Balance Wheel Overhaul: Singer Models 201-2, 15-91, 1200

A clean, properly lubricated balance wheel is crucial to smooth operation of the potted motors on the Singer 201-2. 15-91, and 1200 sewing machines. What makes these different than a "standard" balance wheel is that they have a shock absorbing mechanism inside that makes the gear drive from the potted motor a possibility. We'll show you how to take it apart, service it, and get it back together again in proper adjustment.
My website: bobsvsmservice.com/
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[@billminckler6550]

Perfection. Just what I needed. Remarkable! 👏👏👏

[@lblundell55]

You are such an amazing, detailed teacher. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make them.❤

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@anne-mariesteinmetz370]

I read a blog about this procedure. Your instructions SO much better. Thank You.

[@GaryT1952]

My two 15-91's and 201-2 all have the snap ring retaining system. Nicely explained Bob, thank you

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I hadn't seen the snap ring system on a 15-91 yet, but I'm sure there are a lot of them out there.

[@babettesimanson2059]

Thank you for the helpful video! I was able to follow along with one of my machines, the other I am unable to get the ring off after removing the screws.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

This should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXi0hXiCd8uGoJY

[@TheGardenKitten]

Thank you. I have a 201 and will be peeking at the motor soon. Your videos are very helpful

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Good luck!

[@ronalddevine9587]

Someone I know who used to work for Singer says that they used nothing but pure vaseline as a grease. Your thoughts? BTW, when your hand gets in the way, you always make sure to show what you were doing. GREAT, HELPFUL VIDEOS.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Oh yeah, one of the CONSTANT discussions in the Facebook groups is grease!

[@TBizzell68]

Mine doesn’t snap, I guess I’ll do this as well. Thanks!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

It's an easy clean!

[@mikeypotts4732]

Thanks for the video! I have a 1200, didn't realize the differences in parts for the balance wheel. My balance wheel does have a slight wobble. The shaft seems to be straight. When I loosen the lock collar knob to disengage the balance wheel from the shaft it spins straight, but after tightening it has a slight wobble. I will say though that the outer part of the balance wheel that the locking washer sits in has metal missing. I'm thinking maybe it's not seating flush because of the missing metal. Like heavily scored. Have you ran into this before? Thanks again for all your videos!

[@lauralinett8129]

I have the same wobble with my 1200. My machine seems to have more vibration than other 201-2's I see on you tube. I would love to know his thoughts too.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Sorry for posting a second comment, any substitution for a feeler gauge?

[@PibbleMom297]

This is great info and I'm just in the process of cleaning the balance wheel assembly of my 201-2. I'm ready to reassemble but I don't have a set of steel gauges like yours. Do you have any suggestions for a substitute? I'll appreciate any help you can give. Thank you!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

As long as your parts are clean, use a sheet of note paper as your thickness gauge. As long as it slips in and our freely, you'll be fine.

[@PibbleMom297]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop THANK YOU!!!

[@jameswagner3685]

I have recently acquired a Singer 128 of the 1948 - 1950 variety. I am cleaning and oiling. Today I spent some time with the upper thread tension mechanism. I could only get it taken down as far as the core plug that appears to be pressed into the block. My 66 has a set screw that retains this core plug but I could not find a set screw in the 128. Is this core plug a press fit in the 128 or am I overlooking something? Is this not removed and cleaned in place? I enjoy your videos. I am a newbie and have learned quite a bit from watching your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

It should be threaded into the body. Put your adjusting nut back on, but just covering the end of the stud, then insert a small screwdriver and turn it counter clockwise to remove it.

[@debhaugen7543]

Good Morning Bob, I picked up a 15-91 to rehab. After I remove the three screws from the balance wheel ring I cannot get it off! It looks like it has a burr. Penetrating oil okay there? Definitely not .003 gap. Do I need to sand or file that burr to get it off?