Please don't give up on this machine! It's my new favorite soap opera, "As the Gears Turn." I have total confidence you'll be showing us a sew off in the near future. 😉

Hmmm. Looks like someone put some regular oil in there like 3in1 or motor oil. I saw a Craigslist ad for a machine that the seller claimed was "recently oiled". The picture had a big ol can of silicone spray lube proudly sitting next to the machine. Sigh...I use plain kerosene and a small parts brush/paint brush to quickly get dried oil and gunk off machines. Just dab it on and work the machine. It hasn't hurt paint yet, though I don't put it on the painted parts. Mechanic garages and shops have used kerosene forever for parts cleaning. It is hard to beat. I put some in a squeeze bottle to wash down those sensitive area's to finish up.

I had to laugh when you said it's a beast of a machine. I inherited one from my grandma and always describe it as a beast. It started having problems years ago because I had no idea it needed to be regularly serviced. Now I'm going to learn how to clean and fix it up.

Yay! I rescued and unstuck my Sears Kenmore 158.17033. It would only do straight stitch so oiled it but still no go. Then I oiled right on top the cam bar where the mechanism for the cam hook rests on it and just like that she sews. My machine was very clean compared to that one and I got all the original accessories too for $22 at thrift store with cabinet. Thanks for the video. It was helpful to figure out the problem.

Kerosene would have done wonders on helping you get rid of that grease. Most of the service guys and collectors I know use it in cases where the wrong type of grease/lube has been used and it is just beyond a mess like in your case. They fully cover/tape the motor and do a full saturation to clear the heavy grease. Once cleaned and aired out to dry, then they immediately use proper oil/lube where you need it.

Worked on lots of these kenmore but never seen that old dark gunk almost like the grease in the motor gear in a 15-91. Someone probably put alot of grease on it. Oh I came across a early 70's singer and it had white grease ( Lithium ) all over the works on top was like chewing gum but harder. What a mess .. I think husbands should stay away from their wives machines or read the manual. haha Thanks for the details in this video very helpful .. Love your vids

Thanks for the update! I like keeping track of this machine’s story. Looking forward to it singing again! I have a very similar model but fortunately, it was my mom’s and is in good shape.

I took Ray White's sewing machine repair class, and he told us to use tri-flow lubricant for cleaning, because it will dissolve that old oil and grease that has "varnished" onto the machine. Sometimes it has to sit for a day or so, but in my experience, it works very well.

Thank you! My old Kenmore is working very well now.

I have been working on and sewing with Kenmore 158 17571 for over a year. I finally got the zigzag to work with as you recommend with patience and machine oil. I had not used it in about 8 years because it slowly started freezing up. Oiled it, researched it and now every thing is working. I bought it in 1972 for $159. It came with some stitching cams and button holer( one box) No embroidery cams. I love this machine and grieved for years not being able to use it.

I have one this bad on the kitchen table. I’m approx 400 qtips in and can’t get the top off yet, there’s a jammed C Cam mechanism and I have to work on it through a little space. But this series is cheering me up!

I love this series. These all-metal, mechanical sewing machines are marvels. Even if you have to give up on this machine, please take us with you to that final decision. It appears you are using Liquid Wrench as a de-greaser. Have you tried Simple Green or similar products? Do you know a reason to not use those products?

Just found a Montgomery wards URR 240. Siezed.

Fantastic Kenmore sewing machine

Thank you so much for this restoration/rescue series. You have inspired me not to give up on my vintage Kenmore which was my first foray into sewing on my mom’s machine which later became mine as a young woman. I too was guilty of over oiling and then abandoning it for years. My Kenmore 158.18033 was completely seized up! I have been working on it for three weeks. I have everything moving again. But its still requiring a lot of muscle to rotate the hand wheel. There is hope after all! Thank you so much for the weekly encouraging words! However, with the end in sight I recently bumped my power switch with pliers and it is now broken. I am desperately looking for a replacement power switch. Please point me in the direction to find a compatible replacement. I have already looked at the Sears parts store and exhaustively still searching the internet. Many Kenmore sewing salvage parts on EBAY but nothing that appears to be the right choice. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Loved your comment: "They're not weak, they're just sensitive to not being cared for." Are you a sewing machine therapist??? Anyway, just picked up a 158.19400 that is much cleaner, and watching your video is fascinating. I apreciate your committment to sharing your knowledge.

Please try some kerosene on your swab. Grease is nonpolar and will dissolve more easily with kerosene than isopropanol. At least consider a test.

i have a Morse 9300 machine i think it is a lot like this machine on the mechanical part. I am trying some of what you are doing and it seems to be moving better. Now going to try the different stitches like you are. wish i could post a picture on here to show you so you can tell me if the same rules apply to mine as yours.

Singer 201 videos? Checking your list of videos and I don’t see it. Are you going to work on the old machine we can see beside the Kenmore?

I have a1755 that is stuck like this one. I’m almost to the point of giving up.

What ever happened to this poor Kenmore? I have been wondering!

Would like to know if you might have access Kenmore 385.17826690 oiling & grease point chart available or know were I might obtain one Thanks

Grease is just way too thick and sticky.

I tried Liquid wrench on a machine once and got it to run after I dowsed the insides with Rubbing Alcohol!

Any more progress on this machine? I have one, and I wouldn't part with it for anything. Excellent slow speed control, great zigzag. Have you tried alcohol, a toothbrush, and a hairdryer?

I bought one of these today from offer up. The seller said it belonged to his mom, but that he himself doesn’t know anything about the machine. It seems like the machine is in working order, but the speed of the stitching is very slow, even with the pedal pressed fully down. The inside of the machine looks clean, so I’m not sure if it’s a grease issue. I’m going to assume the machine had been unused for a while, so I’m really unsure what it needs. This is my first vintage machine, so I’m trying to learn about it by watching videos. Any suggestions as to how to resolve the issue?

Is this baby ever going to unlock?

People don't read there manual.

Rubbing Alcohol will unstick it!

mine is made by Toyota lol