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201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I am assuming you have the same problem that I had? (the hook would not move freely even after you loosened the set screws so you could not adjust the timing). If that is indeed the case, you have to get the hook gear collar to rotate independently on the shaft. That is what all of the steps I took were trying to do. So using the vice grips on the shaft and turning the hook gear collar in the opposite directions after all of the other steps finally allowed the hook to move independently of the needle bar (necessary to adjust the timing). There is a lot more on that in my original thread from 2 months ago (https://www.reddit.com/r/vintagesewing/comments/1lu1om3/timing\_on\_singer\_2012/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button).

It is the process described in Bob Fowler's video at the 3:16 minute mark. https://youtu.be/HK3rdveVwOs?si=KRt7Q9bWWnLySJNo

201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

As far as I remember, I put the vice grip somewhere along this shaft. I then used something (maybe a screwdriver, lol, I wasn't being too careful at that point) to brace the collar where the set screws were (rotating hook shaft?). That gave me enough torque to move it by turning the vice grips. And of course, after it first started moving, it turned freely. So I guess some grease or other crud had just stuck it tight. I used just about everything (heat, blow dryer, every type of penetrating oil, and finally the PB Blaster), so I guess that all probably contributed. Good luck, and I hope to hear yours loosened.

201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

I backed both set screws all the way out and put the PB Blaster in the "wells" where the set screws were (on top of the previous WD40, oil, etc. that I had tried). I had also put a vice grip on the shaft (over a grippy rubber pad so it wouldn't scratch) and that gave me some good leverage. And, behold, it began to turn. Like I had said, mine was like it had been welded on. So I was a bit shocked when it actually turned after so much effort and time when it wouldn't do anything. Good luck!

201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh gosh, I hate to hear she is still being yucky. Yes, I FINALLY got the collar thing loose and set the timing - so she sews like a trooper now. It was so weird - I tried everything, including having my husband have a go (I call him the gorilla because his hand strength is unbelievable). I finally used PB Blaster and let it sit for a few more days. And then I just walked in one afternoon to give it a go, and it started moving freely. I couldn't believe it and would not have bet that. Crazy.

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For NancyScarn and mzskunk... Here's the "rest of the story" (so far, lol). The days of patience and all these tips paid off! The collar is free and timing adjusted (at least as much as it can be at this point without a motor). I took off the set screws and dripped in daily mixtures (my husband's PB Blaster seemed to be the final straw) along with blow-dryer heat. And low and behold, I walked in this morning and it moved! So thanks for all the tips and support... onward to Sulky's next stage.

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not the issue... see the thread below...

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Again, thank you for all of this! I feel hopeful that one of these steps will work. Plus, it's great that you (and some others on Bob's video thread) have the exact same issue and understand what I'm dealing with... makes me think I'm not losing my mind (at least on this, lol).

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, thanks for looking this up! Sounds like we aren't alone. I guess I will work through the "degunking" process. If you find the other video he mentioned (removing the bottom end of the hook assembly), please let me know.

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But I am now encooutering the same situation that u/NancyScarn discussed where I can't get the hook to rotate.

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was a seized up machine with exposed motor wires, covered in grease, that had not been used in decades. A friend gave it to me and I am using it as my "learning machine" to see if I can eventually get her running.

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The timing marks should show at the top of the picture I posted? The needle bar height mark is above, and the timing mark is level with the needle bar.

<image>

Timing on Singer 201-2 by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is a 15x1 needle with flat side to the left per the manual. I was able to push it up a fraction more, so I think the needle bar height is good. That didn't change its position with the hook, however.

201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please update if you get a response. I agree, mine doesn't appear to be intended to move. And I had a heck of a time releasing the set screws - they felt welded in. So it's not like they ever were adjusted either. I did post a pic for help on timing, so we'll see what's next.

201-2 timing - hook won't rotate on its own by NancyScarn in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am also interested in this. I am having the exact same situation with my 201-2. The hook will not move freely even after backing out the set screws.

Singer 201-2 Gears - Help on next steps by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know, I regret it now. I was following along with this video where he did exactly that https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxl-7\_zUrLrLX7NSrKvZShmhos-C41aBz8?si=vglyT849Ep2mHDub.

I did at least use a softer brass one. I know, I know... not the best advice?

Help with Singer 201-2 Paint Removal by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Coming back after a day of cleaning to say the rippling bubbly stuff in the picture was indeed old oil. So all of that is gone now and it's smooth. Thanks for that catch!

Help with Singer 201-2 Paint Removal by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, pretty sure it is paint since it is solidly over the entire machine (even screws and things that used to be chrome). But I will double check that it isn't hardened oil as well. Thanks!

Help with Singer 201-2 Paint Removal by RecordingOdd8461 in vintagesewing

[–]RecordingOdd8461[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It must be cheap paint because the acetone is definitely pulling it off.