My White Speedylock 1600 serger is making a clunking sound. The part where the right and left needle threads go behind the front tension plate (right before you pass it through the needles) keeps hitting the cutter. Something is obviously out of alignment but I can't figure out how to fix it. I've replaced the cutter and the needles but still have the "touching" problem and the "clunking" sound. Help!

Instruction Manual White Speedylock Serger SL1600

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/white-sewing-machine-instruction-manuals.aspx

Try removing thread #3 from the tension altogether. If this doesn't work, then try using a different spool of thread. Some break easier than others. If this doesn't work, try rethreading your serger from the the beginning. Upper looper first, then lower looper, then needle. Test on scraps.

rethread the machine to make sure it's threaded correctly & that the thread is not caught anywhere

put new needles

check the thread tension, it sounds like it's to tight

use a can of computer air & clean out around the loopers area for lint or loose threads

if none of these suggestions work, then having it serviced would be the next suggestion

Been there, done that. Old serger almost went out the window more than once.

Raise the thread antenna and loopers to their highest positions.

Set the tensions to zero. If your serger has auto-tension, raise the presser foot as this also opens the tensions.

Begin threading from the right as indicated in your manual or on the door of the serger.

If this continues, the serger may need to be serviced as the timing could be the problem.

Ask before leaving the serger as the service cost usually starts around $100.

I finally gave in and bought a Babylock with instant jet-air threading.

Hi, you have to set the timing for your top looper. Mechanical aptitude is required to set the timing since its a very sensitive and critical. I can probably help you look for me at www.sewingmachineryrepair.com

when you get to the end of you stitching continue sewing for a few inches off the fabric (this will not hurt the serger) making a tail of just stitches and you will be able to clip the string and take your fabric off the serger- the threads should be wraped around the looper as you described. Let me know if this works for you

Your machine isn't threaded properly. Check to make sure #1, you have it threaded right and #2 the thread on all 4 spools is in between the tension dials. Good Luck and Hope this helps.

Sounds like your needle threads are not tight enough.

Do some samples using different colored threads, if necessary, to see which needle thread is not doing the job. Then tighten in increments till you get the right tension settings.

It helps if you make notes of the correct settings on that material for the next time. Start a sample notebook, for the different materials you might use with tension settings for each, and if you do any fancy stuff with your serger, like pintucking, puffing, elastic application, ruffling and such.

Make sure all of your threads are in between the tension dials. Sounds that the machine isn't catching because of the tension. Good Luck

When you thread the serger, your suppose to start threading the 3rd spool (left to right) first, then the 4th spool, then thread the 2nd spool which ends up in the second needle (left to right), There is a lever or bottom looper that the thread must go through before placing thread through the 2nd needle. Finally, the last spool to thread is the 1st spool (left to right). Follow the threading pattern and once you put the thread through the two loops that look like springs, turn the wheel at the right toward you until you can see like a lever with a ****, thread that **** from the back then put the thread through the machine to the right. Turn the knob to toward you again until the upper looper is showing, then you have the put your thread through the hole in that looper then through the first needle. You should now have 4 thread toward the back of your machine which you need to place under the presser foot and to the left side of the machine. There is also a VHS video that goes with the machine to help explain how to thread your serger. Also be sure that each spool of thread is in the tension of the upper colored tension wheels. If it is not, then your stitiches will be loose. Good luck and I hope this helps. I had to watch the video several times before I got it. If you don't have the video, try ebay for and perhaps you can obtain one. The video is Speedylock 1600, instructional video, USA Part #136000016, Perhaps you can contact White and see if they have one you could purchase.
Good Luck Serging!!!!