How to Clean + Oil a Sears Kenmore 158 Series Sewing Machine - General Maintenance & Feed Dog Issue

[@karenkavanagh9372]

Thats my machine , my mom & dad bought me this machinr and it came with sewing classes . I had sewing lessons with my Mom at Sears. The sewing lessons were every Saturday morning upstairs at Sears. That was the best sewing class ever, taught how to use the machine and all the stitches.. we had samples and teacher wrote what to do beside the stitching sample.. i still have this bag and refer to these samples from time to time.. . My machine sews almost every day and sews so perfectly..

[@teep34me]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help us all! My mom gifted me a Kenmore 158 and I love using it! This info will help keep it in shape for a long time. Such a solid machine.

[@tomhath8413]

Went through an old but solid Kenmore with the help of this video. Still had a problem with the belt slipping; it turned out the speed reduction pulley that's above the motor had seized onto the shaft it's supposed to turn on. Simple repair once we found where the problem was - you need to remove the cover on that end of the machine to access the pulley.

[@saraaronzon4562]

I’m a newbie so I appreciate this very much. Thank you for helping me to not be afraid of the mechanical parts of my sewing machine.

[@dejapex1]

Thanks for sacrificing the time to produce this video. It is very helpful and clear.

[@donnapollock8330]

Thank you for this video. My machine was making a noise & I just kept oiling until I found the right gear! Couldn’t have done it without you and saved a lot of money too!

[@letter2steve]

Thanks so much. I was given a seized 158 10692. I'm hoping your helpful video will bring it to life for my daughter. These machines were built to last. I really appreciate you helping the community keep them alive.

[@TheMintedMaiden]

So glad I found your channel! I just began the process of refurbishing a vintage 158 that belonged to my grandmother. Unfortunately it’s in pretty bad shape but I’m hoping some TLC will bring it back to life!!

[@greenmacaroni8872]

I’m fixing to work on a 158 that I found in the storage room. This is so helpful for that and maintaining my working sewing machines. Thank you. Julie 🥰

[@TheMintedMaiden]

Two of my knobs won’t even turn. My needle bar moves up and down independently when I move it with my fingers. But nothing moves when I crank the hand dial. 😔 I’m trying to fix it myself but I might need to take it to a professional. Update! I followed the instructions in a comment you replied to another viewer. I waited some time and applied heat and OH MY GOSH!!! My machine moves!! You don’t know what this means to me. This machine is all I have left of my grandmother. I had to order a new power cord so I haven’t plugged it in but just seeing it all move is amazing!! Thank you for this channel and for replying to the other comments here!!

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

I'm glad I could help out, cheers!

[@mjremy2605]

Very useful video, many thanks. I finally acquired a nice 158.19410 machine with low shank and it is very dry. Good to know where the oiling points are. Here are some tips from my previous cleanings: If your machine has seized up, and its mostly metal, use a heat gun (or open it up and leave in hot sun a couple of hours), spray carburetor cleaner on metal parts avoiding painted, plastic, and rubber parts. Wipe off, repeat. Then use penetrating oil (low viscosity) on all parts such as Liquid Wrench or a 50:50 mix of Auto Transmission Fluid and Acetone. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove gummy oil residue. Let it soak in and wiggle the parts till loose. This goes in fast and deeper than regular oil. You can also use alcohol to scrub and clean out machine or Mineral Spirits. Once machine is cleaned out and moving well, wipe off all that stuff, and lubricate with Triflow Silicone lube on shafts, and pack Silicone (synthetic) grease on gears. The grease will cling to gears unlike the liquid lube. Silicone does not break down into gummy residue, neither does sewing machine oil. Do not use WD40 as a lubricant, only as a penetrating oil (cleaner oil) Do not use 3-in-1 machine oil, or mineral oil or any other oil. This is what becomes gummy resin and seizes up the machines.

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Your methods seem slightly over-zealous, but as long as you clean those penetrating oils off properly and replace it with sewing machine oil, you're good to go. When it comes to grease, less is better. If you put too much, the gears will squeeze it out and it will fling onto other parts when the machine is running fast. Grease lightly and repeat every few years.

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Thank you!! I recently picked up a sears kenmore 158 and the table it goes in. Beautiful set but I need to make sure it is cleaned and oiled before I get started. Thank you for taking time to do this video. I appreciate you.

[@joanneleblanc615]

Thank you! I just acquired a 158 and found your video helpful!

[@Kuessemir]

Perfect, thank so much! I have the exact machine and table (newly acquired) and haven't looked at a machine in almost 30 years.

[@ignacio1943]

Thank you!!! I just bought a Kenmore machine 158.17570 and it hasn't been used in years. I also don't know how to use it but it looks like it needs cleaning and oiling. I'll do it after seeing your video.

[@judithfields5051]

Where can I find this machine?

[@lclark3529]

Thank you so much for this! Extremely helpful and your details made everything so clear. Very much appreciated!

[@lisac1405]

So soothing and healing

[@brookecollier368]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!!

[@preacherman9018]

Hello sir, I appreciate your thorough demonstration. It is very helpful. 👍. I have a helpful tip on vide in tight places. I found that an adjustable low cost head lamp that straps around the forehead leaves the hand free while cutting out shadows. It makes details shine and work easier. Now I have a question about a similar 158. series Kenmore that my parents gave me. It's like new but hasn't been used in over twenty years. The problem occurred after adding a couple drops of light sewing machine oil to the bearing /shaft contact of the pullies. I found that gravity and centrifugal force made it migrate to the belt. It took an hour to clean it off thoroughly. Is there a technique that will allow my needle oiler to keep it in the bearing races and not drip to the side of the pulley? I know how to remove the handwheel and oil it from the right side. It's the left side and in-between the two pulleys that are the issue.

[@mamaoksana7055]

Thank you very much for the detailed information and video!

[@analidagonzalez9228]

Hola para que sirve la palanquita que tiene a la derecha donde están los botones para seleccionar las puntadas??

[@sheilalarkin2232]

This was really an eye opener. Thank you.

[@CyndiLH]

Is there a way to degrease / degunk an old machine that has been sitting for years? Is there a solvent that you would use?

[@anam.aria.]

Great tips! Will definitely apply on my vintage machine 😬

[@sallygreen8967]

Thank you so much your information was very helpful.

[@Aliac9000]

The machine in your video is mounted on a sewing desk just like ours. You showed us how to oil the underside of the machine. But how do you get there? In other words how did you detach the machine from the table ? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

This machine is a flatbed machine, so all I do is lift up the machine to expose the underside. Some free-arm kenmores have bottom covers which can be removed with a few screws

[@ooohlaa13]

I just got a 158.18800 machine and it does not have a tension knob??? Would all else still apply? Thanx so much it sews just great and it seems the cams work ok and it sounds great.

[@valbrenneman9071]

I'm late in finding this but my goal is to go over my Mom's Kenmore from the early 70s. The stich pattern is stuck in zig zag. A spring close to the cams broke. Husband fixed once but it broke again. I hope to take it someplace soon. We live in an area where there are several repair places.

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

Any idea why when all the settings are set for straight stitch, there is still a small amount of side to side needle action.

[@judithwise4997]

I inherited a kenmore 158.901 model. Does not look like this one. It needs a thorough cleaning. I also have a singer 401A that I completely took apart and soaked all the metal parts to get the gooey old grease off and reassembled it using new oil! Can I do this with this model? It’s extremely heavy and made of all metal! This one is heavier than my singer 401a is. I love my 401a!

[@marcelodelgado7738]

Soy mecánico experto en máquinas domésticas en especial kenmtes brother y singer ,soy amante de las buenas marcas de máquinas de costura y páramo la KENMORE es la mejor máquina casera del mundo muy por encima de la SINGER Que desde hace tiempo no saca calidad ha quedado puro el renombre

[@marcelodelgado7738]

La 401 trajo un problema una vez que se use por mucho tiempo el portabobina de acero se desgasta y crea problema en el bordado de lazo en la lanzadera

[@khinekhine613]

What kind of fabric is lint free, Toby, is that like rayban sunglass cleaning cloth?

[@latitude1904]

I'm having troubles getting Reverse to work on my 158.17851. It looks different than the one you're showing here (in feed-dog section of repair at 10:50+). If I turn the wheel backwards, the feed dogs go in a circular pattern which is perfect for reverse. But when I push the button down, the feed dogs only go up and down (not the circular pattern needed to pull fabric toward you). So, I end up not being able to use cams or sew in reverse. I located the necessary gears, put penetrating oil on al moving parts (except those nearest feed dog from underneath as that bottom access door seems unable to open) to no avail. When I operate it manually by turning the knob, or moving the internal parts everything works fine. It's just that the Reverse lever is not engaging the system so feed dogs go in reverse circular pattern. I can't afford to send it in at $150 - and everything else is all clean, oiled and working perfectly - Any ideas?

[@katherinebarich3192]

I have the same problem on my 158.10301. It only goes up and down in reverse. I suspect the issue is something gunked up by the reverse lever. I took the wheel and size off, and used some Tri-flow in the area of the spring. The lever engaged *better* but the feed dogs still are just moving up and down - not fully engaged in reverse. I am about to give up - I've been messing with this for a few years now.

[@latitude1904]

@@katherinebarich3192 Very frustrating! I've used penetrating oil all over mine and it's clean as a whistle. Been 2 months for me. This sewing machine has a metal plate over the lower left half (where the needle bed, etc. are), and so I can't see well what I'm working with. it's not as simple as those with no left plate underneath. Plus, mine has one plastic gear - and so, I'm about done with mine, too. With that gear and the configuration, even if I get it working this time (seems unlikely) any future repairs would also be a bear. Luckily, it was free to me. I was hoping to fix + donate, but no. I don't even want to donate to a thrift store as it would take someone with a lot of expertise to get it working. I'm thinking metal scrap yard. Gosh, I hate to give up, but I'm STUCK :/

[@judithfields5051]

I want to purchase this exact machine attached to it's cabinet.

[@robindantzler7633]

I just got one and it has been sitting for about 15 or more years. The turn wheel will not turn. I cleaned it and oiled it just like you did. So how can I fix this.

[@elleohai]

BInGo! just what I was looking for, thank you ♥

[@suganthipathmarajah9186]

Thank you very much

[@joeg3741]

I have one of these. A curb find. Sews well, but only in reverse. Reverse switch seems stuck. Any insights?

[@jojosewist8921]

Oil or penetrating oil on top area if machine us where lever moves. Search YT there are other oiling videos for Kenmore 158 series.

[@Lovedayasipha]

This is my exact type of sears. Please can you help me I need the plate for it mine is broken and I can't find one to buy in my country

[@ultimateweapon7275]

My Bernina Bernette is an ice machine but it seems impossible to remove the case to get access to the actual machine inside. This seems like a built-in scam and I would like to find a sewing machine that is fully accessible, any suggestions

[@Trailerpark_pretty]

I tried to use the zigzag stitch and the arm won’t engage... any tips?

[@dweisner9749]

I have this same machine, it sews straight, but the zigzag and other stitches don't work even when I turn the stitch width to # 4

[@brismith3317]

Do you know any about the 158.13470 model I’m trying to figure out how to thread it

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Hi Brianna, I don't have a video on your particular model, but I do for a very similar one which threads almost identically. Have a look, I hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laSZhoesdrSkfLc

[@brismith3317]

thank you 😊

[@robinlevy5132]

@@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949 I just inherited my mom's 158.903. She hasn't used it in years. It was the machine I learned to sew on. I was using it and it was working fine. I went to change thread color and everything seemed jammed. The wheel won't turn and I can't find anything that it looks like it's causing the jam. Do you have any ideas on what might be causing this jam?

[@shelleykraus2893]

CN you please show or tell me how to get the hand crank off a 15817033 sewing machine thank you

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

By handcrank I'm assuming you mean the handwheel. To remove, start by loosening and removing the small screw that is on the clutch knob. Then, loosen the clutch knob completely and remove it. There will be a small metal washer, take it off. At this point the handwheel will be ready to slide off, but the tension of the motor belt will likely prevent this. You may have to loosen the belt tension first but adjusting the motor position underneath. I hope this helps

[@abrahamjordangurupira523]

Mine i think i use it without oil its not moving pliz help

[@khinekhine613]

What should i do, when the side bobbin winding knob can't engage and is stuck?

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Basically you would look at the bobbin winder, find the joint that is stuck, clean it of any debris, and oil it. If you're not comfortable doing that, best to find a professional.

[@sallygreen8967]

Where are you located and how can I purchase a reverse gauge.

[@charliemizer9711]

How to oil Kenmore model 385.16221300 and footer won't move

[@MultiPacoi]

My machine will not move at all....should I oil everywhere you describe before I try to run it...it powers on but it has been sitting for many years

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Hi Patti, I would recommend oiling it liberally (3 drops or so) at every moving point. The area that usually causes machines to freeze up is in the needlebar area. After oiling, let it sit for a few hours (or overnight) before trying to move it with the handwheel. You can also apply heat with a hairdryer which will help. It may take a few days of repeating the process but it should break free eventually. Before doing any of this, make sure there isnt any thread caught in the machine. Often times I find that thread caught in the hook race can jam up the whole machine. I hope this helps

[@MultiPacoi]

Wanted to let you know I got my 50 year old machine working after not using it for 40 yrs...I followed your hat you said...finally got my oil today and oiled the areas as stated in my original manual....manually moved the needle up and down a couple of times and then it released and I was able to run the machine with foot pedal...I need to replace bulb...and I'm unsure what bulb to order...it doesn't indicate in the manual...can you suggest what bulb I would order...I normally order from Amazon since there are no sewing centers near where I live....thank you so much...by the way I'm 73 and pretty proud I brought my machine back to life....with your instructuon....forever grateful....

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

@@MultiPacoi I'm glad you got it working! Enjoy your lovely machine

[@abeloliveira6250]

Do you have this sewing machine bobbin case and metal bobbin to sell me at a lower price? My mom is really looking for that but here in Brazil we can’t find it. It would be such a present for mother’s day

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Hi Abel, this machine takes a very standard 15 class bobbin case. Both the bobbin case and bobbins are sold everywhere, it doesn't have to be a vintage Kenmore bobbin case, any type 15 bobbin should work just fine. I can sell you a case and bobbins if you like, but it might be faster and less shipping cost (I'm in Canada) to get one from a local sewing centre or online.

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Something like this: www.amazon.ca/Kalevel-Bobbins-Machine-Babylock-Husqvarna/dp/B071FQSZ9H/ref=pd_lpo_201_img_1/133-9425515-9107520?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071FQSZ9H&pd_rd_r=92b64a84-e9c8-484a-bc04-94c00e4f510b&pd_rd_w=tgIad&pd_rd_wg=z2ln0&pf_rd_p=e3a1248d-31f8-4a3e-8bd9-de32736d5db8&pf_rd_r=945KGXYGMQC1JV51ZBKS&refRID=945KGXYGMQC1JV51ZBKS&th=1

[@shelleykraus2893]

Do have a diagram? Idk where the clutch is

[@theresacatron825]

The clutch is the inner knob on the handwheel.

[@oscarp4328]

You had me a Virgo hahah

[@belindakinmon1395]

it would be cleaner if you took off the throat plate, cleaned under that and remove the entire bobbin race mechanism to clean behind that!

[@ceciliaholcombe818]

I'm sorry...yes you did!

[@blancaescobar2592]

Deseo comprar las bandas...🤔🤔😒

[@Lovedayasipha]

Who has this for sale? I need it

[@ceciliaholcombe818]

you didn't show how you take the top off...oh dear!

[@Lovedayasipha]

Who has this for sale

[@Jamie-k7e7e]

What about the gear box with 4 screws? I have been cleaning and oiling my machine for years and never thought to open that box up. Do yourself a favor and open it up and remove all of the disgusting old. Grease and grease it with tri flow white grease!