How to take apart a Singer 301 Motor

Vintage Singer 301 sewing machine motor disassembly, watch as I take apart this motor and as always, it is an adventure!
My Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/SewSewSheGoes

[@JebbAdams]

Thanks for this awesome video! When that tab gets pushed down with my thumb on the bottom bearing retainer clip, I put a small folded piece of tissue paper to prevent it from coming up. It works! So far I have only done them on 400/500's. Today I will do my first 301A motor. Have fun, stay safe.

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Hi Jebb! Thanks for the tip! And good luck with your motor, one of my favorite parts of restoring!

[@JebbAdams]

@@SewingMachineRehab Awesome!

[@davidlamb7632]

Thanks so much for this detailed breakdown & rebuild!

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Thank you! Glad you are following along!

[@davidlamb7632]

Great video. So very helpful!

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Thank you!

[@margsea1094]

Thank you for the great video! Please keep making them, you are inspiring!

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Thank you for your kind words, I love working on these machines!

[@LaurieKeren]

My 1956 301A doesn't have a grease wick. Thanks for the video!

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Interesting, did it have a grease port? I know they took them away when they started the 400 series...

[@jill552]

I used to play with machines. I hated the black that lasts for days especially if you’re super dry or have a layered nail. Ugh. Good video.

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Yes, it is a dirty job. Oh well, it’s just too fun to stop. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@cyndyatwildrose5551]

Hello, I am currently restoring a 301a. I do not have an insulator or a wedge. What do I do? Also I am pretty sure the bearings on the top of the motor needs to be replaced… I can’t get a good spin out of it and it feels almost like it is lumpy. Where can I get new ones?

[@SewingMachineRehab]

I would be less worried about the wedge than the insulator. I haven’t had to replace one yet but I guess if I had to, I would look on EBay? You could probably make one if you had the right material, I am going to have to look into that and get back to you. I purchase my upper bearings from a company called BDI. I will pull up the info from my last order and try to get you the part number later today, just a fair word of warning, taking that bearing out and replacing it is not easy. I’ve done it but I would first try to revive the grease in the existing bearing. You can do this by putting one drop of alcohol on the top of the bearing and spinning it to get the grease to break up a little. Then you can chase it with a drop of oil and usually that does the trick for me. Others may have a different opinion on that, it’s just what I try before replacing the bearing. I have a motor that is going to need that treatment on my bench right now, maybe I can film the a video on how I try to revive the bearing.