Elna Lotus Coupling Switch Explained and Explored

You may have noticed the switch on the end of your elna lotus and wondered what it does exactly.
I explain the three modes of this switch and explore its inner workings.
Models covered include the elna ec, zz, sp, tsp, electronic versions and more.
The switch has a storage/transport, sewing and bobbin winding position.
In storage/transport mode the hand wheel is locked into position for safe transportation and storage. The motor pulley is set so that it's disengaged from both the drive pulley and the bobbin winder pulley in this mode. The storage is an important one because if the machine is left in sewing mode the motor pulley will be pressing against the drive pulley and if stored for an extended time, a flat could form on the motor pulley. The flat will cause a rumbling sound when running the machine at high speed.
Sewing mode is just that, used when sewing. The motor pulley is positioned so that it drives the drive pulley (the rear of the hand wheel).
Bobbin winding mode positions the motor pulley so it makes contact with the bobbin winder drive pulley, therefore driving the bobbin winder.
Incorrect positioning of this switch can be the reason the bobbin winder does not appear to work. The bobbin winder will not operate in sewing mode.
I also show a simple test of the bobbin winder to make sure it's not seized.
Find my website here - www.institches.co.nz
Help support the channel for as little as $1/month - www.patreon.com/sewingmachines

[@mjremy2605]

Wonderful video. Now I understand my Elna Lotus SP so much better. The Pozi drive screws was a good bit of technical info, have to get a set of these screwdriver bits. Thanks so much!

[@colin101981]

I've just bought this machine, so thank you very much for the explanations and demonstrations. I'm looking forward to using it. Greetings from North Wales UK.

[@juanitabonita717]

I got one of these today and I need to service it. Motor has a noise. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Will subscribe !

[@InStitches]

Glad I could help

[@denissegomez8898]

Hi, I have the lotus sp35, and the hand wheel doesn’t work, It doesn’t move, it’s stuck or something. What can I do to fix it ? Thanks for your video

[@delphineriou2714]

Hello, Please where can i find the automatic gear ? Thanks for your vidéo Delphine

[@suzanneduke3552]

Please can you help ! I am pretty sure I watched a video on how to remove a lotus tension assembly and I can’t find it now.

[@mamiesews123]

I really want one of these. Mostly they are selling from UK. I live in USA. Would it be hard to take out motor and replace with 110 volt motor?

[@gingernut9189]

thank you for your video. I have rescued Elna Lotus c25 from a local op shop from very abandoned and neglected state, after cleaning and oiling the whole machine inside out I found out my side dial for sewing, bobbin and disengaged motor mode is flipped 180°. so I will make myself a masking tape sticker on the side to remember. other thing for the sewing setting the motor is very noisy, like a raving motorbike, I am hoping it might get quieter with use. any suggestions?? thanks

[@InStitches]

Hi. Sounds like the motor drive pulley may have a flat spot on it and needs replacing. Thanks.

[@gingernut9189]

thank you very much for helpful info

[@ianwoods9961]

I have an Elna Lotus TSP that we bought back in 1978. It has been used sporadically over the years. Recently I noticed that it would not operate at full speed. After finding your excellent clip, I removed the drive cover and inspected the components. The rubber friction wheel and the driven wheel appear to be OK. The tensioning spring is on the lowest setting and the top adjusting screw is at the lower position in the slot (shown at 16:01 in the clip). I have cleaned the resistor contacts in the foot pedal and checked the resistance ant each step and this looks OK. Any ideas as to what my next move should be? Thanks in anticipation.

[@InStitches]

Hard to say but if you can try another known good foot controller or short the foot controller, that may give you an idea as to where the problem lies. Thanks.

[@ianwoods9961]

@@InStitches Hello, Thanks for your advice. I will try your advice on shorting the foot controller.

[@6___________99_____________64]

Polish the commutator ring with tine sandpaper. That should restore the speed to original.

[@luvick848]

This exact machine is the one I acquired recently, but after pulling out a load of tangled thread around the bobbin housing and dogteeth, the machine won't move, it just rocks back and forth along with the bobbin housing, I've checked it is in "sew" mode, but something else is amiss, are you able to suggest anything please ?

[@hopthebags]

Hello Lorraine, have you managed to sort out the problem you had with the bobbin housing? I have had my Elna Lotus SP since the late 60s and when I first acquired it as a teenager I was lucky enough to have been given a training course on how to fix issues like that by the family friend who was the Elna agent that provided my machine. On the outside of the bobbin holder there are two little screws, one on the left and a corresponding one on the right (not the slightly larger one which has some red colouring and numbers). I think if you loosen each of these screws carefully, taking care not to let them drop into the body of the machine, you will be able to lift out the complete bobbin holder and you may find a build up of fluff and bits of thread underneath which you can clean out with the brush. Do make a note of exactly the correct position the holder is in before you start taking the screws out as it's vital to put it back into the original position after you've done the cleaning process. Look at the little prongy protruding bit on the left side to note where this sits. i would recommend taking a photo of how everything looks before taking anything apart. Once it's had a clean and been put back I would also suggest giving the mechanism a little oil and on my machine the relevant parts for the oil are coloured red. I hope this is of help to you because you really will enjoy using your Elna for a long time to come if you can get it up and running.

[@mojobartle817]

Can u do a video on how to actually thread the cotton and the starting process please. I was given one of these and have no idea what I'm doing. It didn't come with a manual either.

[@InStitches]

The machine in this video is very similar and it shows threading. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZq6dZ5rf7l7pKM

[@robertst-louis7164]

I just picked up a nice Lotus. It seems to work well and has not been used much or abused. I'd like to have a peek at the motor assembly etc, but upon removing the four corner screws, and the large one in the center of the pulley wheel, I cannot get the whole panel to pull back as in your video. Something seems to be holding the pulley firmly in place. I do this with the selector wheel under the pulley at the "O" position, as you show. But even with gentle prying with a plastic tool, there is no way that panel comes out. Any suggestions as to what might be preventing this?

[@robertst-louis7164]

Shaft was stuck on the pulley. Applied penetrating oil from the outside, then tapped on the back of the pulley from inside (with top cover off) with a wood dowel, and it came free. All good.

[@6___________99_____________64]

I also got stuck on the same issue with my machine. Tapped on the back of the flywheel with a screwdriver and it loosened up.

[@svenkurowski7587]

Hi! My partner has this exact model of Elna Lotus and she accidentilly had it on the wrong level of volts 115V it should have been in 220V. After 5min the machine shut down and doesn't turn on again. Do you have a posible solution? Any idea where the problem or short curcuit resides?? Thank you!

[@InStitches]

Not sure that will repairable without taking measurements with a multimeter.

[@1953childstar]

The internal fuse was blown...

[@gailpengelly8581]

Ahhh..I wish I was in New Zealand...you’re videos are AMAZING, I’ve just found you. I’ve had my Elna carina su electronic since I was 17...I’m now 50! She’s (I know! It’s a she🙄) JUST decided to stop working. I’m going to “try” and fix her. She’s in a new workshop that’s pretty cold..do you think that would affect the working? Btw... MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and Molly. Xx

[@InStitches]

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too. Maybe try taking the machine into a warm environment and let it warm up and try it.

[@gailpengelly8581]

@@InStitches amazing...THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to answer! I definitely will bring her in the warm...when I’ve put her back together! There was a loose spring when I undid the disengage wheel that’s surrounded by the fly wheel! If I take a video/picture and upload it on my channel (I’ve never posted a video before so it “may” go wrong) do you think you’d be able to advise where it goes please? I hope that it’s not cheeky for me to ask!! Kindest regards Gail xx

[@gailpengelly8581]

Hey there again, a bit of a technophobe! I’m not sure how(if at all) to add video or picture on here...so I added them...posted them on my channel! They’re of the bobbin clutch/disengage button! When I loosened the screws, unfortunately the whole button popped out as a result of a spring that I now can’t rehome!! Any advice please? ...as I said the pictures/videos are on my channel..I know it’s a lot to ask...ANY advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Xx

[@mamiesews123]

Also I have never used a voltage step down converter. Seems scary to me..do you think it safe?

[@InStitches]

Yes, they are safe to use. Maybe you could get the step down transformer checked out before you use it. Thanks.

[@clotildereis5651]

Hello l would like to know has manual Elna lotus zz 25 ?

[@mojobartle817]

I do. Just got given one but have no idea how to use it. Was hoping there would be a how to video on Here.

[@wasewingspecialist2949]

I'm a little confused, I thought you would have the bobbin icon lined up with the dot?

[@hopthebags]

Yes, I agree. On the Elna training course I had in the late 60s when I got my first Elna Lotus it was explained to me that the 3 symbols on the dial were '0' for off as a protection against treading on the foot pedal inadvertently, _ _ _ the stitch symbol for when you want to start sewing, and the spool/bobbin symbol for when you want to fill up a bobbin with thread. I would have thought that if you are running the motor mid-way between two symbols this might actually be causing damage to the motor. Swiss engineering has always been top of its class and I don't believe those precision loving people would have designed their machines, particularly in the 60s, to work at a mid-way point with no symbol. It should be possible to find this information in the original instruction manual which can be found on sites like Pinterest.

[@scotth5132]

You are correct that when winding a bobbin the bobbin icon should be lined up with the dot. That said, from 14:57 to 17:17 in the video, In Stitches is showing how to check the adjustment of the bobbin winder, that is, the position of the black rubber motor pulley relative to the white plastic bobbin winding cage. Briefly, if the bobbin winder post engages too early (before the 0 on the dial is turned clockwise to 10:30) or engages too late (after the 0 on the dial is turned past 12:00), then it needs to be adjusted. The two adjustment screws are shown at 15:57. The Lotus is my favorite sewing machine to work on.

[@yennycastillo7719]

Como bobinar hilo

[@catalinaqoyllur8621]

Por favor en Español no entiendo Inglés

[@user-fh7ri6sx1p]

Здраска у меня точно такая машинка работает отлично но не шьёт что сделат я из Узбекистана Самарканд если ты из Шведции у меня блызкие там напиши адрес спасибо