RESTORATION SERIES #17: Getting the ZigZag Function on a Singer 403A to Back From a Long Hibernation

[@chaotickaren]

Thank you… exactly what I was looking for a “Zig that Won’t Zag” in the $10 1980’s Kenmore Goodwill ‘gem’.

[@PositiveCounsel]

Thank you so much. my friend gave a me a Singer 2638 which had been in storage for 3 years. Only the straight stitch work. After watching your video, I coaxed it back to life after oiling it, moving the parts by hand, etc. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Thanks again for a most helpful video. I've been working on and off for about a year on a 500a. Similar problem. I followed your advice and just tested her out. Fabulous. Many thanks

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped

[@bmcdonald7303]

You saved my sanity and my machine. I had oiled everything BUT this one aspect as I didn’t know why it was stuck when I started using my cams. Thank you. (503a)

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Fantastic!

[@sherriscreativemind]

I’m servicing a 503a and came across this very issue! Thanks so much for the instructions on how to wake this gorgeous machine up! It doesn’t take long at all and I’ll let my oil sit overnight to penetrate good. Love your videos, they’re awesome. 😀

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you Sherri. Glad the channel is helpful. A few of the 503a features are different but most of the mechanicals are the same. Good luck with yours!!

[@thebonsaibeliefsystem5449]

thank you, I just bought a pair of these a 401 and 403. took a long while to get them for a good price but now I can work them into shape. Your videos are very helpful.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great to hear!

[@avelsgard78]

GREAT STUFF!!!! Thank you so much for this! Extremely helpful! You are an excellent teacher.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@helenr9135]

Thank you, thank you!!! I applied this reasoning to fix my old Kenmore that wouldn’t zig zag. It’s working!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@rhondamercado7527]

A 500A I found this weekend is cosmetically beautiful and pretty clean mechanically. However, it is doing exactly what your machine is doing. At BL, zigzag mode, I can move the needle to the far right with my hand but when I go back to the handwheel, it goes back to the center when I have it set at five. I have found this with a lot of the Rocketeer that I have found recently. I’m also familiar with that ball joint piece you’re talking about down far into the machine. I tried to put some kerosene down there to release some of that dried up oil that I can see because I thought that was the actual culprit. I was going to try to get better access to that but I couldn’t unscrew those two screws that I need to gain access to that area. I’m just in a pickle lol. I have put the blow dryer to it with oil but I wonder if I should soak some of the areas with kerosene. Mine too had resistance but you didn’t finish your thought on that. What were you going to say? It’s actually frustrating but like you said in the video you have to have patience. For me, I find it a good idea to walk away for a while and then come back. I’ll get back on the machine tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You can do it!! But be cautious with the Kerosene. It does not evaporate quickly and can stink up an entire house. Ask me how I know!

[@pamackenzie]

Thank you so much, this was very helpful. I just got a 403 with the same issue and am working through it. I have been watching your videos for a few years and really value them. It means a lot to people like me who are willing to work it but don't know exactly what to do.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great to hear!

[@pamackenzie]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I managed to make my 403 zig-zag again! I'm so happy - thanks again!

[@SuperBellezza1]

Thank you for showing us all this so useful information. Your videos are very valuable.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

My pleasure!

[@wdtaut5650]

Thank you for this. Soon, I will begin the revival of my Necchi Supernova. This is so good to know.

[@lauramacqueen2332]

I bought a 401A for $80 that looked like it was in pretty good shape. I was so disappointed with how it stitched. The zig-zag was very narrow and the built in stitches didn’t look at all like the pictures. It took a bit for me to realize this was not normal and then what do? A search for 401A and zig-zag brought up this video. I am so tickled. I actually fixed it myself and it stitches beautifully. Thank you!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

So awesome to hear Laura. Glad it was helpful to you!

[@katehayford5086]

Thank you! I picked up a Morse Apollo 6500 that wouldn’t zig zag and took it to a repair guy who couldn’t figure it out. I’m picking it back up in a couple of days and I will try this technique!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great to hear!

[@indigoolson5947]

Thank you! I just fixed my machine using this tutorial :)

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@BlackFrostQueen]

Thank you for making this video! It really helped me out!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're so welcome!

[@jimbreen3578]

Try CLP Breakfree on those sticky fittings. I used it on my White 679 and left it soak for 4-5 days then oiled it before sewing some 19 oz. outdoor fabric. The difference was incredible.

[@user-qg3ic6br8z]

Thank you! I got my 401A to Zig again!!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Fantastic!

[@ruthwood1444]

Hi, I watched this video because my zig zag stopped working on my 401a. Thank you for posting it. It took a while, but I realized that the problem with mine is that the spring that I found near the machine is the problem. Can you tell me how to reattach it?😢 Thanks for mentioning the spring. I never would have guessed. I thought it was a part of something that I had just ordered on ebay.😂

[@lourias]

I wish you were in Dallas because my machine, not a Singer, has what appears to be a timing issue even after the machine was serviced.

[@carmencolon3520]

Just go one 403a . Need to learn to clean and oiled.

[@candydeister]

I’m trying my hand at restoring a 403a but cannot get the hand wheel to move at all. I’m slowly working at parts that do move however and removing parts to clean and replace. The needle bar is frozen in the down position (I had to cut the needle out). I really want this machine for its zig zig and decorative stitches! I’ll continue to oil and be patient. What kind of lubricant will help this along? Thank you for your videos!

[@eyeonart6865]

Please do a video on why needle bar and bobbin are not moving when trying to turn hand wheel. Bobbin winder work's

[@JulieAbate]

My 403a does zig zag and as long as the stitch width is set at 4 or less it sews quietly. When the stitch width is set above 4 the machine makes a clicking noise with each stitch. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@Real_g.s.]

So what was that extra thing sticking out of (I assume) the presser foot bar? It was there, then it was gone, you never filmed what it was!

[@madvelila]

Does anyone know how is needle position front to back adjusted in this machine? If you know video about this subject please tell me. :)

[@1shirleynewman]

I have a vintage white. It zigzag, button holes. I need help.

[@1shirleynewman]

No books

[@jimc4731]

Why not spray a little brake clean in there and then re lubricate. JIM

[@mattytrials]

Mine has jammed can you help

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

It's hard to know without seeing the machine, but one basic thing to check is thread. If you have any thread jams or breakage in the bobbin area, this can often cause jamming. Also, I would try re-threading the upper part of the machine since this can also cause thread to catch and prevent the machine from getting its thread feed.