Why is my handwheel hard to turn and making a squeaky noise?

Have you tried turning the handwheel and using the foot control at the same time just to get it moving if its humming when you put your foot down its trying to go sometimes a little help to get it going helps it might need some oil or its got a dry spot from being stored give it a go and let me know how you got on. Ron

Motor is locked down. Do Not Energize! take to factory certified service repair person. You will burn up motor or even worse "start a fire" if you try to run it. something is binding motor, this could be many different things.

This sounds like a bushing in your serger or the upper looper shaft heats up with use. This the swells the metal and seizes the machine. This is always hard to fix right because there are many points on the serger that need regular lube and can heat up. it is an eliminate 1 joint at a time and try agein

Lack of use is the worst thing for these machines. The grease turns to glue and freezes up from the lack of movement of any kind. Next time, move the flywheel once a month, whether you need to sew or not. This one may not be worth the repair $'s.
Cheers,
Embroidery Services
San Diego, CA

it would be a good idea to have the serger checked

My suspicion is that Viking sergers (905, 910, 936) bind up after heavy use and years of service. In other words, they are not "lubricated for life". Can you turn the handwheel on the machine? If not (or if extremely hard), you now know what the motor was dealing with. My guess is the motor is burned out, but you need both a total overhaul of the main shaft bearing system (cleaning the bearing and relubrication), and, a new motor.
I probably should consider repairing sewing machines in my retirement.

Don't force it. It sounds as if something is binding inside the machine. Take it in for professional service.

I found two sites with a manual for this model. Both are around $15.00 - sew4less and sewusa.

If you open the front of the serger, there should be a threading guide printed on the serger or on the inside of the door.

Raise the thread antenna to it's highest position.

Set the tensions to zero and raise the presser foot.

Turn the handwheel until the loopers are at their highest position - the handwheel may have a mark on it that aligns with one on the side of the serger to help with this.

Starting at the right, thread the upper looper first.

After threading, reset the tensions back to approximately mid-range.

Lower the presser foot and stitch a chain of thread to make sure the serger is stitching as it should.

Unhook the handwheel clutch (silver knob turn toward you, inside the handwheel).

It should run smoothly, with only the motor spinning (If not, it may be a motor issue).

Remove the bobbin and case, make sure the bobbin winder is off.

Lubricate everything, and let sit overnight.

Run for a few minutes for the next few days, intersperse with heat (blow-dryer, and lube).

Break a Leg

hi there,
this type of problem related to "overload protection" the motor can't overcome the load work,then it would able to stop your machine,theres problem on motor assembly try to check the carbon brush.if worn out replace,handwheel are couple to motor pulley inside machine.there an opening for the belt.if you want to check it loosen bolt cover,have move the belt you can figure why handwheel moving tight.if you realease the belt handwheel will move independently but handwheel is connected to a cam shaft w/mechanical link connected such as gears,cam and bushing that
can also suspiciuos of obstruction can came there.take this to service center if trouble link to mechanical problem.have a nice day
rate me and thank's