MOTOR SERIES #12: Get Your Bearings Lubed! Removal & Replacing Grease Wicks on a Singer Potted Motor

[@UniversalEngineer]

I successfully cleaned and replaced my Singer 201-2 wicks per this video. I would have NEVER fully understood this approach without your video. THANK YOU. ❤I APPRECIATE your talent and experience so much. (FYI, one of my springs was a casualty. I purchased an entire collection of 30 sizes of “small compression springs” for a mere $12. )

[@Paul.Douglas]

Very fortunate the wires are in good shape. I had to replace the wiring in my 201 from the lamp socket all the way to the wall, including the plug :O

[@fuzzzyyellow]

I always pre-load the new wicks with grease before installing. I don't want my motor running dry bushings before the grease melts and migrates through the wick. SewRetro grease is advertised as being correct for this application, I put a dab on the wick and use a heat gun to melt it into the wick a few times and smush it with my fingers to distribute throughout the wick.

[@diagonalllie]

I used disposable lipstick applicators, they have a fine tip and small soft bristles, no cotton to shed.

[@lesleybrojanac9586]

Do you have a link for these lipstick applicators?

[@aimee-made]

@@lesleybrojanac9586 I use those too. I've gotten them on Amazon, and I've also gotten them in the cosmetics department in a drug store!

[@jayverni]

I was wondering if you had ever found a replacement supplier to sew-classic?

[@fouroakswisconsin]

Surgeons call that size of griping tool a Small Rat Tooth Forceps. A slightly smaller forceps called an Adson Forcep With Teeth could also be used. A cheap version made in Pakistan could probably be purchased online. Surgeons will not touch a cheap version btw, unless they are doing volunteer work in a third world country .

[@maria2400]

How often do the wicks need to be changed?

[@beckybreyen7573]

Where did you get your tweezer! I see it has a claw like tip

[@aristepp680]

Is there any reason why I should not use a heat gun to blow hot air into the oil port once I've removed the wicks in an effort to melt out the remaining grease?

[@Tradesman1156]

I see most are using alcohol for cleaning, why not mineral spirits it's closer to kerosene which is what was recommended by Singer in the day?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

All solvents produce odors and many can be irritating to use. I find that the 99 % alcohol evaporates very quickly whereas other solvents including paint thinner and kerosene especially linger far longer and I try to avoid those.

[@roxannewagenstein8753]

As the wool grease wicks are hard to come by, are there any thoughts on using cotton wicks from a nasal inhaler?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

No, unfortunately not. Wool is important because it has remarkable absorption qualities that are needed to provide a gradual lubrication with the grease over time.

[@mcpoulet13]

What grease do you recommend?

[@SarahWilliams-oo6zg]

Thanks so much.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're welcome!

[@garybrito1164]

I got my inherited 15-91 put back together, and I notice that once it gets going, there is a smell coming from the motor. I do seem to remember it smelling a bit years ago, when my Grandma was teaching me to sew on it. I'm just not sure if this is normal or safe. I did have to rewire it, because all of the wire insulation was rotten. The motor does get warm in use, but so far not crazy hot. Any thoughts??

[@susanhounshell6444]

I have the same problem. I wish we could find our answer.

[@lauralowe9334]

Can anyone direct me to lube and maintenance info for a 15-90? Lots of info on the 91 but the 90 has the belt drive motor and I need some help, please

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Laura. Most of my Singer 15 videos are on the 15-91, but here are some links to videos I've made on the 15-90 model. Not sure if these videos will answer your question, but FYI, the best reference for oiling your machine should be the user manual which, if you don't have one, can be downloaded for free as a PDF online at many sites. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmm0h4V7mpp3ocU kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmm0h4V7mpp3ocU kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipTJZp2tgc50pNE

[@lauralowe9334]

@Vintage Sewing Machine Garage awesome, I will check those out, thank you!

[@sherriscreativemind]

Is that cotton wicking? Would lamp wicking do the same thing? TIA

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Its wool. Lamp wicking is not necessarily the same since some of that might have a wire core just like candle wicks can. You never want ANY wick material that has metal of any kind used in these motors.

[@sherriscreativemind]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thank you for the tip. :)