Kenmore 385-16231 sewing machine. we are having problems with it breaking needles while sewing, we have never oiled this machine could this cause the needle breaking problem?

Manufactured in the mid 60s perhaps in Japan by Maruzen.


Kenmore Sewing Machine model 158 905

Be sure the needles are being installed correctly--the flat side is facing the proper direction.

Take it for service. Could have a timing issue, ie the needle arrives at the bobbin at the wrong time and is colliding.

http://www.sewingandcraftcorner.com/why-does-my-sewing-machine-needle-keep-breaking

Sewing Machine is Breaking or Bending Needles

3 Common Sewing Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

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Breaking thread could be caused by a couple of things:
1) top tension too tight
2) machine not threaded correctly
3) poor quality thread (don't use bargain thread)
4) needle not compatible with thread/fabric
5) needle installed incorrectly

First thing to try is remove all the thread from the machine, RAISE the presser foot so the thread will seat properly in the tension disk, then re-thread from the beginning--make sure you do not miss any steps.

Usually the factory standard tension setting is with the dial set at the mid-way point between the low and high number. The tension is correct when both the upper thread and the bobbin thread meet in the middle of the fabric.

As a reminder, since your machine is a mechanical, be sure that you are cleaning and oiling on a regular basis. Use ONLY fresh good quality sewing machine oil (not 3-in-1, WD-40, cooking oil, or the old oil from grandma's sewing basket). Follow the instructions in the manual. If you want to do a thorough job, open the top and free arm cover. Slowly hand rotate the handwheel and apply 1-2 drops of oil every place that metal rubs on metal. Do NOT oil rubber, plastic parts or belts. Be sure to apply a drop on the shuttle race every time you begin a new project. Oiling according to the instruction manual should be done every 40 hours of sewing time. If in storage, oil every six months.

Here's a web site that may be helpful:
Sewing Machine Problem 1 Thread Breakage

Here's a manual for your machine:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwjNgO6QxsDJAhXnjIMKHXzFABoQFggtMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2FB1dzfyluFLS.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEBTgKmXv2EyHiiw-px33CFogPHXA&cad=rja

Here's information about needles:
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/all-about-needles/

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hi taylor.
not sure if this link will help you to find out why,but have a look.
Kenmore Ultra Stitch 10 sewing machine needle keeps breaking Google Search

Thread brekage can be caused by several things but start simple by taking off the needle plate then thoroughly clean the sewing mechanism and add a few drops of oil, then check the threading is correct. replace the needle. Always use quality threads and make sure that the thread is not to heavy for the size of the needle (it should pass easily through the needles eye). check that the needle hole in the plate is not bent or damaged and peppered with needle marks, a damaged plate will cause many problems. Finally, make sure that the tensions are not too tight this can be a major cause of thread breakage especially if poor quality thread is used. ( check thread by breaking it by hand, it should offer good resistance to breakage, if it breaks easily then discard it. hope this is useful, best of luck.

sounds like it needs a service call. if you do not have a sewing repair man you use regularly to clean machine the local fabric store should know who you could call.

Iether the needle is in the wrong way round or the worst scenario is that the machine needs retiming.

try at www.ifixmachines.com

In general, there are three main causes for this...
wrong needles (Singer), low quality thread (dual duty or all purpose), incorrect threading. Be sure to thread the needle from front to back.

your machine needs to be clean take it down clean and oil it up and you will have that problem no more.good luck.