adler 269 is a very nice design and generally a great machine. Don’t let the startup issues get you down. 

There may be multiple things going on:

First, your hook-to-needle timing may be off a little. Forward is more forgiving than reverse. In my experience, if machine sews well in reverse then it almost always also sews well forward. The opposite is not true. Carefully timing the hook and checking reverse in the process should help with that problem. Not only does the needle need to pick up the thread reliably, the hook also needs to let go of the thread when the thread take-up lever start pulling up. Sometimes forward is fine, and in reverse all hell breaks loose , the thread snags on the hook tab, or the hook gib doesn’t let go of the thread soon enough - all of these things cause loops on the bottom, A small amount of retarding or advancing hook timing should resolve that.

Second, it looks like your feed timing/balancing may be off, the reverse stitch length should match forward. If your machine has adjustable hard stops at the top and/or bottom of the reverse lever slot, make sure they’re are not causing the problem with short reverse stitches. The manual doesn’t specifically address stitch balance, but in general, if you have maximum stitch length dialed in and the needle is in hook timing position, flipping the reverse lever up and down should NOT move the needle. Small adjustments of the feed eccentric on the top shaft should correct any unwanted movement.

 

The Adler 269 service manual  ( Durkopp_Adler_269_instructions_for_service.pdf  ) should apply to your machine, go through it in sequence verify the various “rules” or reference positions it describes. Make adjustments if needed. Normally the dealer does this, they may have missed a few steps. 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 5, 2024 by Uwe