1950's Elna Supermatic Sewing Machine - Pulley Replacement

A demonstration on how to replace a worn drive pulley on a classic Elna Supermatic from the 1950's.
Also shown is a way to preserve the pulley to stop them deforming when in long term storage.
Web Site - www.institches.co.nz
Patreon - / sewingmachines

[@brettster3331]

Great video, and thank you for showing a way to prevent the flat spots in the future.

[@pwdrhrn]

You are a fantastic technical teacher. Thank-you so much. Demonstrating the broken state first so we can hear it, then fixing it, showing how all the parts fit together is brilliant. Also, it appears that the pin is a 'roll' pin. There is a tool called a 'roll pin remover' on Amazon that can properly remove the pin without using a hammer/punch which could damage the bearings or the shaft. To get the roll pin back in and lined up, put an old needle or straight pin through the centre of the roll pin and insert it into the hole. The needle helps line it all up until you get it part way in, then remove the needle and use the above tool to push the pin in. Hope that helps!

[@jeannegow2144]

Thank you very much for this tutorial...you are such a great teacher...thank you for explaining why the pulley gets a flat spot!!!🙏

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timsheasby6803]

Recently inherited one of these from my Auntie. From colour and styling I believe it to be a 1964/5 model. I remember going on holiday to visit her and she had made a canvas tent for her son on the machine. It didn't have the knee lever but had a foot pedal instead (though the socket for the knee lever is still there). Managed to get it sewing and sewed a cloth credit card wallet for myself. Very impressive for a 56 year old machine!

[@InStitches]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dennisclapp7527]

Thank you for this great demonstration/tutorial on the drive wheel replacement. I'm sure that there are many of these great old machines still alive but in need of the wheel replacement. Just a note on the pin, it is also known as a roll pin. Thanks again. Best regards.

[@InStitches]

This model is getting more difficult to find these days. I did wonder at the time if I was using the correct terminology for that type of pin. You're correct, it is a roll pin, not a cotter pin. A cotter pin normally has a clip on the side and some searches show them as what we'd call a split pin.

[@karenboychyn6836]

I can't wait for your next demonstration on this machine, I've got two and I've taken them in for service and each time they've come back with something else not working properly, so I'm patiently waiting for a demo on how to fix the zigzag not working!!! I love the detail you get into thank you so much

[@InStitches]

Thanks. It's possible your machine has a similar problem to the Elna Air Electronic I show how to fix in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pai6iWOin7Sqg68

[@bookbeing]

I wish there was a machine expert like you at our nearby sewing repair shops!

[@dbits6093]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

[@TrishMeyer99]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. I just finished replacing the pulley on the same Supermatic. (I rented a tool from White Sewing Center in MO, USA for removing the pin, which made it a little easier.) I had to replace the stitch width lever completely too, it was broken off. When I did that, the L-C-R dial started working again. I was worried that it was also broken. So glad you demo'd at the very end how the machine should sound, as it has an interesting series of sounds as it revs up! Do you have a video on where to oil and grease this machine, going further than the user manual? I'm finding both nylon and metal gears inside that are not mentioned in the manual (which only addresses oiling the easy to find points marked in red). But after a few decades, some fresh grease might be helpful.

[@darwinortiz6394]

Very helpful. Can't wait to get mine fixed.

[@jeannegow2144]

Good luck..I find it all so exciting... getting this machine up and running again...mine without too much effort👏👏👏

[@woolandwaterknits4801]

Your machines look brand new! Nice Collection so far! I am sure if you did a basics video on the Supermatic it would be very well appreciated! I have this one in the grey two tone. Horrible paint on it, but just had it serviced and I have tons of cams.

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I may do a Supermatic basics video soon.

[@mathivananr8198]

Thaks this video.

[@deb1120]

thank you!

[@chascatt]

If you need to polish it slide a plastic baggie over the post. Just push a hole in the baggie then tilt the top of the baggie towards you and work inside the bag so you dont lose any junk inside the machine. At least that sounds good in my mind. Im also thinking you could wrap the baggie around opening towards the front when tapping out to catch it

[@mattc6268]

That's actually a roll pin. roll pin punches will make the job a lot easier and help prevent damage to the pin. thanks for the video, I am fixing up grandmas machine and will be doing this soon.

[@DenisSolaro]

Just got mine 24h ago and thanks for the video and the long term storage advice. It's a 722010 from 1954. The pulley is in dire need of replacement and I have just found the places that sell them here in France. In the meantime to speed up the cleanup and oiling of that old machine and the tests, I have filed the rubber from the damaged pulley to make it rounder, knowing full well that I'm removing thickness from it. It kinda works at low speed and I was able to test the rest of the components to find out that it's all in top shape, but I wouldn't recommend that trick to solve the problem long term. Question: on some videos you see a second washer being the big clutch screw, a wavy washer that's added ontop of the stopper washer with three prongs. I didn't find that on mine, is that normal?

[@iranoliveira684]

All regards from brasil

[@jeannegow2144]

Need to open the clutch bit on the handwheel to see why the bobbin winder is not turning...I wonder if it would help, if I marked a point, say at 12 o'clock with a felt pen, on the washer, right side up, and also note on the main machine where the screw is sitting, before opening; and a dot on the machine, where the screw is when the clutch bit releases from the handwheel, so that I align the clutch bit from this mark and put it all back together easily? Would that work?

[@lisabe9691]

Hello from the US! I have my mom's 1956 Elna Supermatic and your video was so helpful!! The pulley had some really flat spots and was rusted on! A Dremmel Tool was what we used, to help not put pressure on shaft. Now looking for a replacement pulley. Any suggested websites to maybe find one to work on our "old girl"? Again an excellent video!!!! Thanks!

[@InStitches]

Hi. I have the pulleys in stock and you can contact me via my web site/email - address is in the video description. Thanks.

[@lisabe9691]

In Stitches Wonderful news!! You made my day!!

[@amateursewing]

hi, the seller of the tdan supermatic met de voetpedaal is still going to send me the machine but she is in quarantine with the Covid, so I will have to wait for a bit!!

[@bevmorris7685]

My daughter is being gifted a Supermatic from a very kind stranger who offered when I asked about possibly obtaining the only sewing machine she's ever been interested in on a limited budget, just asking where to look, etc., He says the pulley needs to be replaced and sent me the link to this video. This reminds me a bit of the motor pulley tire on my Kenmore Rotary. It will go flat if allowed to rest against the handwheel. The trick to preventing that is to put a piece of foam between the motor and the machine to prevent the tire resting against the handwheel. Is there any kind of trick to prevent this with the Supermatic, or will she need to remove the handwheel after she uses it each time?

[@InStitches]

The only good way for long term storage is to partially slide the handwheel down the shaft until the tire no longer contacts it. Thanks.

[@veraklokocka4406]

Thank you for this great video. This is exactly what my problem is. Would you know where to get that part from. Thank you, Vera

[@Jo-qz9ys]

Quick question: How do you do a quick reverse stitch (usually at the beginning and end of a straight row of stitching) with these?

[@samanthabrodnick2665]

Hi there, this is the exact problem I have with mine, only it was stored in a Florida garage, so the pin and bolt the pulley sits on are rusted, I can’t knock the pin out, how do you suggest to go about removal?

[@stephk3221]

Hey there! Just found an awesome elna supermatic, the only thing is that yes it has a flat spot on the pully but the foot won't move when the motor is going. The bobbin will wind but the presser foot won't go up and down? Any suggestions?

[@canadarocks3809]

I just pulled mine out of storage and it has the exact same problem (assuming you meant needle doesn't go up and down, not the foot). I'm banking on this repair fixing the whole issue. Did you end up replacing your pulley?

[@stephk3221]

@@canadarocks3809 yes! I got it from Woodland Quiltworks and it repaired the problem! Its a really fun machine to sew with but there are a few videos I'd suggest watching where the pulley gets replaced before doing it yourself lol. I was sweating bullets bc I didn't want to break anything haha

[@plas-uchaf]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Do you know if this machine contains asbestos? When I removed the wheel and looked inside the machine down underneath this pulley there was a motor with a pinkish dusty fleece wrapped around it. Should I be worried?

[@InStitches]

Can't say I've ever noticed that on any of my machines. I'll take a closer look next time. Not sure what it would be made of. Thanks.

[@r.duroucher225]

Do you have any advice as to how to loosen a frozen centering dial on this model machine?

[@neway518]

Are you sure that does not belong to the lawn? It absolutely sounds like my lawn mower! So much do that I thought that was the sound effects that you added!

[@carlaq1928]

Hi. Thank you your videos are very informative. Im having one problem that hopefully you will be able to help with. Whenever I thread my machine i can pull the top string through easily without resistance (while the peddle is up) but whenever i put down the peddle to sew the tension wheel pinches the string and it does not pull through. I noticed that whenever the peddle is down it pushes out a little pin on the inside of the machine that then pushes onto the tension wheel on the inside. Ive adjusted the tension wheel and presure of the peddle with no success. What could be the problem or what am I doing wrong.

[@InStitches]

Thanks. Your machine's tension will be released when the foot is up. This is normal and by design. What is the problem you're having with tension?

[@carlaq1928]

Hi. Thank you. I thought it might be a problem woth the peddle pinchibg the cotton. A few times I tried to sew the top cotton would pull out even while im sewing. My tension is now set between 2 and 3. It seems to be working a bit better. Also would the needle cause it to skip stitches?

[@karenrobinson4969]

Some people advocate clamping the motor so it doesn't flap about on the spring when removing the pin. You obviously didn't, but would you recommend that? I have 4 of these now, all of which will need the pulley replacement. :) Whoops, how did that happen? Still plenty of them here in little old NZ. Hoping to get them going. Great to see a local video of this. Thanks!!

[@InStitches]

There is no harm in not clamping the motor as long as the roll pin is extracted gently. I have a bunch of these too but they seem to be getting more difficult to come across in my area.

[@UN2400]

I need the timing belt for that machine, Do you know where I could find that strap?

[@advedo]

What is the belt for this ELNA Supermatic Model 722010 machine?

[@cristianmeza4234]

Hola Usted en dónde compró el repuesto. Por favor me informa

[@lisabe9691]

We also are in need of rubber feet and a replacement power cord.

[@njnoman]

Would love replacement parts! Pulley and belt please!

[@OliaMyr]

Hello! thanks a lot for the video!!! Please tell me what material this deformed part of the pulley is made of? Is it fashionable to print it on a 3D printer?

[@InStitches]

Hi, the pulley has a plastic inner and rubber outer. Thanks.

[@advedo]

hello would you like to know if you have the supermatic elna motor belt? Enviar feedback

[@ggtaruc2578]

Thanks. I have this situation too. Where's a good source of the friction wheel?

[@InStitches]

Hi. I have them in stock and they are relatively cheap to ship. My email address is in the video description if you'd like pricing. Thanks.

[@melissagravley6120]

Is the center column of the pulley metal? I have one that is very rusted on and I cant get the pin out

[@DenisSolaro]

It seems that those substitute pulley aren't as flexible as the original ones. There is a hard housing at the center that's more brittle. Removing and replacing the pulley turned out to be a challenge as I didn't have the clearance on top to do it, I followed your procedure but on mine the motor must be too high. As a result when I put the replacement part (26€) it cracked on one side close to the pin hole and had to reinforce it with some loctite. It will hold for some time and I'll replace it eventually. The pin is 3/4 of the way in but I don't want to crack the other side too. Now, I'm pretty disheartened because I broke a tiny part that cost me as much as the entire machine. I should have gone for the complete motor disassembly and not the brute force method. Have you had reports of the same thing happening with others?

[@InStitches]

I have found the modern replacements to be a little brittle as well. You may need to remove the motor to fit the pulley if it won't fit over the shaft. Check out my video on this kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6axhoKloLGYjqc

[@wandabeatty5876]

Hi, love your videos. I think the pulley with a flat spot is exactly what's going on with my Elna Supermatic and I'd like to replace the pulley, but my flywheel is different (I have the cream/brown two tone Elna, from the 1950's). On mine, the inner wheel that you removed by loosening off the set screw, is black and has a scalloped edge (for better grip I guess) and no set screw. Only one centre hole which seems to have a split washer around it. I wish I could attach a picture but you probably know the machine I mean. Can you tell me how to get at the pulley on my model? I don't see an obvious way to remove the black scalloped wheel but there's got to be a way. Thanks so much! Wanda

[@InStitches]

Hi, you need a special pair of pliers designed to remove circlips. Thanks.

[@gonzaga3c]

Pick one up over the weekend at the car boot sale here in the U.K. for £5😀...not sure what mark is it but it’s the one that uses a half round clip to hold the clutch instead of the screw. Got similar problem after l had a quick test to it when l get home...flat spot on one of the side of pulley.....quick search for a replacement was a bit disappointing as l haven’t found anything...perhaps l didn’t look enough😊...So decide to sand the pulley down using sand paper to even the flat spot and was also desperate to see it running😀. Once l manage to even the pulley round l put everything back together and wow it works.....So end up cleaning everything up and put some new oil/grease on most of the moving parts. Does the metal motor belt requires to be clean also or grease? Sadly it only did come with one pattern cam that was already on the machine😔...the original sale/guarantee was dated 1960. Will try and find some Cams for it and also a new pulley.

[@InStitches]

There's no need to lubricate the belt with the metal lugs on it. I can supply the pulley and maybe a used belt.

[@gonzaga3c]

Where you base by any chance...Aus?

[@InStitches]

@@gonzaga3c New Zealand

[@gonzaga3c]

My bad....still can’t get the accent between the two😊....will try and source locally first and if nothing l’ll get back to you seeing as the postage will be high l would guess to UK.

[@InStitches]

@@gonzaga3c Yes I know the accent's are subtle. I guess it's kind of like the difference between Canadian and USA accents.

[@adammekki-lp1pz]

لقد تحصلت على واحده طبق الاصل عليها وانا سعيده جدا بها

[@AdelineJane]

Hi! The coupling knob has become seized up on the fly wheel. Can I use a silicon spray or WD40 to loosen this up?

[@InStitches]

Hi. You could try WD40.

[@lilyverschnaetti8558]

What if the little thingy, which has to come out, stucks?

[@AdelineJane]

Love your videos. I just picked up this machine, it came with a newer rubber pulley. I took the hand wheel off and when I put it back on the feed dogs are kinda “snappy” when I turn it by hand. Should this be?

[@InStitches]

Hi, it's difficult to say without looking at the machine but maybe the feed mechanism needs cleaning and lubricating, or it may just need a service. Thanks.

[@AdelineJane]

It looks pretty clean and according to the seller was recently serviced. Does it matter what side of the washer is facing out?

[@AdelineJane]

No clicking when the stitch regulator is on 1. Clicking starts when the stitch length is increased

[@InStitches]

@@AdelineJane Sounds like the feed dog or its mechanism is hitting somewhere. Sounds like it could do with a service. Thanks.

[@jeannegow2144]

My motor area has fine wisps of smoke coming out when I test, but it doesn't smell electrical...any chance of you showing us how to oil the belt, to take the pressure off the motor, if that's the reason? I am planning to clean and lubricate in all the red dot areas and see the difference...this machine hasn't been used in decades so Abit of hardened oil burning off would account for the smoke, or unlubricated metal parts rubbing together...🤔??

[@InStitches]

It could be the capacitors failing. The belt does not need oiling.

[@jeannegow2144]

Oh thank you very much! I've just seen this reply! My nephew works on motors, and took it out just last week, cleaned all the carbon off and soldered some "meat" onto the bones of the speed fins...the machine is running now but there are issues....the bobbin winder is not turning, the bobbin thread is not being taken up by the needle, and also feel that the stitch width (0-4) lever is moving way too easily..... trying to go through all your tutorials again to see if I can find some solutions...I think you are a wonderful teacher...was able to pull out the motor myself with no prior experience and send it to my nephew to check.....thanks very much...this machine was gifted to me and has such a colourful history!

[@diatonicdoug6525]

They shoulda used a grub screw for the pulley instead of that roll pin

[@cristianmeza4234]

Hola. Por favor necesito ese repuesto y agujas para la máquina ELNA supermatic estoy en Colombia, dónde puedo encontrarlos.

[@InStitches]

Maybe your local sewing machine supplier or you could try online - ebay - aliexpress?

[@tricogustrico]

Is not leaving it in the bobbing winding position enough to take the pressure off the pully?

[@InStitches]

No, the motor is spring loaded to the bottom rear of the hand wheel. The bobbin winder is driven by the handwheel at the top, therefore the handwheel is always driven regardless of bobbin winder position.

[@tricogustrico]

@@InStitches Interesting as my mothers Elna made on 2 Jan 1954 has always been stored in the bobbing winding mode and the pulley is in perfect shape and looks like new. Perhaps we are just lucky. It has been used weekly since new and is still going.

[@tomobedlam297]

@@tricogustrico If it is still being used regularly that would help prevent the friction pulley developing flat spots I would imagine. I have four of these early Supermatics. The three with flat spots are in wonderful cosmetic condition suggesting they have spent most of their life in storage. The fourth one has obviously been owned by an ardent sewer. There's more bare metal than paint on its working surfaces but it purrs as contently as a coddled old cat.

[@eilefjohangard217]

Where can I find a new pulley? Am in Norway.

[@InStitches]

Thanks, I have received your email and will reply soon.

[@advedo]

Where can I get this piece? since here in Brazil I can not and the belt also. grateful for the attention....

[@InStitches]

I can supply a new pulley and maybe a used belt. I'm not sure how much the postage to Brazil would be but if you're interested, let me know.

[@advedo]

@@InStitches Thank you for your attention, I'm interested, yes, can you see how much to send?

[@advedo]

@@InStitches you have instagram or whatsapp or email so we can communicate and see what it would be like to send the belt and the other part I do not know the name of, thank you.

[@InStitches]

You can contact me via email. Go to www.institches.co.nz and click the contact us menu. Thanks.

[@yanedcordovaramirez6699]

Mi maquina se a roto la polea pero no encuentro repuesto y tampoco se las medidas que son como para mandar a fabricar esa polea es esta misma maquina elna por favor ayúdenme con las medidas soy de perú gracias

[@elyaraujo375]

Where can I buy this piece? Can you point me to a website? I live in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Can you help me?

[@InStitches]

You could try ebay.

[@MINUX75]

even ebay doesn't work

[@cristianmeza4234]

Tiene el # de Referencia del repuesto.

[@lionelbeaumont3492]

Bonsoir pourriez vous me renseigner ou je pourrais acheter cette pièce...je suis de Belgique... Merci beaucoup

[@lionelbeaumont3492]

Pourriez vous me dire où acheter la poulie... merci

[@glockstitch]

I could buy 2 of these for 100 bucks. I think they both work. Both have cases. Think I should? I sew daily.

[@InStitches]

I would totally rate this model as a good daily use machine. You'd want to check if the pulley is noisy first before shelling out the money although the pulley can be changed as you can see in the video.

[@stevebachnick5810]

The Elna Machines that have no motor belt. When the motor pulley is damage or slipping. This part can be expensive or not available. Check out this Elna motor pulley repair at kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6GxnpiJj5uSfqc

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I have the pulley parts in stock generally and they are relatively inexpensive. Contact me via email, my web address is in the description.

[@MINUX75]

Pratiquement toutes les machines ont une transmission de l'énergie entre le moteur et la machine par courroie, cette ELNA SUPERMATIC possède une transmission par galet (Pulley). Gros inconvénient du procédé, quand on laisse la machine plusieurs années sans y toucher, il se forme un méplat sur le galet. CA continue de marcher mais avec un bruit d'enfer. Il faut donc changer ce galet sauf que cette pièce est très difficile à trouver, il y avait EBAY mais il semble que cela ne marche plus. Faudra t'il jeter nos ELNA SUPERMATIC à la poubelle à cause d'un manque de pièces détachés ? Il semble qu'il y ait un site qui vende ce genre de pièce www.sewingpartsonline.com/pulley-elna-722077.aspx

[@InStitches]

That part is the correct one.

[@adammekki-lp1pz]

عندي اله وهي تعمل ولمن اراد ان يشتريها انا من الجزاير

[@user-lr2zk4uj7l]

عندو حدا أزاي أخياط عليها بي رجلي

[@josehernandezjimenez4973]

Hola buenas tardes tengo una máquina de esas y no he podido utilizarla más precisamente tiene esa pieza dañada por favor como podré obtenerla auxilio soy de Venezuela