Why is my sewing machine running so slow?

Question

It is my mom's and is probably about 30 years old if not older. It's a Kenmore 17841.

Answer 1

If it's oiled and greased -- and IF it hasn't been used much lately (like it's been sitting in a closet for a couple of years), then you can quite often get a motor to run at normal speed by just running it wide open for several minutes!  Just press down on the foot pedal all the way and let it operate.  You'll likely hear the motor beginning to speed up after a short while.  You'll want to let it run at full speed for a short time once it gets there.  You may also have to do this a couple of times.

Answer 2

because its old and worn down..probably time to get a new one

Answer 3

It could be a worn out belt,they do stretch with age,you can by new belts at sewing machine shops.

Answer 4

When's the last time it's had a good cleaning and oiling, done professionally?  (There are lots of little bits that you can't get to unless you know how to take the machine apart -- when the grease and oil solidifies or drips away, things get s l o w)

Also, some types of foot controllers can get a little flakey, so that might be the cause, too... but I'm betting a proper cleaning and lubrication is the likely cure.

(As an aside: I was doing some mending for my mother in law on her machine -- mine has sintered bronze bearings and does not need regular oiling -- hers needs oil.  In the middle of one seam, the machine started slowing down, made a couple of clattery sounds and then just barely moved.  And I figured I'd have to admit to having killed her machine.  Holding my breath, I fed it some more oil and -- voila! top speed again! Whew!)