Singer 29-4 Assembly Problem

[Constabulary]

yes - thats right!

[bill2750]

You have probably flexed the shuttle spring in the opposite direction by over tightening it, thereby actually loosening the tension. Try backing off on it a half turn at a time to get the tension right. Usually the damage is not permanent when these things are over tightened. This happens frequently in other shuttles by over enthusiastic attempts to adjust them. You also need to be sure you don't forget to pass the thread up through the small hole near the tension spring after you snap it under the spring.

Thank you for the comments. I will try your suggestions. The thread is passed through the hole as you noted.

[CowboyBob]

If you have a metal pitman arm(the rod from the pedal to the lower pulley) ,they have ball bearings in them.

[bill2750]

Bob,

I do have the metal pitman arm but I don't think the ball bearing came from there (although I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last). The reason I say this is the ball bearing was clean and shiny as if it had been wiped clean of any lubricant. The rest of the machine has been oiled thoroughly over the years and grease and oil residue is all over it. So my mystery continues. It seems to be sewing alright, though I need to adjust my tensions slightly. It will be a labor of love here for a while as I get familiar with how this machine operates. Thank you for the ideas.