Juki 5410N H Questions

[pivot]

Hello, 

I purchased a used Juki 5410N H recently and hope someone could help answer a few questions. I searched the forum and found many interesting tips but I'm still unclear on a few things.

1.  The oil wick that's visible when the head is tipped back is really short. Is that ok? I've seen Jukis in videos on youtube with much longer ones. Is it suppose to touch the oil in the pan? The one on my machine seems too short to sit in the oil (although, it's not dry). Is this wick suppose to supply oil or catch oil overflow?

2. I see Eric (gottaknow) mentioned that some of these machines can have a problem with the oil tube being too short. How can I tell if this is a problem with my machine? I see two oil tubes in the manual. Would I stop seeing oil in the indicator? I poked around a bit and noticed that the tube to the left of the pump comes off easily. I don't know if that's bad. I don't know the complete history of this machine but was told it was from some sort of shop. I'm assuming some kind of factory or cottage. It originally had a circuit board but was converted to a non computerized machine when the circuit board died.

3. I was told by the dealer that these take a different bobbin case from the one used with the 5550N/8700N. Is that correct? I checked the parts manual and they seem to use the same type. I've been using a 5550N and thought I'd be able to use the same bobbin case. Perhaps he misunderstood and thought I had a bobbin case from a domestic machine.

4. Is there any way to know what year the machine was made via the serial number? I'm curious to know.

I appreciate any help you can give. It's been difficult to find specific information and I want to make sure I keep it well oiled and in working order. I'm taking classes at a local college and will use it for class assignments and also intend to use it for heavier projects outside of class.

Regards, Melinda

[gottaknow]

The tube that runs from the oil pump to the top shaft can end up against the shaft that actually drives the pump. In time, it will cut through the tube. If you keep an eye on the sight glass, the oil should bubble up indicating the tube is intact. For a visual inspection, you can remove the back cover and actually inspect the small, clear tube. 

Regards, Eric 

[pivot]

Thanks Eric.

I found out that the oil wick sends oil to the feed dog and the one on my machine is too short to get any oil out of the pan. I figured this out by taping a piece of paper the same length next to it. No oil soiled the paper. The dealer says it's too much of a hassle to change the wick and suggested tying a piece of wool to the wick. I've done that. Hopefully, that's good enough to keep the wick oiled.

I'll keep an eye on the oil pump.

I'm now happily sewing with the machine and hope to tackle heavier material in the future.

Thanks again.