Replacing the Motor Belt on a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Model 237, 239

[@PulpFreePress]

I feel like I’ve spent time in the presence of a sewing machine master! Thank you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Well I'm blushing a bit but thanks so much for the nice comment. I appreciate that you watch my channel

[@hollopointsaleana]

Thank You

[@andytubesewing1953]

😊👍

[@terrymcclean4582]

Just checked the width on two belts, an original, solid #193066 and a new replacement, cogged #196388 and they both measured just under 1/4". Thanks for the tips on setting the proper belt tension.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Welcome, Terry.

[@connieworcester55]

Great video ..! Yup, as you have shown here, the tricky part is making sure the motor mount bracket is in correct alignment with the grove on the machine base, even if it's off just a tad it's not good... and so right about the to thick belt.!! Funny, I just bought a couple belts from that guy on ebay. and I hadn't seen this video yet.. and here it is 5 years later.. They are pretty good belts, probably better when they get a little "broke in"... I have found that these 237's don't like heavy thick belts at all, they need to be softer and more pliable, otherwise they bog down the machine, (even if the belt is adjusted properly). Part of it might be the shorter belt length, 13 3/4 rather than the 15 3/4 on some other machines.? With to thick of a belt going around such a short distance it needs to be able to bend around the big pulley and the little pulley; heavy belts just don't work well.. I tried a cogged belt, on the 237, (a black one) and it really worked quite well, 1/4 wide x 13 3/4. it has less thickness, and more flexibility and still fits the V groves well. In a way, the cogged part probably acts a bit like cutting a bunch of saw kerfs across a piece of wood in order to bend it..if that makes sense..(carpenters) It was frustrating at first finding a good belt for the 237. I see I wasn't the only one.! THANK YOU ANDY.!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Nice tip about the cogged belt! I'll remember that, thanks.

[@joanmelnick5875]

Thank you so much. This was so very clear and helpful!!!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Very welcome and thanks for the comment.

[@danilei6045]

I just noticed the red on your electric cord. The 1964 Kenmore 43 is so similar to this machine. Including the way the cords get caught. Mine came with tape in the same place. My plug cord feeds through a rubber grommet where someone taped it, and the cord to the pedal gets stuck in the table when it folds down and closes. Maybe it’s better to keep the machine on the tabletop and let the double cord fall to the back?

[@SweetJasamine]

Many thanks, very well explained ❤️

[@andytubesewing1953]

So you truly are Sweet, Jasmine, to say so. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and for watching my channel. Take Care.

[@AnnAnonyme]

Just what I needed to replace the motor belt on a vintage Singer. Thanks!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Welcome, Ann. I'm glad you found the video, and thank you for keeping your machine in service. Happy sewing.

[@patriciawise6115]

Thanks! Just replaced the belt on my Singer 185K. Easy to follow instructions!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'm glad you found the video and thanks for taking time to comment. Happy sewing.

[@danilei6045]

I’m trying to change the belts on a ‘64 Kenmore and I cannot budge the bolt to put on the new belt. Even with the wheel off, I need just a touch of lift. Unfortunately I got the orange lug belt that has no stretch. You’re always a great help!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I don't know a thing about Kenmore machines, but I've seen plenty of stuck bolts. Sometimes heating them with the hair dryer and then giving them a couple of sharp raps with a small hammer has helped loosen them that doesn't work. I soak them overnight with WD-40 and pray they'll be looser in the morning. I tried one of the orange belts before it fit and didn't slip but man it was tricky to get the tension on it just right. Took me a number of tries because it would either be a little bit slack or a little bit too tight. I finally got it and swore I'd never buy another one of them haha

[@danilei6045]

Thank you for your invaluable advice! I really am not liking the orange belt, it’s so stiff!

[@danilei6045]

@@andytubesewing1953The circular side of a small box wrench turned the bolt!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@danilei6045 Your determination leads to success! 🏆Nicely done. I've had industrial sewing machine repairmen tell me the orange belts last a very long time and that is why they prefer them. I tried a couple but tend to avoid them.

[@danilei6045]

@@andytubesewing1953 I have tried three sizes. It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Orange Belts! Now the clutch keeps releasing when I test the pedal with the largest belt at the tightest setting. It’s hard to tell though because with this Kenmore clone, that washer doesn’t sit at all. I have to turn the machine exactly 90 degrees to put it on and get in the chrome nut and the set screw. My 404 is so much more forgiving!

[@MargaretWright-bo8is]

Thanks!

[@andytubesewing1953]

😃

[@jassica13]

Hello Sir U r very knowledgeable and made very useful videos. I fixed my sewing machine. U are a saver. Thank you so much. Kind regards

[@andytubesewing1953]

I appreciate your nice comment. Thank you for keeping your machine in service. 🙏 Happy sewing.

[@LexiTate-m7z]

I just finished your video on how fix my bobbin winder and got my bobbin threaded! I’m still trying to get it ready for sewing and my bobbin doesn’t click into its spot or want to stay. I used the modern vintage bobbin too but it won’t stay

[@andytubesewing1953]

Without the machine on my bench, I can only guess. You can watch this video of the machine starting at 1:15:00 I show the shuttle and hook. You could see if yours looks like the shuttle is installed correctly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5O1cpJnpr6qa5o You may have the wrong bobbin case, or the latch on the case is defective. www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/bobbin-case-grade-a-singer-part-15277z?_pos=1&_sid=815fdab6d&_ss=r

[@aktwinkle175]

thank you so much, this video was such a lifesaver for my old novum when the band came off!! 😊

[@andytubesewing1953]

You're welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful and that you found it. Thanks for the nice comment

[@alajnabiya]

I wish I had this video to learn from a few years ago. I changed the belt, but had no idea how tight it needed to be. I assumed the tighter the better. And then the little black wheel between the motor and the belt broke in half. Not once, twice. Would a cogged replacement belt work as well as the smooth one you show? The man I bought the replacement belt from tried to give me a cogged belt, but I insisted on one that looked the same as the original, and paid more than twice as much for it. This may be a dumb question, but why is it necessary to loosen the stop motion screw when you wind a bobbin, if you have removed the thread from the needle and the whole bobbin? Just wear and tear? Mine has been stuck for years. I can't turn it at all.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I wish you had too! Yes, the correct size cogged belt will work fine. The original style "V" belts are getting harder to find. It is cheaper to make the cogged belt also. About your stuck stop motion screw; if you can remove the little stop screw then do so and drop some oil in the hole. If you have a "tube" on your oil bottle then do your best to get oil behind the stop motion screw and the hand wheel. I am assuming there is no rust on your machine. Fresh oil will soften the old dried up oil. That is why it is stuck. Be patient. Oil it 2 or 3 times per day and let it soak. Warming the area with a hair dryer can help loosen it up. Just warm, not hot. There are 400 more videos on my playlist page, sorted by model number. kzbin.info/door/USPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4wplaylists?view_as=public Thank you very much for watching, and I appreciate your comments. Take Care.

[@marybethdanforth7592]

Thanks for the easy tutorial!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Sure thing. I'm glad you found the video and thanks for servicing the machine yourself and keeping it working.

[@June51212]

Hi Andy, I got the singer 185J today from Craig’s list for 20$ I went and checked it out. Told the lady the belt isn’t working needs a new one. It’s in wonderful shape. Trying to look up what belt I need. I can’t wait to work on this.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Enjoy it www.amazon.com/Motor-Belt-196386-14-5-Singer/dp/B07CB8NSHD

[@June51212]

Andy Tube , thx Andy! I just ordered it. I belong to groups of old vintage sewing machines on fb. I always tell everyone that has trouble with fixing to go on KZbin and watch all your videos. Everyone praises you in the groups I’m in. One group is the 401/ 403A singer group. And everyone watches your videos. Take care and thx for your quick help. Wanted to make sure the belt was absolutely right. And I know your the best! 👍🏻

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you very much.

[@arasroby9021]

Thank you so much for this helpful video!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'm glad you found my video and thanks for improving your machine. If it is a model 237 I have several more videos about working on it in my "Stella" Playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKKzvgm_CYPFnDeM8ZqTTo1h Good Luck and happy sewing.

[@carolzhou6693]

Great instruction. Thanks!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you very much, Carol. Nice of you to take the time to comment on my channel. Take care.

[@rhondamercado7527]

Hey Andy, it’s been awhile. I just saw this model at an estate sale today for about $35. I passed it up because I didn’t know anything about it but after watching this video I may go back and see if it’s still there. I gave up on the Touch and Sews….never again!🤦🏻‍♀️. I got zero therapy attempting to “fix them.😂. Both a 620 and 646 are sitting in my craft room until I can find someone else who wants to give them a try. What’s your thoughts on this particular model. Is it as solid as the Rocketeers?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Model 237/239 is one of the last, if not THE last heavy metal machine Singer made. Made in Italy it has very unique mechanical systems for the ZZ and hook. I like it very much and enjoyed working on it. IMO, the only weak spot is the way the bobbin cover plate slide was made. There is no frame under the front of the slide and people tend to lift from the nose and snap off the plate spring. It's easy to replace and I show you how to do it. Although it has a motor belt instead of a direct drive like the slants it did not seem to suffer for it and sewed heavy materials just fine. Yeah, forget those touch and sew. Some called them touch & toss or touch & swear, hehe.

[@cpu3160234]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'm glad you found the video. Thanks for commenting, Alisha.

[@angiepierce8837]

Do you have any videos on how to replace a spool pin on a Singer 239? Mine's broken & I ordered a new one, but when it comes I have no idea how to do the repair.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Not on model 239, but I've done a few on other models. Start watching at about 11:45 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epS4gZ6khKmHhac You try to tap out the old pin if it is still in there. On an arm cover, you can remove the cover and see if you can push or tap out the old pin from the underside. I have had to drill out a few. You tap in the new pin. A rubber, wood, or plastic mallet is best, but you can use a metal hammer. Hold the pin firmly in the hole straight up and down and strike it with the mallet using a straight up and downstroke. That is less likely to break the new pin. Put the arm cover on a hard flat surface on top of a towel, like a workbench, counter, etc. Many times the new pin is a little "fat" for the hole (one size fits all type) and I will use sandpaper or an emery board to file one end a little smaller. You can do it, Angie, no worries. Take care, and thanks for watching my channel.

[@subhanicool79]

Thanks a lot your video helps me

[@andytubesewing1953]

Nice of you to let me know and I'm glad it helped. Come back again, please.

[@heidizuber4094]

How to change the belt on Singer 717?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Very carefully I'd imagine, but I have no idea. I've never worked on any of the 700 series machines with that vertical timing belt. I suggest you take a look at the repair manuals and guides on Terry's website, including the one he wrote for changing belts like that (100 pages) store.tandtrepair.com/tosew700se.html IMO, Terry is the Guru of these types of machines and can best advise you. If you are not clear about which manual(s) to buy you can always email him and explain your situation and get his advice. Good Luck.

[@KelikakuCoutin]

Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. בס'ד

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching my channel.

[@annesummers09]

My pulley is broken but your pulley looks different than mine. Mine has some kind of screw in the center of it. How do they go on?

[@andytubesewing1953]

That screw holds the pulley onto the motor shaft. It's a tiny screw, isn't it? Use a well fitting screwdriver. You can drip some WD40 or similar onto the screw and heat the pulley with a hairdryer to help when you remove the screw. There is normally a flat spot on the shaft that you tighten the screw against to keep the pulley from slipping. I made a video for cleaning the motor and commutator, but did not remove the pulley. Here are all my videos for model 237, assuming that is what you have. kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKKzvgm_CYPFnDeM8ZqTTo1h Some motor pulleys have no screw but just press on. Here is just one of several sellers of new pulleys for the 237 motor www.singeronline.com/si237mopu.html

[@jennywrensthreadnest]

how would you use Singer brand lubricant on this machine? Do I need to lubricate the motor?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi, Jenn. I don't use that product so can't advise about Singer lubricant. Here are my 21 Model 237 videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKKzvgm_CYPFnDeM8ZqTTo1h Here is one of those videos showing how I lubricate the machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKK7k5WYer1qbs0 Here is the video about the motor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e7Y3yllNmio80 Hope those will help. Good Luck and thanks for watching my channel.

[@annesummers09]

Didn't you put the stop washer on backward. Shouldn't the little tabs stick into the matching cutouts instead of stick out against the wheel? Thanks

[@andytubesewing1953]

No. I put the washer on correctly. Those little tabs need to stick out because the stop motion screw (chrome knob) tightens against them. That is what presses the washer into the counterbalance which is attached to the end of the arm shaft. When that happens the handwheel is "locked" onto the arm shaft and makes all the other parts move. It seems counterintuitive that the tabs don't tuck into the cutouts, but you can trust me on this. It wasn't my first stop washer installation. Thanks for watching my channel. Take care.

[@annesummers09]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks. I've been putting mine on wrong, then. I wish you would make a video showing how to replace the horizontal arm shaft. I need to do mine. Thanks.

[@andytubesewing1953]

You're welcome. I respond to your other comment mentioning the arm shaft. I'm trying to keep up with your comments 😊

[@sakiastewart8799]

Hi - my wheel doesn’t stay on. It looks like the piece that going into the wheel from the machine broke. Is that something that easily fixable?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi Sakia. I'm sorry you are having a problem. I'm not sure of which piece you mean. If you can, please take a look at this FREE parts list for model 237 (I'm assuming you have a 237) and if you can Identify the piece then give me the part/parts number. Once I see what you are talking about, then we can figure a way to fix it, OK? Thanks.

[@sakiastewart8799]

Hi Andy, after looking at my manual this part isn’t mentioned. But it’s the piece that connects that hand wheel to the machine. In your videos it’s the metal piece that sticks out so that you can twist the hand wheel onto the machine. On my machine that piece is partially connected to the machine and partially stuck in the hand wheel. When I try to secure the hand wheel it spins a few times and then falls off. I think I need to replace that piece. But I’m having a hard time find how to do that. Also, I have a singer 237. I hope this was clear. Thanks in advance!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you for being so diplomatic and not calling me a knucklehead for not giving you the link to the parts list I told you to look at. You're a sweetheart. Here is the link before I forget again: parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/2_2999/237.pdf So I think the part you are talking about is the flanged bushing, but I'm not sure. The flanged bushing slides onto the end of the arm shaft and is attached with 2 screws, a cone-head, and a flat head. The handwheel slides onto the bushing. At the end of the bushing are threads. You screw the chrome (or plastic) Stop Motion Screw (little knob) into those threads and that keeps the handwheel on the arm shaft.The 237 can be set-up for treadle sewing with a different handwheel and table, but yours is an electric 237, correct? Please take a look at the parts list (now that I gave you the link, hehe) and email me at [e-mail]. Include a picture of the problem if possible. Once we are in the same boat we can solve the problem. Thank you for your patience and diplomacy, Sakia.

[@annesummers09]

Can I replace the motor on my singer 237 with a 1.3 amp motor from Amazon?

[@andytubesewing1953]

I've never done that but know of people who have. Are you looking for more power, or just need a new motor, and that is all you can find? Most Singer foot pedals are rated at between.7 and .9 amp so I do not know if you'd need a different pedal also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e7Y3yllNmio80

[@annesummers09]

@@andytubesewing1953 More power. It seems with the all-metal machines it would be a cinch. Maybe you could do a video on it?

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'll add that video to the request list. Number 27. You might try reseating the mootr brushes if you have not done that. Some machines I restore I get a 40 to 50% increase in motor speed by rehabbing the pedal and seating the brushes like in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqvUZaesbdahb5Y Not sure what you want to sew, but if the machine is adjusted and clean and you can't sew it you may want a different machine. Good Luck

[@alexreywils]

Do you have to use the Singer belt?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Not really. Singer belts part numbers are just handy for the buyer and seller to get the right size. Any brand that fits properly will do. Mosy of Singer belts are a solid "V" shape, or modified V shape, buy people use slotted flat V belts, stretch belts, etc. I have seen sewing machines using shoelaces, twine, leather strips, bicycle innertube slices and the like. A good question, Alexis, and thanks for asking about it.