Tension Release Lever Rod

[RockyAussie]

15 minutes ago, Teslabolt said:

Thanks for the input, RockyAusssie. I checked the pin lengths on both and they are equal to the new ones. I think I have good pressure on the feet. Not easy to lift up, moderate. 

I still need confirmation on whether the knee lift lever arm goes above or below the presser bar lifting bracket. 

Thanks!

And the thread is firm to pull through the discs and gets harder as you tighten the disks? @Uwe has a video on one of these I think and still may have one of these.

[dikman]

Ok, that was a good video, but you're saying that the pin (#11) doesn't reach the operating lever on the tension assembly. Like I said, it's too short. I have had to replace similar pins on my machines and it's just trial and error to get the right length, too short and it won't work, too long and the discs stay open.

Or, as Constabulary said, try bending the arm.

[Teslabolt]

15 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

And the thread is firm to pull through the discs and gets harder as you tighten the disks? @Uwe has a video on one of these I think and still may have one of these.

Yessir, the thread is more and more difficult to pull through as I tighten the discs. 

[Teslabolt]

14 minutes ago, dikman said:

Ok, that was a good video, but you're saying that the pin (#11) doesn't reach the operating lever on the tension assembly. Like I said, it's too short. I have had to replace similar pins on my machines and it's just trial and error to get the right length, too short and it won't work, too long and the discs stay open.

Or, as Constabulary said, try bending the arm.

It makes sense, but I am a purist and my curse is that everything should be the way the original manufacturer intended. Thus, I am replacing the foreign part. (you know what I mean) I cannot fathom not being able to use the machine with factory parts. From what I know, these machines were engineered to last a very, very long time. As soon as I get the replacement tension assembly, I will hopefully report back with good news. 

I may have been able to technically sew, but the thread on the bottom was so loose that I could just pull it right out in a straight line. 

[dikman]

I see where your coming from. Unfortunately, we are often dealing with older machines where we have to make do with what parts we can get and adapting/modifying becomes part of the game. At least you know where the problem is (with the machine, I mean ).

[Teslabolt]

1 hour ago, dikman said:

I see where your coming from. Unfortunately, we are often dealing with older machines where we have to make do with what parts we can get and adapting/modifying becomes part of the game. At least you know where the problem is (with the machine, I mean ).

Ha!  :O)   

Yes for sure there is a lot of duct tape and baling wire with the old stuff. That is part of the fun if there are no other options. 

[RockyAussie]

3 hours ago, Teslabolt said:

I still need confirmation on whether the knee lift lever arm goes above or below the presser bar lifting bracket. 

Just wondering does this video not show you that answer? https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=20&v=Fsb-yUp1nMQ&feature=emb_logo

 

[Teslabolt]

I can't recall if that video was taken before or after I started to remove things in that area. *head slap* 

Hoping another 206 owner will hop on and give me an answer. Can't find anything on the interwebs. Any pics I do find, are not in detail. 

[Teslabolt]

I ordered a better one (with pointed hardened bolts) just like this.

Part circled is what broke when I tightened down the bolt. Broke like pot metal. 

It was free so not crying too much. 

Edited January 30, 2020 by Teslabolt

[Constabulary]

I basically have restored all my sewing machines and if I would be a purist I would probably have a pile of cast iron but not many working sewing machines. You either buy what works / is available or you wait until you find a 2nd or 3rd machine to get together all the OEM parts. But yes, when ever possible I try to replace the "cheap parts" with OEM parts but that's not always possible. My 1st priority is that the machine is sewing the way I need it and then on the long view I try to find OEM parts (often enough randomly). I even have thrown out original parts and install foreign parts until the machine suits my needs (f.i. a needle bar just because I want to use a different needle system). Then OEM has no priority instead functionality is what counts. So it depends! But 1st priority is always that the machine does what I want - sewing!

9 hours ago, Teslabolt said:

I may have been able to technically sew, but the thread on the bottom was so loose that I could just pull it right out in a straight line. 

is it probably because you are using a too small needle size - I´d try to go up 1 or 2 needle sizes.

Edited January 30, 2020 by Constabulary