Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Foot Pedal Repair

[@susanbearsley7746]

I’m a 69 year old woman and I have just fixed my vintage foot pedal with your excellent explicit video! Brilliant pace for me to follow! Can’t tell you how thrilled I am. Especially after ringing a sewing machine engineer and them waxing lyrical that they don’t make them anymore etc etc! and not acknowledging anything about the capacitor sending it mad!!! This Singer 90 has such sentimental value to me as it was my late mums and sews so well!! Have also been told that my 20 year old Bernina isn’t worth mending! Not so sure I believe them!!! Thanks again Sue👍🏼👏👏👏

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I’m glad you have managed to fix it. Most places would rather you buy the machine than fix your old one.

[@lesabooth5243]

Hi Sue..What was the pedal not doing for you to feel the need fix it? My singer is running very slow. That's why I'm here

[@susanbearsley7746]

@@lesabooth5243 Hi Lesa my problem was quite the opposite. I left the machine and returned to the machine running so fast all on it’s own! Quite spooky, thought my dead mum was trying to contact me it was her old machine! When I googled the problem it said I had to remove the capacitor which I did and cleaned all the brushes. Worked perfectly after that! Just google your problem and I’m sure there will be an answer! Quite straight forward to follow a you tube, have a go! Good luck! Sue👍🏼

[@wendyrowland7787]

I opened up the pedal of my childhood 222k best birthday present ever. Kept due to a derisory trade in offer, not knowing they are now highly collectable. I was told by the sewing machine man that he couldn’t work on it due to it not passing modern electrical standards. The nut adjuster had worked loose and come off so I was unsure about the order of assembly. I sent the foot ect. to a man who can, and it came back running very slow and with the capacitor still in place. I was able to adjust it to run correctly but now need to remove the capacitor. Just a pity the electrician didn’t replace the full length of cord to the electric outlet. My mum scrimped and saved and went without to get me that machine.

[@welcomesibiya6766]

Hi Susan. I hope you are well by the time you read this comment you will be 70 years.All the support from Mozambique, Southeast Africa❤

[@dianejf461]

Many thanks for this brilliant video! The instructions were given clearly and with great care. A well-prepared video for all of us in need of your expertise. Today, my 55-year-old Singer 317 sewing machine suddenly started working in an out-of-control fashion all on its own. The foot pedal was hot and giving off a pungent electrical smell. I saw this video; opened up the foot pedal; removed the 'deep fried' capacitor; screwed the foot pedal back together and my sewing machine is working perfectly. I'm so pleased. You've saved me time, trouble and money. Huge thanks for your excellent instructions.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad my video was of use.

[@overlandforager]

I'm incredibly grateful for your videos! I bought an old Singer, last year I watched your service video and done than and today thanks to you I sorted out my pedal. Gotta love the simple mechanics. Next on the list would be to sort out the thread winder, seems to stick. Thank you so much for your time and these videos ❤

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@overlandforager I’m glad you find them useful. Good luck with the bobbin winder!

[@albedo1975]

This video was a life saver... As you said, I just removed the old capacitor and the pedal came back from the dead ...Thanx a lot!!!!

[@howardthomas4340]

Thank you so much. My 1954 99K ran flat out the minute the power was switched on. It had an aftermarket twin capacitor ‘fix’ that had obviously failed as you described. We were going to sell it a not working on eBay. I removed the capacitors and hey presto, it’s all good now. My wife thinks it has a better action than her modern one and we’re keeping it now. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The 99 is a great all round machine - far superior to modern plastic machines. Glad the capacitor trick worked.

[@aland2253]

I come back to this video again and again to freshen up my memory. Excellent explanation and video. I’m on my 5th pedal resto now and very much appreciate your guidance. It makes a tremendous difference in the operation of the machine. Smoother, quieter and more responsive. Especially at slower speeds. Thanks a million brother!

[@sandym7952]

Great help!! My 1953 Singers machine pedal literally started smoking last night. The smell of bakolite will be forevermore !! Followed your video, start to finish and now works better than it has in years. Many thanks for your time and effort in helping us all.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad to be of help! It's such a common issue with older machines and many are scrapped when they could be fixed so easily.

[@skunkjobb]

Same here just now. I found the smell of the smoke quite pleasant, not like modern burning electronics but I guess it's not healthy anyway. But I suppose the bakelite didn't burn, only the capacitor which might be made from paper, alu foil and some plastic.

[@Sharieflove]

Thank you thank you thank you for uploading this! My sister got an old singer and it started sewing on its own literally 1 day after she got it. She was extremely upset when she couldn't fix it, but then we found your video, and now she fixed the pedal all on her own! We danced around the living room with joy, it absolutely made her day! Thank you again!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome - glad you got it fixed!

[@troygoodacre2718]

I had the same problem. I ordered the replacement capacitor and once fitted it now doesn’t work. It’s getting power because the light is on. I’m not sure what else to do

[@SteveRawcliffe]

My daughter wanted to start using my mother's old sewing machine today. Got it out and it worked fine for a few minutes before the "running on its own" problem started. Hadn't yet seen your video, so opened the controller (mercifully, the feet were in better condition than on the one in your vid!). Thought "Hmm, wonder if the capacitor has short-circuited?" disconnected it and measured about 7 Ohm, which is as good as a short circuit. Machine ran perfectly without, but I was left thinking "Maybe the capacitor is essential in some way" so went online to find somewhere to buy one and fortunately came across your vid, explaining that I didn't need it, so you've made both me and my daughter very happy! We've arranged that she just won't sew when I'm listening on shortwave :-D

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help!

[@artisanstitch]

Brilliant video. My 201K took off on its own this evening, so I’ve removed the capacitor following your video and all is well again 👍

[@degsn37]

It is great to have a UK- based familiar expert showing us step by step videos of sewing machine repairs. There are a number of very good US based sites, but it's good to have you showing us through UK/IRL machines. Keep up the excellent work, Curio! From an avid follower in Ireland.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@robertokubo2465]

The best repair instruction video I've ever watched on KZbin. The instruction is very clear, methodical, and thorough. Thank you!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Thank you. I hope you found it useful.

[@shieldsvalley]

Great job showing every detail, you saved me from having to buy a new footpedal. Thank you so much!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You’re welcome!

[@brendayoung8030]

Brilliant! I 'inherited' the sewing machine 20 years ago and could never use it because it ran on its own. I have removed the capacitor from the pedal and it is running properly now. Thank you so much!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help and happy another old machine is going to get used.

[@karibou85]

Thank you so much! It solved my problem. Almost had a heart attack when my machine suddenly started running on its own at full speed! I would have never thought this little thing could cause such trouble :-)

[@gullraza4033]

Same here

[@nineteenfortyeight]

Same! What evil ghost was that? Oh, it's a crusty capacitor I don't need anyway? Wow!

[@LaizyDaisy]

I’m here 2024 after exactly the same thing happening to me. And I’m very nervous about capacitors.

[@LaizyDaisy]

Only mine didn’t look like this inside…😢

[@jenmiferday8909]

What a brilliant video I purchased an old Singer 99k today and the foot pedal would not stop the machine I found you on You Tube and followed your instructions. It works perfect now Thank you so much love my old machine

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're very welcome!

[@rebeccashanahan4207]

Thank you sooooooo much. My machine started running slowly and jerkily. The pedal capacitor had already been removed but I stripped and cleaned the pedal following your instructions not knowing if it would work. Three hours later it's running properly again. Your video is fantastically clear and your voice and the music are so soothing!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad my video helped!

[@GaryT1952]

Really well explained and thorough, best I have seen. I believe the fiber washers are asbestos, use care in handling.

[@redpost2380]

You really pleased a lot of troubled Singer machine users. Excellent video. Mine started running by itself, at first slowly and now at full speed. It happened after I oiled the machine and thought maybe some oil had gone inside the motor and short circuited the contacts. It seems it may be the capacitor in the foot pedal that has slowly decayed. So, if removing the capacitor fixes the problem why did they place a capacitor there in the first place? OOOps... you answered this question in your video. Electric noise suppression for the old TVs and radios... Thanks

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're very welcome! The old style capacitors had a limited lifespan - I don't think they ever expected the machines to live so long!

[@swadipavasey3606]

Brilliant. I thought my Mum's old Singer would have to be scrapped because of the faulty foot pedal, but now it's working as new again. My wife is delighted as she can now continue her projects while her own new machine is away at the repairers (can't fix those at home!)

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I bet she ends up preferring the old Singer!

[@yeryerneil]

Absolutely brilliant. I have just followed your video and restored my motherinlaws Singer which was just speeding the moment you put the power on. Foot pedal now works Many thanks A great video Neil Kennedy

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help

[@borisisok]

Fixed it by taking out the condenser, no one had a clue...top advice. Keep it up! Greetings from Croatia

[@desireeretiree]

Capacitor.

[@ggpp4898]

Brilliant explanation.....foot pedal had a mind of its own, following your explanation I ditched the capacitor now machine works perfectly!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad the video helped!

[@gullraza4033]

Thank you so so so so so so soooooooooooooooooo much, I got same machine as yours, it was not switching on I checked the plug i noticed the wires are misplaced but I wasn't really idea how to fix it, I struggled for an hour but it's no result, then I open the you tube and open your video and in really start of video I found the solution of my problem thanx alot sir thank you sooooooo much

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're very welcome!

[@karolsausen5473]

Well done video. Very clear step-by-step instructions. I've just spent 4 hours looking on line and making calls for screws for the foot pedal to no avail. It would have been nice to see a picture of the screws. Off to the hardware store. I take the one reaming screw with me knowing that I'll be able to reassemble the foot pedal even with one screw.

[@leahwilson9682]

This helped me so much! my machine now runs so much more smoothly. Thank you!!!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You’re welcome!

[@annhogg7500]

Thank you so much for doing this .I had given up but now you've given me hope.

[@mauricejoannabruno9119]

Absolutley fantastic - removed capacitor and machine working beautifully again. Have been in touch with Singer as feel this should have been their first bit of advice given its simplicity. Have now also got your link in my favourites. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad you found this video useful!

[@JMWConceptsTheOfficial]

Did it have any issues after removing the cap? Thanks. :)

[@markandersson1844]

This is absolutely amazing!!!! I did mine tonight. The pedal now gives heaps more control even at low speeds!!! Thank you so much for sharing !

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

That's great to hear.

[@markandersson1844]

I get where you’re coming from with all the discs! Very tedious, but such an important job to do also preventing fire. You really are a legend.

[@josiethornton7049]

I just got my new to me Feather Weight home to find it running all by its self. I was advised to take it to get the wiring checked... BUT .... I FOUND YOU. Thank you very much, it was just the capacitor. Working like a dream. new sub.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad you're up and running again!

[@dumptonpark]

Hi Thanks for a lovely clear video. I just purchased a lovely 1955 electric 99k with box case and extra feet original screwdrivers etc for £10. Ladie seller said the pedal doesn't work so I copied your video and machine still doesn't work lol. I will subscribe to your channel for your nice clear video's. Thanks

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. If the pedal does not work then it must be a problem with the wiring. Have you checked the machine works with another pedal?

[@FarhiRosleysembunyi]

Thank you, I was looking for this. I just take off the capacitor and the pedal doing just fine. My mom was pleased.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@donkelly8654]

Great video...very clearly spoken and easy to follow. Made cleaning this foot control simple for me, otherwise it would have been a complete cluster. Cheers Curio.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help!

[@skunkjobb]

I thought the cat sat on the pedal when the machine started to run slowly without me pressing the pedal. Then I saw the smoke and pulled out the cord. It doesn't look exactly the same as yours but I hope it too contains a capacitor that I can simply remove. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@robbiesperry5492]

Thank you!!! I was confident to go through the cleaning process because of this video. 76 carbon disks in each stack! Kind of a bear to adjust afterwards, but it is done!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Those disks seem never ending don't they?

[@MrAbowker]

Many thanks for this, it is so clear and detailed. As you say the caps are so cheap I tend to replace them as they do still stop RF interference getting to your radio - especially on MW and LW. Never knew you could take the carbon stack apart this simply.

[@UsualYaddaYadda]

Or your neighbour might use MW, LW or SW radio. I think that it is good to replace them. (And it's cheap!)

[@lordsgirl1123]

I have several machines with this foot control. Thank you for your clear instructions! Im inspired. 😊

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@mitziwaltz5701]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Yes, it was my capacitor that was the problem - thanks to you, problem solved. I've saved time and money, and feel like I know a lot moe about how my pedal works too.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad you managed to fix it!

[@JMWConceptsTheOfficial]

Did it have any issues after removing the cap? Thanks. :)

[@rosalindwyatt8274]

Hallo! Thanks this has helped me tremendously with a clam-shell pedal! I have a question - the inner carbon discs of my stack are fine but the two large end pieces have crumbled away. Any advice of how to get hold of replacements? I'm in the UK. Feel it would be a shame to chuck the pedal if it can be prevented

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm pretty sure they are unavailable new. The best bet would be to find a donor foot pedal and harvest the disks.

[@estrellawundsch2734]

Thank you Sr. I have a Singer vintage 201. The pedal has to be rewired and clean up. With your explanations now I know how to do.

[@bodyandsoul17]

Very helpful, thank you. My plug had a 13 A fuse, but the plug on the outside says "13 AMP". Just wondering why it would be a problem in this case (in a 1956 later version 201K)?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

13 amp fuses are for appliances that draw a lot of current such as an iron or heater. A sewing machine draws a lot less. If your machine started drawing too much current it would blow a 3amp fuse before any serious damage. It would take a lot longer for it to blow a 13 amp fuse and could cause serious damage and possibly electrocution. The plug itself is rated 13amp as that’s the maximum current and fuse it is designed to handle.

[@bodyandsoul17]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thanks so much for explaining. I will get a 3 amp to replace it for sure!

[@UsualYaddaYadda]

The muzak notwithstanding, this was exactly the video I was looking for. Is it not better to have the capacitor for avoiding other electrical noise, to neighbours' equipment, your WiFi / Bluetooth devices, internet over powerline systems etc? Additionally, capacitors even out voltage fluctuations which could improve the efficiency of the motor and the smoothness of the controller. Or am I wrong?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're right, they do even out voltage but their primary purpose (in the UK at least) was to suppress interference with analogue TV) Digital signals don't seem to be affected.

[@rebecca3570]

Great video thank you, I found it very helpful, so well explained. I took my pedal apart to check it, and noticed the two brass contacts had snapped off. But they can only make contact when button is fully pressed down, which I rarely do, so are they necessary? as pedal still works!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

yes it will still work but you won't get the 'top speed' out of it. New ones should be easy to make.

[@rebecca3570]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you, yes thought would be easy to make, but need to find some brass somewhere if I want to go 'top speed'! At least I know it's nothing too serious to worry about. Thanks

[@criggie]

Depends if you ever operate the machine at full speed - I find it terrifyingly fast and can make so many mistakes quicker at full speed.

[@dvdesmond]

Excellent video! Thanks so much for putting it together. Machine is running better now after following the steps. A few of the discs were broken and a lot of carbon dust on the contacts making it hard to control the needle speed. Still not perfect but a good improvement.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad my video was helpful.

[@jackierudd2010]

Very clear instructions, I bought a 221 and the foot pedal went like a rocket 😕 I tried to get a replacement but couldn't find an original singer one so haven't been able to use it ! But I might be able to repair it with the help of your video 😊👍💖 Thankyou for your kindness in sharing your excellent knowledge.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Just be aware that the 221 may have a capacitor under the machine bed or possibly under the motor

[@jackierudd2010]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns 😨😕 maybe not then 😦

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@jackierudd2010 it is likely to be in the pedal though

[@jackierudd2010]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns I'm going to have a look at it, fingers crossed it's the same as yours, I will be very happy if it is, I will have you by my side to help me through😊👍

[@kerry5586]

Could you advise me of a supplier of the rubber that goes over the cable as it enters the foot pedal and enters the power plug that goes into the machine. I am in the UK and have just got hold of a 306 but the those pieces of rubber have perished and I need to replace them. Thank you! Love your videos by the way: they are so helpful and you are such a good teacher.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If you google 'cable grommet sleeves' or 'cable sleeve boot', you should find something suitable. I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@kerry5586]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you for your speedy response! I am really grateful as I didn't know how to describe them. Your help is really appreciated.

[@kerry5586]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Please can I ask you one more question? They come in various sizes; what size would I need? Thanks.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@kerry5586 Good question - it would depend on the size of your cable

[@kerry5586]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Is cable measured by is circumference?

[@JonathanDowe]

Thank so much for a clear and invaluable video, best thing I have watched in a while. Better yet my peddle works and it did not cost a Penny to repair. You are a legend.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome! Glad to have helped.

[@JMWConceptsTheOfficial]

Did it have any issues after removing the cap? Thanks. :)

[@skidmarksnm]

Thank you thank you very much just got my machine working again excellent video keep up the good work

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help

[@Braisin-Raisin]

Extremely useful. Glad I found this. Thank you!

[@Moonlight-co4hs]

Thank you so much for this video. Like some of the other commentators, I was really surprised when the sewing machine started on its own. This is a brilliant video.

[@criggie]

Same - I had walked off out of the room, and then the dang thing started up, stitching clean across my workpiece. The most annoying part, machine managed to sew a straighter line by itself than I can do, just in the wrong place and through the wrong parts.

[@truthmatters5366]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Question: What is a RCD?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It's a Residual Current Detector - circuit breaker.

[@chukwujosephine923]

Thanks so much for this wonderful video I followed your instructions and were able to repair my foot pedal

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help!

[@criggie]

I've just done mine and its working much better. Curiously, the thicker carbon disk was not present on one side - neither whole nor in pieces. I ended up with 54 + a thick one in one stack, and 56 in the other stack. How many disks is too-few ?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The number - and thickness - of the disks vary from foot to foot. I've also come across some with no thicker end disks. Just make sure you have the same number on each side, in your case 55. Too few disks would mean the end contact spring would not depress the disk stack and there would be no gradual increase in speed. It would be nothing, then full speed when the short out contacts connect.

[@MrrKukkalaatikko]

Thank you for this video! It was very clear, thorough and easy to follow. My Singer 348 is almost in tip-top condition again. However now I cant seem to get it to run on a slow pace. It only goes fast no matter how gently I try to use the pedal. Do you think greasing the mechanical portion of the pedal with a bit of vaseline would help?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

no it may need more adjustment. It sounds like the pedal is making 'full contact' with the metal strips at the end too soon. it should put pressure on the carbon stacks and only make full contact with the strips when the button is pressed almost to the bottom.

[@vivianagutierrez1966]

Thank you sooo much for this tutorial! I just serviced my foot pedal and it works perfectly 👏🏻

[@Theo70695]

That is a really excellent video. I have a foot control that goes to full speed with no control other than on and off! I will certainly use these instructions.

[@margaretquinton1501]

HELP please!! One of my thicker discs snapped. Can I still put the thinner ones in to use the machine or is it absolutely necessary to have the thick discs?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It should work but I would buy a donor machine to scavenge the thicker disc from - thinner disks may snap easily without the thicker disc

[@johncrownmusic]

This totally works! Thanks so much.

[@LouiseWeebe]

Thank you so much, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Thank you!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Great exposition of this procedure.

[@haileylindebak5683]

Thank you for this! My machine runs fine but noticed the petal squeaks a little. Can I oil without disassembling the ceramic housing? Would that help?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I would not put any oil in the foot pedal. It would be a fire risk. I'd live with the squeak!

[@Braisin-Raisin]

Karin Buttigieg Does one have to replace the plaster over the screws on the ceramic part? Also, I read that the white washers may be asbestos. Do you have any information on that? If yes, one should be very careful handling them.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The plaster is just to stop the screws coming loose. I have never replaced it. Yes, I believe the white washers may be asbestos. My advice is to wear gloves and try not to handle them too much.

[@Braisin-Raisin]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you!

[@micaelafristedt2212]

Just what I needed! Thank you!

[@scottgoessling]

Would this help with a 201-2 that is running slow. Rewired the two motor leads to the 3 prong block and rewired the pedal. The light cubes on, machine runs but slow. The machine has been cleaned and liberated. Could this part of the pedal be part of the issue? Thx. Great video.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It could be the cause, especially if there's a large build up of carbon deposits. But somehow, I don't think that it is a likely issue. I would check your pedal on a different machine, or another pedal with your machine. Take the belt off the motor and see if the machine spins freely with the hand wheel.

[@amaliakomperda3798]

Love your video. I cleaned my pedal like instructed, but it still overheats. Any idea why? I did change the old cable with a new one.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The way the pedal works will cause it to heat up. If it gets very hot,mi would replace the pedal completely. Make sure you unplug it if you are not using it for more than a few minutes.

[@sideranger1]

A clear and well made tutorial thank you.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@pippakelly1162]

Great instructions, ready to get going but I need to replace the 4 rubber feet as these have perished - any ideas of where to purchase in the UK now we have exited EU?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

messaged you on facebook

[@JoTiLuMy]

Hi, thank you for the video. I was wondering if you can help me. I needed to change the UK plug on my foot pedal and I have taken the old plug off and now I am unsure what way round to wire the new UK plug as the wire only has two wires - Red and Yellow. I have tried looking online but can't seem to find out.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

That seems an odd combination. Red is almost always live. It sounds to me that your machine has been rewired before with non standard wiring. Om an old machine it should be red and black.

[@JoTiLuMy]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you for getting back to me. It's the wire coming out of the bakelite foot pedal. I'll have to take it to a shop I think. Many thanks

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@JoTiLuMy If it's coming out of the foot it then - yellow to connection 1 and red to connection 2 on the plug (motor goes to 2 and 3 and light goes to 1 and 3) I hope this makes sense.

[@JoTiLuMy]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you. I just didn't know how to wire it into a new UK 3 pin plug that you put into the wall socket. I know as its only two wires there isn't a earth but I don't know what to put as the live and what to put as the neutral as the wires are red and yellow and I can't find anything online. Everything else is all connected, I just wanted to change the plug as the plug on it was cracked and old. I should have taken a picture first before I took the plug off ha

[@lisarogers9186]

Thank you for posting this video. Just did this today.

[@janeberlekanui3617]

WONDERFUL! May I ask…what is RCD?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

An RCD is a residual current device - a circuit breaker to prevent electric shocks.

[@janeberlekanui3617]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you. Is is a permanent or temporary device?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@janeberlekanui3617 I use one all the time with a vintage electric machine

[@janeberlekanui3617]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns okay, thanks for the reply.

[@luiscarvalho1960]

Can you also remove the capacitor in sewing machine motors, of any brand?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Yes, you should be able to, if you can access it

[@luiscarvalho1960]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you for your quick response and your information, there are many people who say: when the capacitor "explodes" it has to be replaced immediately. The engine in question is a Pfaff CUV50 outboard engine. Thanks again for your attention.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@luiscarvalho1960 They can be replaced, if that's what you want to do. They are pretty much redundant these days.

[@luiscarvalho1960]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns I just asked if the motor could work without the capacitor, because they say it's because the carbon brushes don't make much spark and the motor works better, in any case I'll follow your advice, I won't put the capacitor. As I don't understand anything about electronics, I don't even know what this capacitor is for. Thank you one more time

[@Shandybrother]

Hi, where did you get the new feet rubbers?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

ebay, but there are specialist vintage sewing machine dealers that sell them,

[@karenbrooke3617]

Hi thanks for the tutorial I removed both capacitors but the machine still runs on its own when plugged in! Any advice please? Thanks

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

there may be a capacitor in the motor, or if it is a 221, underneath the machine itself. Otherwise there may be a short somewhere. It could have been rewired incorrectly. Does the light work?

[@andrewtopping6343]

Excellent video, just what I was looking for.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help

[@carynmulder1809]

When can you tell if the inside of your controller is bad, when I opened my up the white part it had black powder all over the pieces. I took it apart be used it popped and started smoking

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Original foot pedals are quite easy to find but you don’t know how good they are. There are plenty of modern electronic pedals available

[@canada1.413]

What a great video, thank you! I have one of these pedals and it is making crackling and popping noises. Do you think that this type of restoration would solve the problem?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If it is crackling or popping then it sounds like there is a capacitor that is going bad. Simply remove it to see if that solves your problem.

[@canada1.413]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns This one doesn't have a capacitor I'm afraid. Any thoughts?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Canada 1.41 I would open it up and visually check out the wiring, it could be something loose and arcing.

[@canada1.413]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns I'll do just that first chance I get, thank you!

[@canada1.413]

The wiring was good, but what wasn't good was the build up of carbon dust in the carbon stacks. Lots of carbon dust on the bullet end and on the thick disc with some "burn" marks. I cleaned it all up with just a paper towel, reassembled and adjusted it as you instruct and it now works like a charm. Thank you very much indeed!

[@ChrisCraigie-oi1un]

Great presentation! Thanks.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@vaccavo]

Thanks a lot. You are very patient. They are differentt in Brasil. :(

[@derranbryne7223]

Thank you for a excellent video I have learnt so much from you and the four other videos you have done that I've watched up to now you get strait to the point instead of waffling on Lol, I wonder if you can help me? do you know any where in England that I can buy Grease wicks for Singer 221k motor? I have seen only one seller on eBay in the USA that want £2.50p for the wicks and £18😡 posting which I think is taking the Micky, please can you help me? Thank you again I will definitely carry on watching your videos

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If you use Facebook there’s a featherweight group run by Philip Enstone. He may have a source.

[@joaopestana4800]

obrigado...excelente video...cumprimentos de Portugal...

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Obrigado! Estou feliz que você gostou.

[@ildefonsovillarreal7123]

Muchas gracias por toda la explicación pero tengo una pregunta si él pedal no tiene ese capasitor que puede pasar muchas gracias

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Es poco probable que la máquina funcione por sí sola si no tiene un condensador. Puede ser un cortocircuito debido a un mal cableado.

[@ildefonsovillarreal7123]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns muchas gracias por la información lo tendré en cuenta

[@summerrhodes9791]

Is there any way to restore the old brittle wire covers? Everything else on the old machine is workable but not sure about using it with the exposed wires. I could use electric tape but I really want it to look nice.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

For safety sake, I would replace the wiring if there's any damage.

[@jeffhocking1043]

Hi Tony I know this is an old video now and I found it very informative as I have one of these to repair so I was doing some research. However, I must ask that you do not advise people to leave out the suppressor filter capacitors. They are there for a reason and should be replaced. Its not only Analogue TV that they would interfere with, its also the whole of the AM broadcast Band, Amateur Radio frequencies, Aeronautical Beacons in the LF spectrum etc etc. There is enough issue with pollution of the RF spectrrum from PSTN and ADSL noise as well as cheap chinese unfiltered switch mode power supplies without adding to it by removing suppression and effectively turning the motor into a spark Transmitter which will spatter all over the RF spectrum. I do not make these comments lightly, I do so as an Electrical Consultant, Licenced Radio Operator and RSGB Registered Assessor with experience of these things. The suppressors are cheap enough so please use them and help to keep interference to a minimum. Many Thanks.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You make a good point.

[@carynmulder1809]

Can you order the inside which is the white piece on your video

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I followed this video to a T...other than removing the capacitor because it was already removed. After doing everything shown, my foot pedal still has very little speed control. When the bottom is first depressed, the machine makes a hum but the needle doesn't move. Then out of nowhere it takes off. I would really like to keep the original pedal but if I can't see with it, it doesn't do much good. Any idea on how to adjust this?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

First try it without the drive belt - occasionally belts can be too tight and cause this. If you set the pedal up correctly, so there's some compression of the discs before the short out contacts connect, then I have no idea.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Just a thought - I have a machine that behaves this way. Regardless of what foot pedal I use on it, I have the same issue. The pedals work fine with other machines. I suspect the motor has a fault in my case. May be worth trying your pedal on a different machine.

[@katherinemichael2999]

Thank you so much for your video. I'm wondering if you can advise me. I have been trying to fix a pedal that has no variable speed and is just acting as an on-off switch. The first attempt with cleaning the dirt, grime, carbon dust and contacts did not solve the problem. Then I followed your video and opened up the ceramic housing. I cleaned the carbon discs inside the stacks. They were very dirty but not broken. There were 56 on one side and 54 on the other. I evened these out and cleaned and polished the contacts and put it all back together. Still functioning as an on-off switch. So then I played with the adjustment of the depth of the spring/contacts into the ceramic housing. I tried flush, 1/8 deep and 1/4 inch deep. Still the machine does not go on until the spring is fully depressed and the carbon stacks bypassed entirely. In other words still no speed control. Any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks again for your wonderful videos!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Do you mean that it doesn't operate at all until it reaches the bypass? No buzzing from the motor or anything?

[@katherinemichael2999]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns That is correct. No buzzing. It doesn't operate until reaching the bypass.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@katherinemichael2999 That is odd. t sounds like there may be something not connecting right. Difficult to say without seeing it.

[@bevdenbigh3956]

Wonderful! Solved the problem straight away. Thank you 😊

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help

[@JMWConceptsTheOfficial]

Did it have any issues after removing the cap? Thanks. :)

[@ronvalente65]

we have a singer model 377 that started to smoke from the foot pedal, when stripped it was the capacitor that had gone, it was replaced with a new one and within minutes did the same, so you say it doesn't need the capacitor, but to blow it twice surely must mean their is a problem with the machine?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

more likely a faulty replacement capacitor. I suspect if there was a fault with the machine a fuse would blow but without looking at it, it's hard to say. I would check the wiring and if in doubt get an electrician to look at it.

[@anabundanceof]

Can’t wait to try this, I hope it fixes my issue. I got so freaked out when my machine started sewing on its own! At first it just did it once in a while and now I plug it in and it just goes.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

definitely the capacitor.

[@anabundanceof]

Curio By B-Spoke Designs turns out that wasn’t the issue. There wasn’t even a capacitor in there! BUT I was confident enough from watching this video to take apart the bit that plugs into the machine and that’s where there was an issue. Whatever product was coating the wires had rotted so the bare wires were touching each other. I picked the rotted product off and wrapped the wires in electrical tape, works perfectly now. Thank you!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@anabundanceof I would replace the wires as soon as you can!

[@richardmarks9779]

For safety fit new mains plug, with black coating on brass that go into mains socket. Old type plugs not fitted from about 25 years ago.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Good point

[@ddiuni9964]

If there is smoke from the foot pedal, you only need to replace the capacitor. I have a singer sewing machine 316g. The foot pedal on the singer sewing machine 316g has a capacitor of 0.08uF installed. But another pedal has 0.05uF inserted. Simply buy the 0.05uF from the eBay repair kit and connect it to go.

[@ddiuni9964]

Is there any problem with speed control even if the condenser is removed from the footrest? And There are also sloping stools that have only the shape of the feet. There is a little big capacitor in the footboard. Can I remove it? (The capacitor contains 0.08uF. Can I remove this as well.)

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If the machine is running full speed without touching the pedal it is likely to be the capacitor that needs removing. It sounds like the feet on the pedal are rotten and need replacing. I can't advise on removing the capacitir really without seeing the footpedal.

[@ddiuni9964]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns There are times when it heats up and produces some steam, but it still works. The motor runs only when you step on the footrest. What do capacitors do? Is there any problem with working without capacitor? Currently, the capacitor is inserted with 0.08uF, but you can order and install 0.065uF from eBay.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@ddiuni9964 The capacitor stops radio wave interference. - If there is smoke or stem you have a problem. Get a qualified electrician to look at it or replace it with a new pedal.

[@sharonhogan935]

great VERY helpfull Thanks

[@sunnasmilieu]

Mine doesn't seem to look like this. It's got some very chonky capacitors in there. My pedal works fine, though I am slightly worried for those capacitors. I'm gonna open it fully, but I'm probably not going to do it this in depth. It needs doing however, and as such it will have to be done. edit: mine has a golden capacitor and a small resistor in it.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

They used various styles of capacitors over the years.

[@sunnasmilieu]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns In the end I removed both the capacitor and the resistor. Still works great, thanks for the video.

[@01doha]

Just bought 401g - how are you supposed to use this pedal ?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You rest your foot on the solid button and use the ball of your foot to operate the control button.

[@EddieEloff]

Thought I blew up the peddle. Ja, don't need capacitor.

[@azsamsasho]

Hello do you have any idea where I can find the knob for pressing on the pedal? Want to restore mine, would be thankful for any information on it

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm not sure you would be able to find just the button. It may be worth looking out on local selling sites such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay. There are some specialist vintage sewing machine spares specialists that may be able to help.

[@azsamsasho]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thanks for the answer, be well mate.

[@ihgfe]

Mate you are my Hero!!!!!!!!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad it helped!

[@badshead]

Useful video, but in my case the ceramic disks in the carbon stack were so brittle they broke if you just looked at them the wrong way! Nobody seems to have replacements so I guess the unit is trash. 😢

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Save what you can as spares for the future.

[@ddiuni9964]

Why didn't you buy a new capacitor and connect it? And the location of the capacitor connected to the foot pedal for the first time and the location of the capacitor shown in the'Repair kit for' picture are different. Is the capacitor connection shown in'Repair kit for' connected in parallel?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Because they are no longer needed. The capacitor in the footpedal was to suppress interference with analogue television sets. They work fine without. If you are not sure get a qualified electrician to repair it for you.

[@ddiuni9964]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Then it looks like smoke or sound, so I need to remove the capacitor and use it. Thank you for the detailed answer. ^^.