Bellflory Report post Posted September 28, 2019 Hi guys, I've been a long time lurker but finally got my own membership! I'm hoping you can help me find a service manual for my Singer 17-23. I have an owners manual, and a parts list but am striking out on the service manual. I'd like to do a total tear-down but don't quite have my ducks in a row yet. I also have a Singer 168w101 post machine that needs a new timing belt and thorough cleaning. I have a parts list for it, but a service manual would be sooooo helpful. I sew mostly leather handbags and backpacks and these are a couple of new babies for my growing sewing machine collection. Thanks for all the help I've been sneaking out of you for all these years! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted September 28, 2019 (edited) What is called a service manual often is just an "advance user manual". I have never ever seen a real service manual for the vintage Singer industrial machines. I mean in terms of stripping and reassembling a machine. Not saying there are none but I have never seen one or even heard of them. Often the user manuals include some advanced technical information for timing and replacing timing belts (Singer called it arm shaft connection Belt) and the so forth but that's it Maybe there is a chance when you look for later made Singer clones of your mentioned machines (like Consew or Seiko). Maybe the clones have more detailed service manuals (but I honestly doubt). A lot of the nowadays clones are based on the older Singer machines. However, if someone has a service manual I hope he´d share it here! Edited September 28, 2019 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bellflory Report post Posted September 28, 2019 Thanks Constabulary, that might be why I'm having so much trouble finding them. It didn't occur to me to research the clones, I'll try that. Any idea what a clone of the 168W101 would be? Again, thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted September 28, 2019 it was just an idea I have to look up the machine similarities as well but the Seiko or Consew website may show machines similar to your Singer 168w or 17 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted September 30, 2019 Bellflory, The Singer 168W101 was copied by Consew. That was the 229 which is no longer made. Almost all parts fit the 168. I do not know what Seiko's number was. I am helping a guy rebuild a Singer168 We got a few parts from Consew. There are some generic parts available as well. To my knowledge, no other company clones the 168. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bellflory Report post Posted September 30, 2019 4 hours ago, shoepatcher said: Bellflory, The Singer 168W101 was copied by Consew. That was the 229 which is no longer made. Almost all parts fit the 168. I do not know what Seiko's number was. I am helping a guy rebuild a Singer168 We got a few parts from Consew. There are some generic parts available as well. To my knowledge, no other company clones the 168. glenn Thanks, I'll look for parts that way too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted October 1, 2019 I would also check with Hoffman Brothers. They are the large sewing machine dealer in the Chicago area. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bellflory Report post Posted October 2, 2019 On 9/30/2019 at 8:36 AM, shoepatcher said: Bellflory, The Singer 168W101 was copied by Consew. That was the 229 which is no longer made. Almost all parts fit the 168. I do not know what Seiko's number was. I am helping a guy rebuild a Singer168 We got a few parts from Consew. There are some generic parts available as well. To my knowledge, no other company clones the 168. glenn Thanks Glenn, did you take the wheel off and if so how difficult was it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted October 2, 2019 I have had the balance wheel off. before. If you are trying to replace a timing belt, that is fun. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bellflory Report post Posted October 3, 2019 48 minutes ago, shoepatcher said: I have had the balance wheel off. before. If you are trying to replace a timing belt, that is fun. glenn That's the plan. I'm hoping it's one of those places where small hands are an advantage. I'm gonna get started on it tomorrow. I've had the wheel sitting with Kroil penetrating oil for a couple of days. The belt should be here soon, I got it from Toledo. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted October 3, 2019 ok Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bellflory Report post Posted October 4, 2019 23 hours ago, shoepatcher said: ok Belt's installed, it wasn't too bad other than getting the wheel off & tight quarters. Timing was pretty straightforward too. Now to tackle the post, tension and finish timing. Wish me luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikesc Report post Posted October 4, 2019 Luck wished..perseverance should be rewarded. :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
