How to Inspect, Replace the Connecting Rod Oil Pad Felt on Singer 15-91

[@UniversalEngineer]

Brilliant! So helpful. Thank you! Do you have any idea on the purpose of the top opening with the *circular, small chrome trim* that is between this port and the hand wheel? Do you know if a wick is involved in this small opening? Using a needle, I hypothesize that a wick might be involved. Your thoughts?

[@andytubesewing1953]

**EDIT** Bill, I was thinking of your comment about the needle, and revisited the parts drawings and found THERE IS an oil wick there! 😲 Not only that, but a spring and the chrome ring is the top of a "cap", I think to hold the spring. This setup reminds me of the motor on the Singer 221 featherweight and you can see the Cap @39:36 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4nJiqKHi5mIiNE So here is the part number & name of these parts: #125331 - Arm Oil Pad (felt) for oiling Arm Shaft Back Bearing. #125333 - Arm Oil Pad Spring. #125334 - Arm Oil Pad Spring Cap. Now here is a copy of my original reply to this comment: **Original Reply** That opening is an oil port for the bushing of the horizontal arm shaft. There is no wick that I know of. You can download a free copy of the original Instruction Manual for this model from the Singer Support page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=15-91 You may find it interesting. Thanks for asking, and for watching my channel.

[@UniversalEngineer]

FASCINATING! Andy comments, “So, of course, we WANT to take it out.” LOL. Driven by our curious nature, I shall continue to ponder! LOL. I recently had success by using a small drill bit to penetrate a hardened wick- twisting the bit by fingers only of course. Thank you for your investigation!!!

[@crowznest438]

I really like your series on the 15-91, for the details that others don't cover. Learning a lot.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Glad you like them! It's really a fascinating machine adn so well engineered and made. I don't sew at all but it was sure interesting to work on. Thanks for the nice comment.

[@angelatamborra2976]

I restored a 15.91 just recently. I took it apart, cleaned all the parts, rewired the motor and the connection wires and reassembled it, EXCEPT for what you are showing us now lol. Thank you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Who knew, right? I've never seen an oil pad there before on other models. I believe there is also one on the Singer Model 201 machines. This was the 3rd oil wick/pad I found on the machine. The 4th will be in my next video. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@mammondee]

I have just recently found you. What a giving person to share your vast knowledge. We are all lucky to have you here. I have a Singer 99K-13 (no reverse). It was my husband's grandmother's machine. It sews like a dream. It makes the most perfect straight stitch of many machines (old and new) I have had over the years. I came across a 404 in a cabinet last weekend. A friend gave it to me, but knew nothing about it. It is in good shape, but after watching your entire series on the 404 (both of them) I still can't correct the problem I am having. The hook picks up the thread, and the thread slips between the hook and the bobbin case instead of over the bobbin case. This happens at about10:00, long before the hook would drop off the thread. It happens often, but not every (double) rotation. I have changed the bobbin and cleaned everything. The bobbin case says"172082 Simanco U.S.A.", so I believe it to be the original case. This happens while sewing fabric, but also with no fabric, the face plate open and the needle plate removed so I could see exactly what was happening. Can you guide me in any direction?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Things I check when I encounter this: Model 404 came from the factory with plastic class 66 bobbins, part 172336 This is where I buy mine, but there are many sellers (and different qualities too!) www.ebay.com/itm/373043155241?epid=664504770&hash=item56db1ad129:g:naUAAOxy06RRHtxB I have found some class 66 metal bobbins are taller than the plastic and can catch the needle thread, pulling it under. Also, I have found people using a class 15 bobbin, no no no, that will always catch the thread. Class 15 bobbins are flat-sided, not curved like class 66, and they are for sure taller. I have found the STROKE of the takeup spring to be set incorrectly and not releasing the tension on the needle thread when it should, causing the thread to resist being pulled by the hook and slipping under off. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKUlXSLfdaZrMk I have found the takeup lever was installed with the set screw NOT on or not completely on the flat spot of the stud. That messes up the timing of the takeup lever to the hook and can be pulling the thread up on the lever while the hook is still transporting it around to the drop-off spot. That's all I can think of at this time. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel and keeping your machine in service.

[@mariemurrell3828]

@@andytubesewing1953 You are truly a jewel. I changed to the plastic bobbin (because that was the easiest) and she sews like a dream. I was not going to try to completely restore her until I knew the problem was something I could solve. Now, with your great You Tubes and expansive knowledge, I feel confident enough to give it a go. Please know how much I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and time to share with the rest of us. I worry it will not be long until almost nobody will know how to work on these GREAT vintage machines. Thank you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@mariemurrell3828 Hey! Thanks so much. 😊 Model 404 is my favorite heavy-duty straight stitch sewing machine. I guess that is why I did so many videos for it. Yes, when I started my hobby of restoring SInger machines I realized info is hard to come by and already we've lost so much knowledge. I was fortunate to befriend a couple of retired Singer repairmen who were coming to AZ for the winters to escape cold Canadian weather. They shared so much with me and I'm very grateful for that. I think they both had forgotten more than I'll ever learn about the machines, but they sure helped me with a lot of info. I decided to make my channel in the hopes of helping people who wanted to keep their machine running, or were given a family machine and to kind of "show off" how great the old machines are. I got your donation and thank you very much for that. 🙏I used it this evening to help buy new motor brushes for this 15-91 I'm working on. Take care of yourself, and happy sewing.

[@sewterie]

I have this machine and I love it. I never knew it had a wick in there. I just looked and added oil. Thank you for this Andy. Glad to see you again. Stay well.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks very much, Terie. Glad your felt was in place. One more felt to go, haha, later in the series. Take care.

[@ashlisisk]

I didn't realize you were back I am so happy :D

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you very much! 🙏 I am happy too.

[@GaryT1952]

Brilliant Andy...I'll be checking my two 15-91's tomorrow to see the state of the felt oilers...who knew? Thanks to Andy, now we know!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Very kind comment, Gary. Thank you 🙏

[@cynrich1]

I so wish I'd seen this video when it first came out! My mind is blown! I have five 15-91s that I've just finished (or thought I did) restoring, and now I find there is another part to look at and fix up! Andy Tube videos are the BEST! My restoration work can only get better with this fabulous information!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Five of these are impressive! Congratulations. I made a Playlist of videos for model 15-91 and covered most of the parts but was too sick to finish with the motor. It's an incredible machine that's for sure. Here is the playlist in case you missed the other oil wicks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqvUZaesbdahb5Y Your comment is very kind and thanks for that. Thanks for saving those machines, and for watching my channel.

[@cynrich1]

@@andytubesewing1953 My first machine was a 201-2 and I've done a few of them, too, so I'm fairly experienced with the potted motor. I was never a mechanical sort of person, but with all your videos, and Bob Fowler and The Vintage Sewing Machine Garage, I've become more comfortable with working on them and find it the perfect hobby for my retirement!e. I do think the 15-91s are my favorites to restore! I hope your health is improving and you can continue helping us to save all these wonderful machines.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@cynrich1 We are all fortunate to have the expertise of Mr. Fowler and TVSMG on KZbin. We have our unique presentations and knowledge to share. I'm sure we all appreciate your continued viewership and suppoet.

[@daxxydog5777]

This video will be very useful to anyone who is trying to restore one of these beauties!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I hope so! Thank you for commenting. My Model 15-91 playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJftyGwzdDiWa9R6HFEACJo

[@Sewist12]

This is a great series, Andy. I have two 15-91 machines that are waiting for some attention. Your detailed videos shall be really helpful. Thanks!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Kristine. It's my first model 15 and I'm finding it to be an impressive model. I appreciate you watching my channel. Take care.

[@mygrommi]

This is a great video, Andy. I will be checking the felt in my two 15-91 machines after learning of this from you. Your videos are the best and I look forward to the next ones. Thanks much.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for the nice comment. I just started working on one more oil wick. It's missing on my machine and it's kind of a weird place so it's giving me some trouble, but that will be next in the series. Thanks so much for following along. Take care.

[@maria2400]

Great video Andy.

[@andytubesewing1953]

🙏 😊

[@JebbAdams]

Awesome how to film! Thanks Andy !

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Jebb.

[@terrymcclean4582]

That was great. Something else for me to check. It sounded like a difficult process but as usual, your detailed video makes it all seem possible (not quite easy but doable)

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Terry. It's more doable than I made it look unless you decide to make a video too, haha. With the right tool you may be able to pluck the old wick out, if you want, and push a new one in from the top hole in the body and fingers from the side opening. Take care.

[@meganmills6545]

That was definitely something new for me, Andy. I'm guessing quite a few of these machines could have that felt missing too if the old 27/28/127/128 type machines are anything to by. But even if they have a wick in them I still put in a new one - it's one of the first things I do after getting that area clean. I'm sure the oil flows through them better than the old felts, regardless of how much you try to soften them. (I've had a couple that seem to have almost fossilised in the machine!) :-)

[@andytubesewing1953]

Always enjoy hearing there is something new to folks in a video, thank you. I agree about wick replacement. I've found it's easier to just replace the wick and I love knowing it will last my lifetime. I've found one more missing wick on the machine and it's giving me some problems but I work something out and do a future video. Take care, Megan.

[@quiltcavequilter6952]

I was gifted a 1948 15-91 and I absolutely love her. Now I know about this little secret. Guess I will have to check mine because I’m pretty sure this has never been done. Where can I find that 3/16th cord? And what is the cord made of?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Congratulations, Tiffanee. It's a very nice model. I put the info in the description below the video, but here is the link again: www.mcmaster.com/felt-cords/ I used the 85% wool but you can use the 95% wool cord also. The minimum length is 5 feet. www.mcmaster.com/felt-cords/ I don't know if you watched my presser bar and needle bar videos for this model. I mention that b/c those bars also have oil wicks and mine were missing. Here is the Playlist for the model 15-91 with all the videos I have done and I will be adding more. kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJftyGwzdDiWa9R6HFEACJo For example, I will soon be adding a video about the hidden oil wick inside the Oscillating Rock Shaft. You may want to see those other wick videos in case you will be ordering other sizes you can just pay one shipping fee. Thanks for watching my channel and take care.

[@connieworcester55]

Thanks Andytube,, nice video.. I always do oil that hole, but didn't know there was a felt pad/wick there 🙃. I'm not sure the oil even went where it was suppose to go when I oiled that hole.. After watching this video, I shined a light in the hole and turned the hand wheel, All the wicks are there on all three of my 15-91's. , and I think they are still absorbent, I watched the oil as the felt absorbed it. BUT, a couple of them look pretty yucky. so I ordered some felt per your link below.. LOL it's enough to last 10 lifetimes.. haha.. I ordered the 3/16", and the 1/8" thinking I can use it for the potted motor grease wicks..? That's quite the website. Thanks Andy..!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Yeah that's a pretty wild website for sure. It may work on the potted motors and the smaller one maybe on the little 221 featherweight motor and are three model 15-91s really enough?

[@connieworcester55]

@@andytubesewing1953 LOL.. yes three 15-91 are enough, I couldn't resist the 3rd one, for $30.00 > a 1939 it needed total rewire, but it was nice, and in a table, with a bench.!! .. ya know this vintage sewing machine thing is addicting. I also have TWO 201-2's.. and three 99's.. a 66 Red eye treadle, AND,,! because of your videos!! I now have added a "503A", and TWO "237" Fashion mates , I just brought the 2nd 237 home yesterday,, (in a table)..It was dirty, but all there, and the hand wheel turned. got to keep busy. It's a good hobby 🙂. I pour myself a coffee in the morning, take a couple sips, and look at the machine , poor thing, so dusty and dirty, set my coffee down, and start taking things apart, and cleaning etc. then a couple hours later, I look for my COLD cup of coffee, hahah... Thank you Andy. you'r the best..!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@connieworcester55 Yes, a good hobby, but you must live on another planet to find those machines at the price you do. When you talked about "driving" to get a machine the other day you really meant "flying your starship", right? Those are all great machines you have.

[@connieworcester55]

@@andytubesewing1953 LOL.. I have found a few good deals here in the N.E. Oh, and I named my 503A , "Astro" after the "Jetsons" big dog.. haha

[@connieworcester55]

@@andytubesewing1953 The lady who sold me the 15-91, in a cabinet, with bench, for $30. Probably first got an estimate for buying a new foot pedal, and rewiring the light, and the plug, and re-wiring/soldering new wires inside the motor, and said , it's not worth it.? So, that was a "rescue" for sure.. I enjoyed all the work.I think I'm going to take it apart again. When I put the worm gear back in on the armature shaft, I tightened the 2 set screws firmly with one set on the flat spot of the shaft. I heard a little snap noise, but it wasn't the screw, it was my small Chapman bit, it broke a tiny piece the size of a half of a pinhead, very tiny, but not good to have possibly stuck in the grease somewhere. I couldn't find the tiny piece.. uh.. Also Do you know of any replacement "springs" for the motor grease wicks? one of mine got a bit mangled pulling out. I guess if I knew the size I could check MaMaster Carr.? I tried other sewing machine parts sites, couldn't find any..

[@ronalddevine9587]

Great video, Andy. Does the 201-2 have the same felt pad?

[@andytubesewing1953]

YES

[@gdaougr]

Can we use a cigarette filter for an oil pad felt instead of felt cord? I can't find felt cords here in Greece and cigarette filters are common and cheaper.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I would not use cigarette filters. Most are made from Cellulose Acetate. The tiny fibers are thinner than sewing thread and I'd be concerned with degradation and fibers getting into moving parts along with the oil. Instead, I would use yarn, assuming Greece has yarn or cotton string. The wool yarn would be best, and I know there are makers of wool yarn in Greece. A thicker yarn, or 2 or 3 thin lengths braided together. Wool is more absorbent than polyester, but even a length of polyester yarn would help and be OK and hold up well. You want something to hold the oil instead of just running right out of the part from movement. I've had emails from people that used slices of old cotton t-shirts rolled into a tiny ball and stuffed into the hole. Forget the cig filter. Thanks for asking a good question, and for watching my channel.

[@gdaougr]

@@andytubesewing1953 thank you again

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@gdaougr Certainly.