Cowboy 3200 making noise

[MedusaOblongata]

After 3 months and about 15 hours of use, my previously flawless Cowboy 3200 (from Toledo) just started making this creaking, croaking, groaning noise. It sounds like it's coming from the motor, not the head, and sounds the same whether there is leather or thread in it. It has been oiled, both regularly and recently.

 

 

 

Despite the new noise it just started making, it still sews just fine, but it does concern me. Any ideas?

[Constabulary]

I always wonder why people go public with their issues instead of contacting the dealer they bought from.

Anyway, to me it looks like your V-Belts are too tight and sound may come from the speed reducer. Look at your motor it seems to be in an angle probably because of overtightened V-Belt?

I would loosen or remove the V-Belts an check all involved parts (motor, SR, machine head) individually

[kgg]

I agree with Constabulary. Remove the all the belts and narrow down from where the noise is coming from and readjust position of motor. May need longer belts.

kgg

[Handstitched]

If my machine makes any type of strange  noise, I start to sweat!!  It did once and all it was , was a blunt needle. Replace the needle, all fixed. But wouldn't  have thought  that such a brute of a machine  would be affected  by a blunt needle, I was so wrong. 

HS 

[JLSleather]

Does look like that motor is 'cocked' a bit.  Taking teh belt off should tell a guy quickly.  Step down far enough, hard enough, to rotate that motor a bit.. if it wasn't tight .... 

Being basically lazy, I might put a mark on the pulley, just so I could first tell if it's "happening" at the same point each rotation (looks to be the case, but i'd confirm).  Realign, see if it's still the same 'place'.

[chuck123wapati]

4 hours ago, Constabulary said:

I always wonder why people go public with their issues instead of contacting the dealer they bought from.

I think because thats why they joined this awesome forum. They get real life people with real life experience, like you,  instead of the possibility of someone that just was hired and doesn't have a clue, says bring it in, send it to us, etc.  if its a simple fix like a misaligned belt they may not tell you that, they may sell you a new motor. When you fix a problem yourself you then have gained valuable knowledge and understanding , when you have someone else fix it they have the knowledge and you have a bill every time it breaks.

[trash treasure]

Agree with the others - The motor is cocked, and the belt is squeaking because it's making an angular contact with the pulleys, instead of straight line pull.

[boyjuki]

Take off the machine to belt pulley and run it. If it's still making the noise. Take off the other belt and spin the reducer by hand. If no noise belts could be too tight or need belt conditioner. 

  If spun by hand and here a noise, possible could be defective bearing in the reducer.

[Constabulary]

31 minutes ago, chuck123wapati said:

I think because thats why they joined this awesome forum. They get real life people with real life experience, like you,  instead of the possibility of someone that just was hired and doesn't have a clue, says bring it in, send it to us, etc.  if its a simple fix like a misaligned belt they may not tell you that, they may sell you a new motor. When you fix a problem yourself you then have gained valuable knowledge and understanding , when you have someone else fix it they have the knowledge and you have a bill every time it breaks.

Nothing wrong with going public - generally - but when I have issues with a 3 month old car or TV  or lawnmower or what ever the 1st thing I´d do is to contact my  dealer before I go public.  And Toledo (he mentioned them) really has a great reputation so that would be my 1st way. Pretty sure they are real life people

For sure there are "certain dealers" or should I say sellers who prefer making a buck instead of giving you support for your recently bought machine. But I doubt any of the Cowboy dealers would go that way.

Anyway - MedusaOblongata I hope you don´t feel offended, if so - I´m sorry but IMO the dealer should have the 1st chance to make it right or give you support one or the other way.

 

 

[JLSleather]

3 hours ago, Constabulary said:

And Toledo (he mentioned them) really has a great reputation

Bob 'n' friends one of the few I actually recommend.