Just bought a simplicity model 2507. I cleaned and oiled it and then began sewing. It wouldn't begn moving the needle unless I turned the wheel slightly to get it started. Is this normal??? The whe
A clacking noise is not normal. That you have to turn the handwheel to get it going suggests the clutch may need cleaning/oiling, or even replacement. The stiffness also suggests the need for cleaning/oiling. Machines are not meant to sit idle for long periods of time and age turns some lubricants into resins or varnish that can be very sticky, if not rock hard.
I'd start by removing the handwheel. Then have a good look at the interior. Likely, there will be hardened spots or lumps of grease and gunk gumming things up in there.
Carefully clean all that off. A solvent can really help - paint thinner or laquer thinner should work. Put the machine on a bed of papers to catch the drips.
If the gears are metal, a small wire brush can help a lot to take off hardened material. Or a small stiff bristle brush, or even a small paint brush to apply solvent. Once it's all very clean, dry carefully with lint-free cloths and let it sit out overnight so any remaining solvent will evaporate.
Then, use a high-quality sewing machine gear grease on all the gears and and a high-quality oil made specifically for sewing machines on all the spots where moving parts touch, but sparingly. Too much is as bad as too little.
Chances are good the machine needs a general cleaning and oiling and ideally, I'd take off all the covers I could find and clean and oil everything. It's really not hard to do, usually just takes one or two basic screwdrivers to get the screws out, and not too long to clean it all up.
Take pictures as you take it apart, so you'll know how it goes back together, unless you're very confident about being able to do that without a problem. Make sure you put all the screws and any other small parts you have to take off into a well-secured dish or tray, so they can't fall and vanish into floor cracks or carpeting. Replacements might be hard to come by.
Also be sure to thoroughly clean the bobbin case and all around the area where it sits in the machine. This is a prime collector spot for broken thread & lint, which will cause a ton of problems and is usually easy enough to remove. Good luck!
