Elna SU-62C Star Series Hook Pinion Replacement

This video will take you through the process of replacing a stripped-out pinion gear on an Elna Star Series machine. The procedure should be the same for the SP and TSP models as well as the SU or Supermatic. The gear I used is available on Amazon Prime. amzn.to/2BCFX4o

[@christinenoel6288]

I am so grateful for this video. I hadn't used my Elna SU for many years, having progressed to a computerised Bernina sewing and embroidering machine, but wanted to use it recently, as I have a ruffler attachment for it. Long story short - I lent the machine to someone, some years ago who said she hadn't used it but, when I tried to, I discovered the bobbin section was so tightly filled and wound up with thread, it took me ages to carefully snip and remove it all. I don't mind when people make mistakes or even break things, but please, own up and don't lie - I was obviously always going to discover it anyway! This video gave me the confidence to change the gear, which was so shredded, it literally fell apart as I took the pin out, and set the timing (after several attempts at that!) and I have just sewed a hem. The bobbin tension is perfect - the top not so much, but I will play with that. I had been told by several sewing machine engineers, that it would be impossible to get this machine going again, but I ignored them and tried anyway. I currently live in the UK, and did find a man who lives hundreds of miles away in Cornwall, who helped me as well, particularly today as I struggled to get the hook seated correctly and connected to the gear. His company sells brand new parts of many mechanical machines, including mine, and I bought the new gear from him as well as new plate screws as I mangled them getting them out. Thank you so much Scott.

[@Elnamech]

Very glad this video helped you get your machine back up and running, Christine!

[@r.duroucher225]

It is extraordinarily generous of you to have done this video and shared it as you have done. Thank you. This has saved my machine.

[@Marcellus74]

Thank you so much, I just fixed my 1966 - 62C Supermatic following your video from start to finish. 👍 The original black gear has suddenly gone into a thousand of shards. I'm amazed that we are still able to find parts. This machine is a fantastic piece of equipment for its time. So thank you again, cheers from France 😉

[@Elnamech]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Delighted the video was helpful!

[@RandyLysohir]

Thank you so much for this video. My wife's Elna 21C (circa 1969/1970) stopped working and I partially disassembled the lower part of the machine before getting stuck at how to remove the rotary hook assembly. I then found your video and it was definitely a lifesaver as I had no idea how to punch out the pin holding the gear, and the crucial information on the position of the gear and re-assembly were invaluable. I sourced the gear locally, but the part number linked to Amazon (#403030) was also the correct one for the 21C. Thanks to you, my wife's machine is running like new again. Thanks for taking the time and effort to produce this video.

[@ChrisCooks69]

Awesome video just what I needed to get my machine up and running again!

[@Elnamech]

Glad it helped, Chris!

[@chrismcnamara137]

Just replaced one myself using your excellent descriptions and demonstration of how it should be done. Thank so much!!

[@createshare5750]

I can't thank you enough for this! Repair shops wanted to charge 150.00 for a tune-up! After hours of trying to figure this out thinking it was a tension problem because of all the skipped stitches and broken thread she is up and running strong. My timing was off. My little 1975 Lotus is sewing absolutely amazing again!

[@Lenoresvideos]

I also want to thank you so much for this video. i have now successfully replaced the hook pinion that shattered shortly after I bought my new to me ElnaSuper. It took me three tries to get the hook perfectly aligned with the needle, but it sews better than before and I learned a ton!

[@billcampbell955]

Awesome video! Thanks to your instructions, I was able to fix our Elna Automatic * after the pinion gear disintegrated. I saved $ and enjoyed an interesting project. Despite trying to replicate the original gear position using your technique, I ended up needing to retime the machine a little bit. I found it actually isn't that hard to do. Other people have youtube videos on the subject if anyone needs to do this. Something I'd like to point out in case it helps others is that you need to check that the feed dogs are synced properly with the stitching cycle. I couldn't figure out why my tension and stitch length were all messed up until I finally realized that my machine was advancing the fabric while the needle was down. Turns out there's another pinion on the drive shaft that you may need to adjust to ensure the feed dogs are cycling downwards while the needle is in the fabric. Once I did that, everything came out great. Thanks again!

[@wbwylie]

My experience exactly! I should have read your comment before I started!

[@tomobedlam297]

This has been my mission yesterday, today and tomorrow. I've changed out the gear and have it sewing but I've goofed up on the needle timing somewhere. Straight stitches are strutting the academy award carpet but the zig-zag is loudly protesting the event! Watch this space...

[@Elnamech]

Hi Tom. The essence of timing the machine is to ensure that with the needle in the exact center and at the very bottom of the stroke, the hook point is at 4 o'clock. Then when the needle has risen exactly 2.45mm on the upstroke, the hook point will be exactly behind the needle. Elna mechanics used a tool, H11039 / 100630 that is 2.45mm thick to set this. They brought the needle to the bottom of the stroke, inserted the tool around the needlebar right where it comes out of the snout of the machine, and then screwed on a clamp pinning the tool in position. Once the clamp was on you could pull the tool out and be sure the needle had gone up 2.45mm when the clamp stopped the upward travel. The tools are hard to find, though. I use the plunge gauge on my set of calipers. I stick the plunger down the needlebar gallery til it hits the bottom, zero out the meter, and then use the caliper readout to get my 2.45mm upward travel value. It isn't as easy as just having the tool but it does work fine. I have timed many machines using this method. Good luck!

[@kofulion]

Thank you so much! Just fixed the very very same gear last night at the same spot, but a different Elna model. I lost the manual and can't tell which model I own. The big white plate isn't a separate piece in my version, so I had to open it from the bottom to get to it

[@sidhepro]

Thank you for the video. I have both an Elna SU and a Lotus TSP, the poor TSPs gear shattered, and I'm in the process of ordering a replacement. Your video, though not for the TSP, gives me a good idea of what I should be looking at when I dismantle the wee beastie. Thank you for the tip of marking the shaft for the pin orientation on the gear. That's the kind of awesome tidbit that makes or breaks the experience of working on our own machines.

[@Elnamech]

Thanks! I hope it helps with the Lotus. Never worked on one of those though I hope to someday.

[@Berquin]

Thank you so much to take the time sharing your knowledge and having created this video. with your help, I managed to repair a similar machine (Elna Supermatic star) and hopefully, it will be up and running for the next 50 years to celebrate the century of this excellent machine. You are awesome. Thanks again.

[@Elnamech]

Very pleased that my video helped you, Alain. Congratulations on your repair!

[@annroland6987]

Scott, thank you so much. I ordered a $10 service manual pdf only to find that many of the pages were not scanned to show all of the details. I was really stuck where it mentioned being careful to lining up the gear correctly. All of the details about how to line it back up were cut off! Your instructions are great. Now I will be able to put it back together when I get the new part. I'm thrilled.

[@Elnamech]

So glad it helped! Thank you for your kind words.

[@jeong1026]

Oh my god! You’re a hero! My mom’s Elna Stella was not working so (even though I had no knowledge) I unscrewed everything and touch the gear and of course when It was put together machine wasn’t rotating properly. 4 o’clock was the key!!! Thank you Thank you!!!!!

[@leonroode]

Thank you for going to the effort of putting together such a detailed video. Everything is well explained. P.s. I used automatic Centerpunch to start removal of the roll pin worked like a charm.

[@carmenskelton]

Money shot 25:20. Aligning the hook and needle for stitch. I was way off on the other side of the needle. Thank you

[@pamrogers2173]

Thank you very much for sharing your expertise!

[@Elnamech]

You’re welcome, hope it helps!

[@rubendario3768]

Excellent video

[@wbwylie]

Great tutorial! HOWEVER, when your hook gear breaks into pieces and the timing is totally lost, you have to ALSO time the feed dog with the needle. If you don't, the material doesn't feed and the thread tangles and breaks constantly. I spent two two frustrating days till I figured this out.

[@deweydodo6691]

Thanks man. My disaster happened yesterday, and I have a gear on order. Still not sure what caused it.

[@carolynfisher6342]

Scott, This video Lois great and I think I could do this if I had the 62C. I have the 64C flatbed model and I just can not see how I will get to this piece. I can see it, but I cannot find any information on how to remove the bottom plate to get access. I can take the bobbin assembly out in this same way. It looks like I could do this from below too if I could just get the bottom plate off the machine.

[@pietpennekamp7618]

Perfecte uitleg.

[@Elnamech]

Thank you, I hope the video was useful.

[@Gwegwi]

Thank youuu !

[@GM-jp4mv]

Scott, thanks for an excellent video. One question, after I did this my reverse stitch will not function- the forward is all perfect. Reverse side bar also works. But any reverse stitch on the stitch lenght control pulls my threads around the bobbin. Could I have it on wrong?

[@Elnamech]

The timing and the feed system are only related in that they get their power through the same shaft. My first task fixing your machine would be to ensure that the feed mechanism is working smoothly and not binding. The feed system is controlled via a thin metal blade running from the underside of the machine through the free arm over to the feed linkage. Ensure it is not binding. It can bind due to stuck bushings in the vertical shaft that controls forward reverse or it can be a sticky components in the feed linkage or spring. If all of that is smooth, then check your feed dog timing. To do this, crank your machine to the point that the takeup arm is as high as it will go. Hold it at the highest point with your thumb. From that point, the feed dogs should travel 1mm forward to reach max forward travel. If they are not your feed timing is off.

[@GM-jp4mv]

@@Elnamech I found your comments on FB about feed timing, and they really helped. Thanks Scott! I see you also have AE SU 68. I kinda love mine, but she gives me grief!!

[@modgranny]

Scott great video! I have an Elna darker green Supermatic (older version of this machine) Model 722010. Everything is working except the fabric doesn't move forward. It looks like the feed dogs do go up and down, but don't propel the stitched fabric forward. Is this part (hook pinion replacement) probably responsible for this problem? I notice at the end your machine is working perfectly! Great discussion and timing tips on this video! I feel confident I may be able to repair my Elna. Thank you!

[@Elnamech]

Hello, Donna. I have not worked on the older Supermatic machines so I cannot give you a specific answer, but if that were happening to a Star series machine like the one I am working on in this video, I would be checking the forward/reverse/stitch length control on your machine. Elnas do not have a feed dog retraction mechanism. The feed dogs always should go up and down on a properly functioning machine. What you want to look for is are the feed dogs moving front to back (or back to front when the machine is in reverse) Check your forward/reverse stitch length mechanism and all the linkages they connect to on the machine. The first machine I worked on, a pink top SP, had a frozen linkage down in the free arm that would not allow the forward/reverse arm to move. I had to disassemble/clean/lubricate several items in that mechanical system to get it to work. Anyway, start with your forward/reverse lever (wherever it is on your machine - as I said I have never worked on one myself) and make sure that everything is moving properly and that your feed dogs are actually moving at the right time (when the needle is OUT of the fabric and on the upstroke) Best of luck to you!

[@modgranny]

@@Elnamech This is wonderful help! The only part we haven't look at is located underneath the bobbin casing. It is hard to believe the machine isn't functioning, we can't seem to find a 'broken' part. I haven't tested reverse, so I'm going to give that a try first. We appreciate your help so much, thank you. If I find any solutions, I'll let you know.

[@eneidamendoza-df8ed]

Dondebpuedo vomprarvedrabpieza la necesito para mi maquina helna

[@FoOtTaPpEr2011]

Hi Scott, I have the TSP Model any chance you could do a video on setting the timing up just in case you need to adjust it after replacing the new gearing. Cheers

[@Elnamech]

Hi, Marc! I do not have any videos ready to post, best I can do is describe the factory method (requires an Elna tool & needlebar clamp) or how I do it using a set of Mitutoyo calipers.The factory method involves pulling the needlebar to the very bottom of the stroke. Then you insert a precisely 2.45mm thick gauge at the point where the needlebar comes out of the head of the machine. With the gauge in place, you put a clamp on the needlebar snug against the gauge and tighten it. Then you remove the gauge. The clamp is on there to tell you that the needlebar has moved up 2.45mm. On a properly-timed machine, when you gently turn the handcrank and the clamp stops the upward travel, the hook should be directly behind the needle when it is in the center position. If the hook point has gone past the needle then your timing is late. If it has not reached the needle then you are early. You adjust this by loosening 2 setscrews on the bottom timing cog and turning it forward or back on the bottom shaft. BE SURE to bias the shaft tightly to the right while you are adjusting or it will want to scootch to the left and disengage the feed dog drive. I will put the caliper version in another comment.

[@ushasingh2122]

Hi thank you for the information I have an Elna supermatic 62C bought in 19 71 I have being using the zigzag stitch but then changed to straight stitch few moments. later I tried to do a zigzag/over lock stitch it would not give the zigzag stitch i did try to change disc or do a button hole...but its still just giving straight stitch only. Please advise...USHA from South Africa

[@Elnamech]

Is the cam platter turning when you run the machine? Lift the cam access door and watch it as you sew. If it is not turning, or turns briefly and stops/stalls then the problem is caused by a tooth (or more than one tooth) broken off of the cam drive. The cam mechanism (Elnagraph is its technical name) must turn or your will get neither zigzag or any other of the complex stitches.

[@vanessagolborn37]

My SU was a rescue and the gear is shattered. Nothing left of it except shards . I have a replacement gear. The pin is still in place. Is it just just a 50/50 chance of getting it in the right place.

[@Elnamech]

I asked this question when I talked to Ray White on the phone about the gear for the first machine I did. He did not know of any way to determine independently of actually seeing how the old one was set up. BUT, if you notice on my video I turned the machine to top dead center and then turned the machine backwards just a smidge to get the pin pointing up. I marked the shaft as being lined up with the tooth. So why not just do it that way and see how your machine looks in relation to mine? Go to needle top dead center, then turn the machine backwards until the pin points straight up, mark the shaft and put the gear on with the tooth, not the gap, lining up with the pin. Anyway, that is what I would do, I think. And don't fret too much. When you are done with the gear replacement you can always reset the timing of the machine if it turns out you got it wrong. But it is at least a 50% of getting it right. Good luck!

[@jjewitt3]

Great Video. We have the exact same machine, but it won't turn at all. I am wondering if there is a broken hook pinion as in your video. I have oiled everywhere I can see. Before I start in on the hook pinion, any ideas you might have on why it is frozen and won't turn? Thanks for your time!

[@Elnamech]

Remove both the top and freearm covers. Open the bobbin door and snap out the throatplate. You can turn the handwheel a smidge due to belt flex. Watch both the hook and the needlebar. Are they both completely stuck? Oil them. Work slowly. A hairdryer to heat things might help. All else fails you can use a big screwdriver levering on one of the metal cogs of the belt to force it but the weak links are those plastic gears and they will probably break. They should be replaced anyway, but try the gentle heat and oiling first.

[@jjewitt3]

@@Elnamech Thanks so much for your help! I will try all of this and see how it goes

[@edwinmiranda8174]

I will call ur video ""when ur common sense say not; You have to have Faith""". I have Elna TSP and gear pinion was broken and I replaced by watching videos in KZbin and the hook and needle didn't work together as it should be so I tried and failed so this happened 4 years ago. So I had to sewing so I saw videos of elna and ur video was exactly what happened to me 4 years ago but what I didn't know was that I had to put in the right way the pinion so the hook and needle work together called "timing" so now it works. I appreciate your dedication and I think U didn't give us a lecture rather a better understanding how the timing works. People like U make a better world solving problems that people think I can do that too

[@rociobach4642]

Hello, I bought an Elna supermatic and I've realized that the motor belt is not aligned. It works, but because it isn't centered it makes clicking sounds. Do you know how to fix this?

[@r.duroucher225]

Quick question Scott, how exactly did you center the separating plate? You showed a socket from a ratchet set, is there a specific socket you would recommend using as a guide?

[@Elnamech]

I just used one that fit and eyeballed around it for even clearance. The outer diameter of the socket will vary depending on who made it so find one that just fits in the hole and sight around it.

[@r.duroucher225]

@@Elnamech Thanks Scott! That's very helpful.

[@r.duroucher225]

I find I have another question Scott, and I hope you can assist. I'm working on a Cl 33 which is a flat bed machine and I cannot get the black separating plate out of the machine. On the free arm the bed of the machine unscrews as you show in your video, but that's not the case with the flat bed. Do I need to remove the bottom of the machine or is there a trick that I can't figure out to get the separating plate out?

[@Elnamech]

@@r.duroucher225 I am afraid that I have never seen, in person, any of the platen models. All of my machines are freearms. Wish I could help further.

[@r.duroucher225]

@@Elnamech Thanks for your response Scott. I guess these platen machines must be less common than the free-arm. I believe I’ve got it figured out. There is a space between the bottom of the platen and the bottom frame. That space runs right round the machine and the gears are exposed. One can access the pinion from there without having to take the black separator plate out. One can remove and install the pinion from the rear of the machine through the gap. From what I can tell, the rest of your method applies. I have a pinion on order and will know once I try it out.

[@dukeanddauphindonald8849]

Hi! Fantastic video! The needle position dial on my 62 is so stiff it only moves a little bit and the moves don't actually move the needle position. Is there a fix for this? Thank you for any help you can give.

[@Elnamech]

Sorry for the delay in reply but for some reason YT would not let me see or reply to this comment other than the email notification. The seized needle position dial is a very common failure on the Star Series machines. A half century of service will do that to you, I guess. I recommend you join the Vintage Elna Sewing Machine Group on Facebook. This problem has been covered by many posts. Most of the people lean the machine to the side and drip oil onto the dial and underneath it. Some denatured alcohol might help to loosen the gunk. Alcohol, oil, heat from a blow dryer, repeat over a few days. This has worked for many people. I have not done it, myself. I take the top shaft out, remove and disassemble the Elnagraph and thoroughly clean and lube the dial. I have to do it anyway as I replace the cam gear on any machine I take in.

[@dukeanddauphindonald8849]

@@Elnamech Scott, you are a doll! Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to give me such a detailed and helpful response. I wish you lived near me. I would take my machines, the Elna and a bunch of Pfaffs, right over to you for professional repair and tuning. Your videos are wonderful! And thank you for turning me on to the Vintage Elna Sewing Machine Group on Facebook. I will definitely go there! Thank you! Monica

[@mjch293]

How do you know when the gear needs to be replaced.

[@Elnamech]

The hook stops turning, or turns partially then stalls when the machine is cranked.

[@lindamoeai572]

Why are replacements for crushed gears made of nylon rather than hardened steel?? Seems like it will strip out much sooner and easier in future??

[@Elnamech]

The original gears were plastic. They used plastic to reduce noise from the hook and cam drive areas and also to provide an emergency strain relief in the event something got jammed or bound up under power. The plastic would fracture before serious damage occurred in the drive system. The problem is those plastic gears were made from materials from half a century ago! They age and get brittle. When that happens sometimes even a minor stress snaps teeth off the old gears. The modern nylon gears provide the noise reduction we want and the stress relief for system binding but won’t just shatter under normal operation. That’s it in a nutshell.

[@brucejeanninefry6910]

I have one of these, and my brushes need replacing....any videos or how-to on that??

[@Elnamech]

Sorry, have not had to do that.

[@beatricebenda8887]

what/where is the 'brushes'....and sx of problems? thank you

[@eneidamendoza-df8ed]

Soy de la isla de cuba

[@yahnazoe3618]

Elba sp

[@Elnamech]

The SP repair is identical to the SU.

[@designertjp-utube]

Hi! Great Elna Video and I'm still watchin' it. Just wanted to comment that around frames 15:34 you *instinctively* *knew* that was a *"pin"* instead of some small type allen head screw! I remember seeing a similar screw/pin thingy on a rare "tall shank" Japanese Dressmaker home machine similar to this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4qvqaeAr8qKfMkfeature=shared - (that appeared to stop its bobbin case from spinning around. I now believe that was actually a PIN such as yours. Remind me to get a bigger *magnifying* *glass* and carefully look at the head next time (think I spent 2 hours lookin' around for a small tiny allen wrench before I gave up and grabbed a beer)..

[@user-mc8hq4rv2k]

:-)❤❤😻

[@user-mc8hq4rv2k]

:-) :-)💗❤💗❤

[@mairemcgarvey1297]

Scott nt machaine ha give up the goast ad cant be fixed i am very good with mt hands as my Father was gifted as a black smith and farrior will it cost a lot

[@Elnamech]

Is your machine like this one? An Elna blue top or similar, a star series machine in other words? If so the gear I replace here generally costs 10-15 dollars from either eBay or Amazon. It is not an expensive repair parts-wise. I have heard from many people who have used this video to repair their machines when the hook gear fails, Maire.

[@mairemcgarvey1297]

@@Elnamech yes my Elna has a blue top it would be BRILLIANT if i got it repaired. THANKS A MILLION FOR YOUR INFORMATION