Elna Lotus Hook Pinion Gear Replacement

If your elna lotus is not picking up the bobbin thread then the hook pinion gear may be broken.
Check the basic troubleshooting procedures first by checking out my previous video - • Sewing Machine Not Pic...
Models covered - elna lotus ec, sp, zz, tsp, electronic and more.
The hook pinion gear is responsible for driving the hook which picks up the thread from the needle. The needle thread picks up the bobbin thread as it passes around the bobbin case.
If the hook pinion gear has failed in any way then the bobbin thread may not get picked up. This is because the hook may stall, which throws out the timing, or the hook may fail to turn at all.
A simple test will confirm if the gear needs replacing or not.
The gears are still available as a third part manufactured part and I can supply them if you need one.
www.institches.co.nz
Help support the channel for as little as $1/month - www.patreon.com/sewingmachines

[@paulabarnett2663]

A really fantastic video. I was able to change the gear and re-set the timing which was a bit tricky but got there in the end. I realise too that it was me who destroyed the gear by pushing through some tough material with the wrong needle. I would not have realised that was why without your help. I sourced a gear from Auckland Sewing and I am up and running again. Really appreciate your making this video too. I have now subscribed!!!

[@adaleoneal]

You are am excellent teacher. You have kept me sewing and repairing my own machines. I am very grateful for you sharing your knowledge and skills. Bkessings from Texas, USA

[@bekesize]

Thank you so much for posting this video with very clear pictures! As the saying goes, “a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing! I was gifted an elna lotus tsp that was jamming. Having had luck in the past with simply cleaning and oiling kenmores restoring them to life, I found directions for unscrewing the bobbin case……. Trusting that patience and allowing the bits to ‘fit’ into place, it has been a month of not being able to get the case back in properly! Yours is the only video that reveals just how the fingers of the case fit between the 3 stoppers under the needle. I screen shot the view of the bobbin mechanism without the teeth blocking and was able to have my machine running smoothly 5 minutes later! Thank you! A video suggestion if you’d like, is outtakes of your video shots of the Elna bobbin case. KZbin is encouraging ’shorts’, 15-30 second videos. Two other ‘shorts’ I see in this video are ‘Loading Elna Lotus Bobbin’ and ‘Threading Elna Lotus’. Laughing, I’m on a roll now, remembering all of things I was unfamiliar with the new to me Elna. Two more, “Removing and Installing Elna Lotus Bobbin Cover” “Removing and Installing Feeddog Plate”. I truly appreciate your work! Thank you!

[@isabelbergqvist3897]

Thank You!!! Your instructions made my aunts sewing machine come to live again …after almost 45 years in the attic. I’m thrilled by having managed the repair all by my self with your excellent help.

[@InStitches]

I'm glad the video was of help and you got your awesome little machine up and running again. Thanks.

[@leben54]

Where do I get parts for the Lotus in case I need it?

[@dcee2899]

Replaced the broken pinion without any issues following your video. I made the spacer tool from some hard plastic which worked a treat, and the machine is running like new. Another one saved. Thanks.

[@felicitycleave8604]

Thankyou for such a clear helpful video. I had my Elna lotus sp as a wedding present from my parents in 1972. It has been well used and never let me down. The timing was out slightly, only noticeable on zigzag, after it got jammed with cotton, and has been put aside as I have a couple of other vintage machines. Your information has it working like a dream now, I think it's the smoothest machine I have. The only downside is that it has no reverse. My other machines are in order of purchase Viking prisma 940, Bernina Activia, Singer 6105, New home/ Janome 677.

[@Oldsirhippy]

Thank you! Excellent video which was great to help me repair my Elna Lotus SP machine. I found a clamp and 'spacer' tool on Thingiverse which helped to get the 2.45mm needle setting. The machine now does adjustable straight stitches, but not zigzags! At this time I have no idea why it misses half the stitch. Great videos!! I look forward to seeing more videos on the Lotus. Thank you very much for all the time and effort in making these excellent videos.

[@renaudjungmann]

thank you so much for sharing this ! my grand ma gave me this little sewing machine. i had to change the pinion that was totally broken ! your video is a great help to dismount the pinion and also to tune the timing of the machine ! with your help my machine is now working again ! i'm so happy !

[@InStitches]

Glad I could help!

[@terryharvey8841]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. I could not work out, why the needle was not picking up the bobbin thread. I will now order a hook pinion gear. My daughter's machine is in exactly the same condition, bits of broken gear all over my dining room table. I just love working on the Elna Lotus ZZ. The mechanics of this little machine, is just a work of art. Can't wait to get the little beggar up and running again. Thank you.

[@InStitches]

Glad it helped!

[@XtrovertedHermit]

feels like im going through my apprenticeship again... cheers for the recap.

[@suewilliams-jones763]

What a masterclass!! I'll be having a go at this myself at the weekend. And I really enjoyed your comments on the quality of the workmanship on these machines: I inherited mine from my grandmother over 30 years ago, and it is the best of my collection of sewing machines. Thank you again for your expertise. Sue

[@InStitches]

Thanks.

[@francisgaffney9327]

Thanks for the very clear video, I have managed to save a 40 year old much used Elna tx by resetting the timing. 👍

[@_ellly_]

Thank you for making great videos that are right to the point!

[@garethonthetube]

Great video. I managed to get my late mother's Lotus TSP working again after the gear got damaged. .

[@hddefy]

The was extra ordinary helpful. Thank you very much!

[@ruthkerry4841]

Thank you for posting this, I have managed to sort out my machine after it jammed up. I think the timing may have slipped at the time. It took a few goes but seems to be working just fine. I so appreciate your help.

[@mariaandolfi1858]

Mi di i x piacere come si ferma il punto, grazie

[@basiaconvery3857]

Do u have a video on why it will not make a stitch- thanks to this video i ck’d the gear and it is good- bobbin thread pulls up no problem- just won’t sew🙁

[@syedsayeedurrahmanzaini4221]

Thanks for uploading this video.

[@ramborock3136]

thank you so much. My Elna is working :)

[@BilkhisAlli]

Thank you for the sharing your expertise .

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rogerwhittaker3185]

Thank you, I think you might have sold my problem at last

[@user-ei5xg5tz8m]

Thanks. I'm mainly concerned about lubrication, which must be crucial to the longevity of these machines, not to mention their smooth running. 3 years ago you planned to make a video on lubrication. If you did made it, what level of membership would make it accessible, or any other info/advice on this subject for that matter?

[@mahmoudelshafei6777]

Tack, underbar videon lycka till dig❤❤

[@flaviolombardo]

MUY bueno pude ponerla a punto espectacular GRACIAS many thanks wanderfull

[@InStitches]

Thanks.

[@longsheds]

Thank you so much , so clear and well thought through. Stupidly whilst trying to free a very sleepy machine I pulled the timing belt off the bottom spindle. I have eventually reset the machine by bringing the needle to bottom dead centre and lowering the feed dogs to their lowest position. Is there a rule that I should have followed? Regards Ray

[@budact4837]

impresionante !!!!

[@user-oi1cy9gu9l]

Thank you

[@user-oi1cy9gu9l]

I have one payed R600.00 for it hadn't be used for years.

[@miriamvelezfresneda]

Esa es mi maquina y la compre en una feria en lsudanbe Suiza hace como 40 años y la sigo usando

[@InStitches]

The quality is amazing. Thanks.

[@tinyhandmadedolls4529]

I’ve bought an Elna Lotus SP that looks like this one. I want to love it so much but it’s very loud and vibrates, and the bobbin winder part is broken. I sourced another used bobbin winder part. It seems a bit worn and the repair person doesn’t want to install it. Any chance you might do a video someday on replacing the bobbin winder part and maybe the motor drive wheel (could explain the loud noise?) Fingers crossed! thank you

[@aussielass5621]

Do you have a video changing hook pinion gear on the elna 62c?

[@dustycarter2729]

I have Lotus SP. The thread is caught under the bobbin area and is stuck solid nothing moves, what can I unscrew to get at the jam apart from the feed dogs. It happened whilst turning it by hand after threading so may not be any damage done. Thanks for sharing. Am I right in thinking bobbin unwinds ante clockwise?

[@EkiwwaNoel]

Hello , nice video , I got a stella elna stella, bought it from ebay. But the needle won't go down or up. I think is the hook. Can you upload a video how to change the hook for this machine? Thanks

[@johnf4279]

I've just bought a replacement Hook Pinion gear to replace the mangled black one. Trouble is the grub screws are not metric. A 2mm allen key is too small & a 2.5mm is too big. So I assume it is Imperial, but I can find no equivalent between 2 & 2.5mm. Apparently the pinion gear is made in Taiwan. I've replaced 2 before with no problem, but they had the 'normal' 2mm grub screw. Would you have any advice on this? How much would yours be with shipping to UK, for example? Buyers in UK on Ebay might want to be aware of this difference.

[@tomobedlam297]

Very helpful as always. Many thanks! I've just replaced the hook pinion gear on a friend's Elna Star series zig-zag (the grey top model). I followed all the steps diligently but when I tried it out it wouldn't zig-zag. I stripped it down again and started all over. Still no zig-zag. 3 days later and ready to chuck it in a blackberry bush I thought the only thing I haven't tried is turning the needle around with the flat side facing away from the needle bar. Voila!! I had the manual for it sitting right there the whole time showing the proper needle orientation. Never thought to consult it. Why would you? It must have been smirking to itself watching my travails those 3 frustrating days. Lesson learnt.... till next time! 😅

[@InStitches]

Hi, it's great to hear you managed to get it sorted. Thanks.

[@user-ei5xg5tz8m]

Thanks so much for your brilliant videos. Recently I've been working on my SU and 2 friends' TSPs and with your help have unstuck a needle position wheel and replaced a hook pinion. I'm just not clear about lubrication, especially viz a viz nylon/plastic cogs and cams etc. I'm clear about the oiling instruction in the manual but can't find anything more comprehensive. Why did the original pinions disintegrate? Was it too fragile a plastic? Did too much/too little grease or oil damage the plastic? Are the replacement pinions really nylon and can therefore run dry? And what about the other plastic parts? If you could shed any light on this, that would be absolutely fantastic. Greetings to you and Molly

[@InStitches]

I think the gears mainly fail because of age and high usage. Thanks.

[@sandramccallion3041]

Hi my machine seized with the needle down. I managed to get the needle out and the foot off. I've just taken the covers off today to see what might be causing it. The hook pinion gear has disintegrated. There was no thread stuck in the bobbin casing and the belt is ok. I'm wondering whether something else might be wrong because you put the needle down to the lowest point and marked the white cam. My needle is in a lower position but won't move up and down at all.

[@terryharvey8841]

Hi, I've bought a Elna 500 sewing machine but it doesn't work in reverse how can I fix it. Help !!!!

[@stephaniemckeon4602]

Thank you so much for this incredibly detailed and informative tutorial. It's my first go at this and I wouldn't have a hope in the world if I hadn't had found your video. I am stuck on one bit though... The hook pinion gear seems to be fused onto the shaft. I've undone the grub screws and everything, and sprayed it with WD-40, but it won't budge! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated:) Thanks again!

[@garethonthetube]

Try tapping it along with a screwdriver. I had the same problem but it went eventually.

[@gilcs3219]

@@garethonthetube There are little spring loaded things behind the cams.At 10 mins into the film you can see it-the rectangular white thing above and behind the circular cam. There is a similar one at the left-hand end too. These block the spindle from moving.

[@gilcs3219]

There are little spring loaded things behind the cams.At 10 mins into the film you can see it-the rectangular white thing above and behind the circular cam. There is a similar one at the left-hand end too. These block the spindle from moving.

[@grzegorz16100]

20:37 - where do I get this tool from?

[@djmips]

5:28 - good tip about the washer but you've already lost your washer on the other side! There should be washers on both ends of the side flaps.

[@InStitches]

Yes it was already missing. I'm keeping an eye out for a replacement.

[@maureenmeurs3540]

thank you for this video. Can you please show/explain me how to replace the light/lamp. just removing the screw is not enough, to reach the lamp. I hope you can help me.

[@InStitches]

Thanks. On the back of the machine, you'll see a small lever protruding from the area where the bulb is. Unplug the machine and push the lever down the slot in the back and that lowers the bulb carrier, making it easier to get to. Remove old bulb (I think it's a bayonet type) and install new bulb.

[@maureenmeurs3540]

@@InStitches thank you for your very quick response and explanation. I'll will try your instructions.

[@axelhollenberg1034]

Hi thanks for the super video. What is the exact name of the tool you use for the timing procedure? Try to find it on google but i think my keywords are not good. Are there any repair manuals out there for this maschine? I have the same Lotus SP here in Germany, with a broken bobbin winder. Only the small plastic part is broken, I will try to fix it with my onwn 3d Print. These a very good maschines, it is for my motorhome

[@InStitches]

Thanks. Maybe try sewing machine timing gauge or needle bar gauge. I had a quick look online and found these - www.sewingpartsonline.com/hook-timing-gauge-101360-20.aspx whitesewingcenter.com/timingtool.php It's effectively a small clamp that clamps on to the needle bar, with a thickness gauge. The thickness is determined by the model of your machine's needle bar rise. Some machines have marks on the needle bar so look at your needle bar first.

[@axelhollenberg1034]

@@InStitches thanks. That's exactly what i am looking for. Learning a lot looking at your Lotus Videos. Love this Swiss Maschines. Move on. Fixes my bobbin winder with a 3d Print and will Test it tomorrow.

[@TomekAC]

@@axelhollenberg1034 Hi, You can design and 3D Print the tools too (!). I will do it definitely (I'm waiting for my hook pinion to arrive). InStitches: Good timing wit the movie - much thanks - I just today found broken gear on my old /new/just bought machine.

[@InStitches]

@@axelhollenberg1034 Thanks. I'm please you're learning from my videos.

[@axelhollenberg1034]

@@TomekAC Good Idea. I will give thingiverse a try, who knows. Do you also repair a Lotus?

[@aelishreynders8201]

Where do i get a replacement hook pinion gear?

[@InStitches]

I have them in stock. You can contact me via my web site which is in the video description. Thanks.

[@tubephega]

What do you call the spacer and the clamp tool? I think they have a specific name in the sewing world? :)

[@InStitches]

We call them timing gauges.

[@nataliasoebagjo8201]

Hi! My Elna Lotus SP needs a new pinion gear but I don't know where to buy it! The upper thread won't pick up the lower thread... Can anyone advice me?

[@TomekAC]

I bought this one: www.aliexpress.com/item/4000590084692.html and it fits perfectly (but very long delivery)

[@6___________99_____________64]

0.05mm

[@user-fh7ri6sx1p]

Здраска у меня точно такая машинка отлично работает но что случилос сшпулкой не шьёт вы можете отправить запчаст

[@djomani9063]

Pourquoi l'aiguille ne prend-elle pas le fil

[@theeaglehovercraft]

@Natalia - I've just bought a new replacement hook pinion gear on eBay.....and it works a treat (search sew.tec "HOOK DRIVE GEAR FITS ELNA LOTUS SEWING MACHINES #408101") @ In Stitches video is really useful - great detail on how the whole mechanism works, and what to be careful with etc. Many thanks...... now got my Elna ZZ working perfectly again.

[@bigstick5278]

Quality but not made to last is what you will get.. The investing market has killed machines that last. If you don't sell a number of machines within a four or five year period investors don't make their money..