The Presser Bar System of the Singer Model 353 Genie Sewing Machine

[@rockycolo5655]

Andy, once again you are a life saver for vintage machines. My new-to-me 353 had presser bar issues, which are now resolved, thanks to the excellent video. So thrilled to find what I was looking for on a trusted site. One thing I noticed when removing the presser bar -- there are 2 marks near the top that look like timing marks. They can be seen on your video at 25:54, 36:43, 38:52, and many other spots. I didn't know what they could be for until I set the foot height at 7.60mm. Before the set screw is tightened, when the lifter bar is still loose, the lower of the 2 marks can just barely be seen above the bracket that it travels through. So, if you don't have a way to exactly set the height (I used 3 nickels and a quarter), you could just keep adding height until that mark is barely seen. (Still don't know what the upper mark is for.) Just in case... Thanks again.

[@andytubesewing1953]

That's a great idea, Rocky. Those marks are from the set screw, li,e indentations or scratches. They would be at just the right spot for height and also aligning front to the back of the presser foot too. I never realized that before. Some bars may not have the scratches depending on the type of set screw. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.

[@RitaM92392]

Goodness Andy, I was really worried when that screw wasn’t turning for you, whew...Speaking of tight/stiff items, I am wondering about the reverse button. The Genie I bought about a year ago was in good shape but I don’t care for the reverse button as it seems as though the spring or whatever must be a heavy duty one. I hope you can shed some light on that when you continue your videos. Oh, when I saw your machines feet I thought maybe the feet from a 221 featherweight would work as they are short and squatty. You are a joy to watch and I thank you for taking the time for all your videos and information you share!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi, Rita. Thanks for watching. Yep, a tough screw, hehe. A good suggestion to take a look at the feed & reverse system on this machine, thanks. While playing around I noticed the longer the stitch setting, the harder to depress the reverse. I thought maybe it was just dirty and stiff, but we will find out. Always good to hear from you. Take Care.

[@EvelyneJackman]

Great video! I hope to find the sewing machine for a reasonable price. The one that I told you didn't have the set completed and wasn't willing to low the price.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Sorry, what a disappointment but don't worry; there are a few out there still. Maybe this one was not yours? Keep looking.

[@EvelyneJackman]

@@andytubesewing1953 I will! My husband told me "Just keep your eyes peel" so I know that I will find one. I just need to be patient. Thanks for your courage!

[@andytubesewing1953]

A good husband is hard to find, right? Congratulations. Just be sure when you find one that the hook rotates completely and smoothly, otherwise, the gear on the vertical shaft (plastic) could be damaged. A very timely, involved repair.

[@beautifulsissta]

Hello Andy I really need ur help...just bought a singer 237 table top and the presser foot lever is not working...please help!!!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Welcome to Andy Tube, Angela. Congrats on your acquisition of such a fine machine. It is common to find a stuck presser and/or needle bar on a vintage machine that may not have been used for years. When you say it is not working I assume it won't lift up and down. Old oil gets in the bushing and other parts there and dries up very hard, almost like a varnish. You can take it all apart or loosen/clean it in place. WD-40 or similar penetrating oil, sewing machine oil, alcohol, Krud Kutter, etc. can be used to soften the dried up gunk and let you get things moving. Please do not force it as that can bend internal parts behind the presser bar. Try to be patient. You can also use a hair dryer to warm/heat things up and loosen the old oil. I have had to treat a stuck bar 4 or 5 times over the course of a day and use heat to finally get it loose. Once it is loose a little bit more WD-40, etc. can get in there and it will free up in a couple of minutes. I actually did a 20+ video series of working on a model 237 I named "Stella". One of the videos was about removing those parts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHyxXqyFhKeqqJI As you can see, mine was stuck too. Here is the link to the whole playlist where I show how to clean, adjust, remove, repair, replace parts all around the machine. kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKKzvgm_CYPFnDeM8ZqTTo1h I know you can easily work on your machine like I did and get it running nicely. It is well worth the effort, and thanks for rescuing your machine. Best Wishes.