MOTOR SERIES #1: Areas For Motor Maintenance & Focus On Brush Inspection/Cleaning The Commutator

This is the first in a series of videos on vintage sewing machine motor maintenance. This video opens with an overview of what I will be working on in the next few videos with this first installment focusing on Motor Brushes. How to inspect the motor brushes on a White Rotary Motor along with tips on how to clean the motor commutator without disassembling the motor. Watch for the next Episode where I walk you thru servicing the motor bearings!

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

I really do love these vintage Whites. These were still made in the United States. They're very good machines, and the friction drive is a lot better than having a belt system. But not quite as good as direct drive. It's very sad that White sewing machines don't have the same popularity as Singer and other makes. But they really do deserve to be up there. They're extremely well-made and were made for people who were on a budget, like most of us.

[@JainaMSolo]

Thank you thank you for these wonderfully informative videos! I'm getting my husband's grandmother's 1951 Kenmore back up and running and I understand it so much better now!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Good luck!

[@stephenvinson6474]

I own a White Model 967 and with the help of your video I believe I have saved the motor from motor death!. I believe this machine was manufactured in the late 1960's or early 70's in Japan. Its a wonderful machine and needed some intensive "care." Thanks to your video here...I was able to access the motor..by removing the side panel...and luckily getting the motor out of machine was easy! Once out I found the holes for lubricating the bearings and I used Zoom oil a few drops on each side as you instructed...the motor sounds 100 percent better now. I could hear the bearings crying before oiling.....I'm, sure I've extended their life now. Unfortunately there is no way to access the brushes...sigh...so I just have to deal with that fact. While I was taking care of the motor bearings I inspected all the moving parts of the machine ...I had used Tri-flow when I first got the machine and I do think that lubricant helped clean it up and did a great job on oiling/lubrication. I noticed under the bobbin area there was what looked like a covered "gear box." I carefully removed that cover and yep there were gears covered in "sludge" that once was gear grease. I followed your technique of using q-tips and I sprayed that area with Tri-flow ...which does clean as well as lubricate...and I worked on removing all that sludge...Once I got it cleaned up ..I applied Tri-flow gear grease with a paint brush ..following your technique of applying...Oh yes there is a paper "washer" around that gear box cover..that can prove fragile ..and I was super careful to preserve that! With you help I've got the machine in good shape now. I really like the way it performs....I also own a Morse from the late 1950's also made in Japan..a "Fotomatic" that runs beautifully. Thanks again for your excellent videos...here...to help us!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

So happy to hear of your success Stephen. Thanks for sharing this.

[@IngridRollema]

Very informative video; looking forward to the rest of the series! Good to know about those little springs.

[@lorenlizotte]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge this is amazing

[@krhahn1999]

How do you get the brushes out if they don't come out with the spring? I have a kenmore 117.720 which has a very similar motor but a couple differences like no grease wicks.

[@lloyd4375]

How do you get the brushes out if they didnt come out with the spring? They're stuck.

[@Barb515]

Thank you so much for this series. Is the Kenmore 177.552 motor the same as this one? TIA

[@cathygenova2812]

Hello, What brand of grease are you using in the syringe?? Great video. Thank you

[@fcarnes4525]

HI - What a great series! I'm so excited to have found you!! I have my mom's old Kenmore from the 30's. Recently I tried to use it and the motor barely turned. So I'm going to try the cleaning and the rewicking and lubricating from your other video. My question is - if I do all that and I still have a slow or groaning motor, can I replace it with a replacement motor easily? Not sure if they even make these types of motors anymore. Thank you again for all your videos. I have learned so much and am so grateful to you for making these for us.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

This particular type of motor does not have new reproductions to my knowledge, but the good news is that they were in production for several brands for literally generations so there are lots out there. FYI, remember to also check the rest of the machine since a motor can mimic a worn one when the machine is actually being slowed by tangled threads (commonly in either the shuttle/hook area or the hand wheel). And there can be other causes as well, but yes, motors such as these were designed for maintenance to allow them to fully run properly.

[@fcarnes4525]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you!

[@lh1345]

hello, thank you so much for this series. i tried to loosen the plastic screw and it was so brittle it snapped. has this happened for you before? is there a way to remove a broken plastic screw? thank you again.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, it has happened to me. Not often but it can and does. The plastic gets brittle with age. You can try to wiggle it out with small needle nose pliers, tweezer, or a combination of those. If it breaks further into small pieces, be sure to turn the motor upside down so they fall out. Make sure they are all suctioned out before you take out your brushes. If it is for a Singer motor, I have found replacements online. For other brands, replacements may exist though I've never gone searching for those.

[@sandrawilkerson1298]

What would the motor act like if this maintenance was not done? Would it feel like it has no power or start out slow but then run fine?

[@Eringrace1212]

Hi I was wondering if you can help me. I have a White Rotary Martha Washington cabinet sewing machine. We took the motor off to clean it and got it put back together but we cannot figure out how the spring on the outside was situated so that the motor tilts towards the machine. Do you have a picture on how that spring looks where the pin goes through it? I hope this makes sense - thank you

[@lindadevuyst9311]

Love your videos, your a real gem..thank you..I just looked at my brushes on my new to me 77 and the brushes are about 1/8 of an inch..lol..my question is do you have a parts # for the brushes that fit or a recommended size and or source to get them... thanks

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Linda. Its fortunate that you checked your brushes since if they get down to nothing, it can destroy the motor. I would hold off using yours until you get replacements. There is a site that sells brushes that they specify for Rotary machine motors. You might contact the seller to be sure before purchasing but they sell these as replacements that can work. Here is the link and you will see the brushes listed about 2/3 of the way down the page. sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page44.html

[@lindadevuyst9311]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thank you so much..will head there immediately!

[@GroupFitPro]

Can't even tell you how THANKFUL I am for your channel! I caught the vintage sewing machine bug 2 months ago - and I'm obsessed with rescuing and restoring these amazing machines. i'm currently working on my White Rotary machines....series 77 and 43. Today, while watching this video, I pulled out the brushes on my 43. However...there were no brushes attached to the springs - on both top and bottom. When I looked into the motor hole (where I unscrewed/pulled the springs) - it looks like a flat metal piece at the bottom of the threads (hope that makes sense). Is it possible to have just springs and not brushes on a rotary motors? Clearly, the 43 was an earlier White model, so maybe it didn't have brushes? Otherwise, maybe the little metal piece I see is the top of the brush. I tried to push it out (through the holes in the end of the motor), but it doesn't seem to budge. Not even sure I'm actually making contact with the metal piece that I'm seeing. So sorry this is long. You need a "pay-for-my-expertise" direct contact line! :-)

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

All electric motors for vintage machines use brushes to my knowledge. The commutator they push against is copper (might be dull but still copper). What might have happened is yours may have stuck to the commutator and when you pulled the spring out, the brush stayed in!! Brushes are a dark great metallic color.

[@GroupFitPro]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage yep, that sounds like what must have happened. I can try to get them out, but I think I might need to completely take the motor apart. Might as well jump right into a full restore, right?! Learn by doing. Okay, friend - add to your list - "Make video of completely taking apart a rotary motor". BTW - I think you are in NYC? Can't remember what you said that made me think that - maybe just how you have to walk your heavy machine purchases home. Thank you so much for your insight. Off to look at the top of the brushes again - and start taking the motor apart. Sigh.

[@danielleskaggs5399]

Do you have the links on where to order the wicks ? I just got a 117 , I’ve never had a sewing machine before but doing my research I guess I need to get it oiled and cleaned up

[@danielleskaggs5399]

I just found them on eBay for $5 with shipping

[@lfuentes4098]

Haha, my screw actually flew off. Luckily I found it. 😉 Where can I buy replacement brushes, wicks and rubber wheel for a White rotary sewing machine with this same type of motor? My motor is dated 1927.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Try this site; especially for Rotary machines sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page43.html

[@henrilebovic5229]

What are those plastic screws called? Both of mine broke :( And where can I order some? Do you also happen to know how I can also take apart my motor to access the bearings. I have a 117-959 Kenmore sewing machine.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You might try this site where they carry a number of Rotary parts. sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page44.html

[@henrilebovic5229]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Shoot well it looks like I'm screwed. Can't find anywhere to buy the motor caps from. Do I buy a new motor or is there a motor cap screw from a singer sewing machine or other machine capable with this machine? Kenmore 117-959

[@henrilebovic5229]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage sorry for asking so many questions but you are the only expert at this who may be able to help me. If I can't find the plastic motor caps could I use metal screws that are the right size? I would have to figure how to make that but if is possible and the spring is attached to them will it interfere with the motor when on? Is that why they are plastic in the first place?

[@rlsavage2]

I have 3 machines 117.812, 117.959, 117.552. Where can I get replacement brushes for the motors? I called the place in central Michigan and they have no Idea what the dimensions are for them nor do they have them

[@TRIPPLENINJA314]

Hi I have a Necchi BU Mira with a deteriorated power cord. I'm unsure if the motor works due to the power cord's condition. What would you suggest to try and clean the motor or just purchase the power cord and hope that does the trick. If I clean the motor What should I be looking for? Thank you.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Veronica. Most Necchis from that period have several cords. One has the oval plug that connects the motor housing to the power source. Another runs from the motor housing to the on/off switches. And yet another is often found running from the motor housing to the kneel control unit. Point being, ALL OF THESE should be inspected. Replacements of the lead power cord that you plug in for power are available new as reproduction cords just like those sold for Singers. The other cord sections have to be rewired and often do need it. FYI, also note that you can get replacement motors depending on your bracket setup. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself, you could find a local repair shop ('maybe' a vacuum/sewing center) or another source locally. The cost of the cords/wire is quite low and the labor should not be too terrible since most of what needs to be done can be easily accessed. But you were correct to use caution before trying to test running the motor since any short in a cord can ruin the motor AND is a dangerous hazard. Note that this is something that should be inspected with any vintage device of any brand. If you still feel lost, try joining one of the many Facebook groups that focus on vintage sewing machine repair. There are lots of folks that can share experiences in how they updated their machines and are now enjoying the remarkable sewing power they offer.

[@paulajanderson4455]

I have the Domestic Series 153. I took the top nut off and there was no spring on the brush. Can I purchase new springs? Thanks,

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Paula. You should be able to get a generic spring. Try checking the bottom side for the other brush and if that spring is there, it will make it simpler to use that as a guide for the one you need. A search online should help find one. FYI, you can look for "sewing motor spring" but you dont have to since many electric motors have brushes and springs to support them.

[@davidreynolds9659]

the spring is under compression

[@brittniesmith8201]

Dose this motor brushs need grease. And is this motor for modle43 white rotary sewing machine 1938. And when run it thair funny oder. It 50 yr more sence one I have been clened.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. No, you NEVER EVER put grease or anything on the brushes or brush housings. This would destroy the motor pretty quickly and would create a serious hazard. Grease for this motor is ONLY used in the wick compartments which are separate from the brush housings. As for your model, I would need a photo of the motor to know for sure because White and other sewing machine makers would make updates and changes to their motor design over the years.

[@brittniesmith8201]

Were can I send pitcher to

[@brittniesmith8201]

Is way I can email the photos to you. And thair black stuff in motor shaft. In it booklet with it sead lubercation. What are they talk of. Part of machine been oiled. As that easey. We free Westinghouse 40 50. And do not know if it work worth selling. Ect. Here email for . [e-mail]. I try send photo but replay would do it. So were do I send you photos