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Sewing machine maintenance question

13 years ago

I think I'm in over my head on this one! Does anyone know how to get the side panel off of an Elna? This is the right side, where the big knob is located.

I was having trouble with the bobbin winder sticking and decided it was something I could fix. Plus, the bobbin winding belt has been squealing a little and it seemed like a good time to see if I could replace that myself too. So I started loosening screws and SUDDENLY, without any warning, the little bobbin winding tab FELL INTO THE BODY OF THE MACHINE! My first thought was "This can't be good." (Actually, that was my second thought but I can't print the first one here.) I can't start up the machine for fear the part is in a spot where it will do serious damage. The local maint place says they are behind and if I bring it in, they can't get it back to me for "2-3 weeks", which I interpret to mean 4-6 weeks. I've ordered a service manual from a person on eBay but won't have that for about a week. I have a Round Robin to work on and 3 projects waiting for some attention; I'm already going into withdrawal. I know I could fix this if I could just get the ******* side panel off. But now I'm a little apprehensive about loosening any other screws. Any ideas?

Kate

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Comments (7)

lola99
13 years ago
I found some Elna manuals that can be downloaded for $7.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Elna manuals
toolgranny
13 years ago
What model? I have one and if it's the same, I'll drag it out and tear it apart.
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mmack66, I have tried doing that several times and it doesn't help. I've tried just sliding it half way down to sliding it down all the way and then tightening that screw. I have the old belt and it has so many cracks in it (it also broke when I removed it). The machine did work when I had the old belt on, so I am thinking it is not the correct size. The old belt appears to be larger around than the new one I bought.I don't know if it is because of the age of this old belt or not. When I tried to wind a bobbin, I had to press down on the metal thing that rests on the bobbin while it is threading (don't know what it is called). My husband said his mother hadn't used the machine in over 25 years, so I know it needs a good oiling/cleaning. I have been sewing for over 40 years, but I have never used one of these older vintage machines. The machine only sews a straight stitch, no zigzag stitch, so I can't make button holes with it :( Anyway, I have looked in Walmart and in one local sewing machine/fabric store and this Dritz 903 motor and bobbin belt was the only one either store carried.
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There is no bobbin to this little machine. It makes a chain stitch. In order to do this there is a lever underneath the catches the thread. The way it is designed the lever hits the needle and eventually over time the needle form a permanent bend. This will prevent it from catching the thread. What you need to do at this point is to replace the needle. The 24x3 is no longer manufactured. You can order a 24 x1 which is the replacement the size 11 works best. Remember that the flat part of the substitute is on the opposite side from the original 24 x3.
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K8Orlando
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Lola, but those are the user manuals and I need the service manual. For the stuff they don't want you to do yourself!

The model is the 6005 Heirloom.

Kate
toolgranny
13 years ago
Much newer than mine. Sorry can't help. Looks like a molded case so it will be hard to disassemble since the bottom probably comes off first. Good luck.
K8Orlando
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for checking!
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
13 years ago
Kate, I have a Quilter's Dream Elna and I've taken the bottom off....don't know if that will help or not.

SharonG/FL
K8Orlando
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Sharon - I think I'll give it a try this weekend.

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