Kenmore 158.18033 push button bobbin winder malfunction.It’s probably not a DIY project. (Video 295)

[@JohnBau]

Nice video, as always! I picked up a 17032, same machine with different color scheme and a few less cams. Been sitting in a storage locker for 50 years, filthy but pristine! Clutch was frozen, had to rebuild it. Like you said, it's a honey of a machine!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@JohnBau if you have the skills to get it up to top performance, the time you put in really pays off. It’s a smooth machine for sure. Well done. 😎👍

[@JohnBau]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 There is a website wihich documents the disassembly. The trickiest part is the spring-loaded pin that actuates the clutch. That disc-within-a-disc is what freezes up; there's no direct access to it for oiling. Gotta be a way to dribble some oil down there during normal maintenance... Creative engineering, but more complicated than it needs to be, IMO.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@JohnBau yes it is. It’s big brain design engineering gone wild. If they would’ve attached an automatic oiling mechanism to the assembly, it would’ve really been a masterpiece. LOL

[@user-pc1el2ci6x]

I just picked an 18030 up today 1971-1972 and I’ve never used a sewing machine before in my life haha. This video made me feel good about the purchase hearing how awesome things things were made. But considering this thing is over 50 years old and the lady who owned it used it even today- I already knew it was good still!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Run it hard and get it done. All you’ll ever need is new motor brushes in twenty years. A drop of oil wherever the parts slide, pivot, or rotate. Call me in 50 years and tell me how much you love it. 😎👍🏼

[@ninjananagardner7672]

Love your videos! Your humor and knowledge are so entertaining ! I also am a huge fan of the 70’s Kennies

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent. We’re in a big club that likes 70’s Kenmores. I hear it’s also where the “cool kids” hang out. That’s probably true also. 😎

[@1MSally1965]

I have the 17033 and I have the same buttons! Just got it and I love it!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Yes! When it’s working, it’s a great machines. 😎👍🏼

[@Paul.Douglas]

Me too!

[@debraclogston9379]

Nice to see you working on older machines. Thanks.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome. I make a living keeping them all running, both old and new. The old ones usually have a better chance of success because they were made to last for generations instead of “ just for a while”. 😎

[@theprojectproject01]

​@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954That's a very diplomatic way of saying, "most modern machines are overpriced hot garbage 😂"

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@theprojectproject01 that’s a particularly accurate “turn of a phrase” you have there. You can say it without any legal repercussions. Me in the other hand, find it prudent to be diplomatic as to avoid those difficult outcomes. 👍🏼😎

[@TerriA96]

I had a 1603 and still have a 1703 and I love them, but one had the crazy situation you described. I gave the glitchy one to a friend that wanted to fix it because he’s a techy type and works on watches etc… I kept the 1703 that works great (for now lol - I’m always still scared to push that button) and a 1755 that is ammmaaazing. They have great piercing power because of the dual belts. I would still keep this machine and buy a stand alone bobbin winder or use another machine to wind bobbins. In addition, I know it doesn’t translate well on camera but these are actually really pretty machines in person.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Yes they are things of beauty. If you’re in to quality machines with clean lines and fine finishes, these are the best. I’ve had several customers get a “Side Winder” bobbin winder at Joann’s and they make it work. I hope your friend was successful in repairing the clutch. If he’s a watch guy, he probably had as much fun fixing it as I do mine. Meticulous, methodical, and mesmerizing. If you enjoy fixing complicated things, it can be all that and magical when you’re done and everything works like new.👍😎

[@TerriA96]

I do a lot of lowkey maintenance and repairs or replacements but wayyy too chicken to try this. Maybe I will someday… You’re the first person I’ve seen talk about it in any detail but I thought maybe you were going to demonstrate haha - anyway, for -now- mine’s working.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@TerriA96 I’ve already done the video on taking it apart for repair. It’s about 100 videos earlier. I was hoping to figure out a way to solve the issue without a complete disassembly. It’s not possible. 😎

[@TerriA96]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Oh! Thanks so much, will check it out immediately!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@TerriA96 👍🏼😎

[@laheebk]

I have the 158.18034 and mine doesn’t have the button but you pull the wheel on the side and it’s the bobbin winder and push it back and it sews. Everything else is exactly the same as your machine ❤

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Yours is definitely a better set up and less likely to cause you problems. The push button system was good when new, but inactivity turns the grease to glue. Then the fun begins. 😂😎👍🏼

[@laheebk]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 good to know, I love this machine and I was lucky to pick it up with all its accessories. perfect stitches

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@laheebk 👍

[@olliehi749]

I just inherited this baby from my grandmother. It was the one I learned to sew on. I can't imagine using anything else

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Anyone who sews on a 158 series Kenmore, is usually surprised at how smooth and powerful they perform. I believe that a Bernina 830 or 800 series even comes close. Great machines.😎👍

[@theprojectproject01]

Such good machinery. I have about 60 machines and about a third are Kenmore 158s. I personally just love the 1756. If only it came in a freearm.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Having that many quality Kenmores on hand is like having a gold backed 401K. It’s possible that folks could be lining up with cash in hand to buy them from you in the foreseeable future.

[@theprojectproject01]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I hope I have ensured myself an unending line of dumplingesque widows with baked goods, anyway

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@theprojectproject01 that’s a winning combo as well. 👍🏼😎

[@mjremy2605]

I think you can clean it out with Mineral spirits, then alcohol, then oil and grease it up. Did that for a frozen Viking 6030 and it worked like butter. Never had a problem yet. You don't need to remove all the parts just have access deeply.

[@paulasalter1041]

I have three 158s. 19411, 19412, and 1625. The only thing I don't like is there's no needle position adjustment that i can find. Am I missing something that allows right left and center. These are pretty new to me machines. I have a bernina 801 matic i bought new in 1982 and i can adjust the needle which, as a quilter, comes in very handy. The kenmore 1625 sews nicely but has some issues in the bobbin race area that have me puzzled. I was hooked into getting the kenmores after watching your KZbin on the 1941 comparing it to bernina.😊

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The ones that have the dedicated left needle position don’t have a changeable needle setting . In the 70’s I wasn’t aware of many folks needing a quarter inch right side setup like the quilters do now. In the seventies, everyone was trying to get their machines to sew successfully on knit fabrics. Sewing in the center position caused skipped stitches. The left needle position solved that problem.😎

[@tanyajones5821]

​@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954wow thanks for that info!!

[@debbiehall4155]

That’s really a cool sewing machine. Speaking of winding a bobbin, I have a Kenmore 385-12492, is there any way to loosen the clutch so the needle doesn’t go up and down while winding the bobbin? I have a manual that says to loosen the clutch by turning it clockwise, but it doesn’t move. ( the wheel pictured in my manual is not the same wheel as I have). Thank you

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If it has a hand wheel clutch release knob, they oftentimes have to be loosened with channel locks. (Angle pliers) If they were over tightened and not used in a long time, channel locks are almost mandatory. Be sure to wrap a cloth around the release knob so it doesn’t get scratched.

[@debbiehall4155]

Oh thank you so much, I thought that might be the case, but I was afraid to do that unless I was sure that was the right thing to do. I’ve been using it as is, but I knew there had to be a way to disengage that clutch! thank you!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@debbiehall4155 you’re welcome. 👍🏼😎

[@debbiehall4155]

I just was able to loosen the clutch in the wheel! And it did the trick. Thank you so much!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@debbiehall4155 Good job. You’re welcome and thanks for watching. 👍🏼😎

[@DLong-wp8su]

I am newbie and did pickup Kenmore 158.18030 2 days ago. 1) The button didn't go up when slide the part toward the bobbin winder. Solution: a) I fixed that yesterday by applied oil to the mechanism about 1 1/4" on the right of the push button and slider parts to loosen it up. b) Apply oil on the left and right side of the clutch (front) and a 5/8" black metal left of the clutch. You can see that 5/8" black piece by manually rotate by hand on the right 2" round controller (sorry... not sure what it call). 2) Then I found out the bobbin winder did not spin when engage the slider. Solution: a) Apply on between the bobbin winder and slider. b) remove top cover and apply oil to bobbin winder under cover. One thing that I can't tell if the reverse option work or not. Will have to wait until sewing thread and longer tip oil bottle on order arrive next week. Hopefully, 2 steps above help other without taking to the shop for service and disassemble the whole clutch mechanism.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@DLong-wp8su almost every issue will be solved with some oil in the right spots. If it’s not too dry and locked up, it will respond.

[@DLong-wp8su]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Is there any way to tell if the reverse function work probably? I thought the motor or gear should go reverse, but it didn't happen. I am still waiting for sewing thread and longer tip oilier so can't do sewing test.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@DLong-wp8su it’s probably stuck and needs to be oiled. Oil it. Work it. Oil it some more. Work it some more. Repeat til results are achieved.

[@heatherrocker7318]

I have one that is a 158. 17033. Can you do a video on how to utilize the functions? It’s very different from my old singer and I’m stuck

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@heatherrocker7318 I do believe I’ve done one on a similar model. The dials are stitch length, stitch width, and stitch function. If it’s set on orange it’s regular stitching. If it’s set in the white, it’s for the stretch stitches. There are instruction books available online as well.

[@Kmonty96]

I have a 158.17033 and just used the bobbin spinner. It worked great, but now I cant get my machine to stitch again! I have a feeling something is jammed and it will need to be taken apart, have you experienced this before?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If you tried to wind your bobbin with your needle threaded, and your machine made one stitching motion while you were winding, the machine has become thread locked. You will need to take apart your hook assembly area, clear the obstruction (thread) and reassemble it. It’s a common occurrence when winding the bobbin with the needle threaded. Oops. I have a video regarding the disassembly and reassembly of the hook area.

[@Kmonty96]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you soooo so much!!! I was able to resolve the issue. hopefully i can avoid this better moving forward :)

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Kmonty96 excellent. 😎👍🏼

[@diakimm6829]

Hello, I have a 158.18034 (not 33) and there is NO button for the bobbin winder. And the bobbin winder will NOT turn???

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Probably needs a drop of oil on the spindle above the winder wheel. Oil it (one drop) and spin it by hand. Resist the urge to keep adding oil until it’s soaked with oil. That’s not good. It will eventually start to spin freely.

[@Mei-rq8mk]

I got one for 25 cents. But the button kept popping up.. how to fix it? thanks

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I made a video on how to fix it. It can be as simple as oiling the mechanisms, or as difficult as disassembling the entire bobbin winder mechanism and servicing it and putting it back together. I don’t recommend the latter.

[@Mei-rq8mk]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you for your video. I fixed it by oiling the machine!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Mei-rq8mk excellent. If they’re not too badly in need of lubrication, a thorough oiling will do the trick. Well done. 😎👍

[@Paul.Douglas]

Yeah, that left sitting needle throws me off, 🫨

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Paul.Douglas 😎👍🏼

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

I have a Sears Kenmore 158.1703 with the same issue.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Either find a QUALIFIED repair person or buy an auxiliary bobbin winder. Good luck and thanks for watching. 👍🏼😎

[@alltraveler]

Hello I have this exact machine need a new hand turn wheel, the wheel has a couple gear teeth missing. I love this machine and would like to get a new one. I thought about having a new hand wheel 3 d printed.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

What you’re seeing is teeth missing off your upper drive belt. The hand wheel isn’t gear driven. You can order the belts online and install them yourself. It’s not difficult and I have a video covering the process.😎

[@mrssursa]

I have this 158.18033 machine and it’s now locked up so now to find a repair person in Wisconsin! Sigh.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Try to find one who has at least watched my video on how to fix the problem. Unfortunately, it’s such a challenging job to fix it, most times they’ll just try to sell you a different machine. Proceed with caution.👍😎

[@mrssursa]

I brought it in to Sew ’n Save in Racine, WI - they do repair/maintenance for a reasonable fee! @@randyyoursewingmachineman9954

[@MRrwmac]

OK Randy, so when is your birthday? I have a Sears Kenmore washer and dryer does thart count? We’ve had and been using them for over 30 years and they still work great. Had to replace a washer belt (once) and a heater coil (twice) but it still works great. Wife says, other than marrying her, it was the best decision I ever made (I knid of agree). I just worry that I won't be able to get the good equipment they used to make again. Ohhh wellll.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Yes. We are all in that same boat when it comes to relying on the old “tried and true “. My second best decision was moving to Texas 50 years ago. My best decision is marrying my wife 43 years ago. My job, every day, is to make sure she never regrets saying “I do”. 😎

[@ronalddevine9587]

They solved the problem with the 158-1813. Same setup as 158-1941. Is this left homing? I have a 158-1802, old fashioned setup with clutch knob. Very precise, smooth and quiet as well as powerful. The other day you did a video saying that the machine wouldn't give good satin stitch results at high speed. I took out the 1802 and tried. PERFECT SATIN STITCH.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

That was a commenter who said that. I told him/her that I never had that problem with any I had serviced.👍😎