Kenmore 385. 11607 needle jams into shuttle or shuttle race

Check the hook/shuttle to see if it is damaged
or check the race, the metal track that the shuttle/hook glides in there may be something jammed into the race
be very careful trying to remove a broken needle as you may further damage the race

Can be several causes. In typical probable order for rotary hook machines;
1.Top thread tension is too high (lower tension)
2.Top thread snagging at spool or elsewhere (for hoizontal spool use larger spool cap and/or machine not threaded per specific instructions)
3.Bent needle or barbed needle point (replace needle)
4.Needle not properly inserted into holder (see specific machine instructions)
5.Debris in shuttle hook/race (clean bobbin, hook, race)
6.Wrong bobbin (replace with proper machine bobbin)
7.Bobbin thread tension too high (reduce bobbin spring pressure, likewise top thread tension)
8.Poor quality or extremely light thread (if using cotton only thread, test sew with a polyester blend and see if problem goes away)
9.Bobbin case (replace bobbin case)
10.Machine timing. (check/adjust timing)
11.Burr in hook race, this can happen if a broken needle point jams in the race (remove burr or replace race)
12.Machine timing. (adjust timing)
13.Hook is worn or damaged (typically not a worn hook unless a few hundred hours of use, look for a barbed or bent hook point) Watch following Singer video... see testing top thread tension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7N4XaIV6ms
and following animation on generic rotary hook sewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqRvljnNLFk

Try a brand new needle. Change thread. Make sure the needle is installed facing the correct direction and is pushed all the way up. The upper tension may be too loose.

Short of that, could be the machine's timing is off.

...

Typically, they go together like this: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/85659/Kenmore-385-15208.html?page=68

change the needle
rethread the machine top thread make sure to get every thread guide
take the bobbin out & make sure it's wound correctly & inserted correctly in the bobbin case or shuttle

From the Sears Kenmore manual:
Using a small brush, remove the lint that accumulates in the shuttle area and around the feed dogs.
To Clean the Shuttle Area:

1. This area must be kept free of dust, lint and occasional tangled thread. Raise the needle bar to its highest point and remove the bobbin case.
2. Push levers of shuttle race aside and lift shuttle race cover and shuttle out.
3. Clean the shuttle race with a small brush.
4. Put a drop of oil on the center pin of the shuttle and shuttle race.

bobbins in backwards
flip it over

You might need to clean the shuttle assembly.

1. Raise the needle bar to its highest position and remove the bobbin case.

2. Push levers sideways of the shuttle assembly and liftshuttle and shuttle race cove out by the center pin.

3. Clean the shuttle race of any lint or small particles of thread with a small brush.

4. Put a drop of oil on the center pin of the shuttle and on the shuttle race.

to reassemble, hold sjuttle by center pin and it carefull into assembly opposit the shuttle driver. Slip shuttle race cover into place. Snap the levers into position.

Occasionally remove the needle plate and clean feed dog with soft brush.

I hope that helps!

machine was working fine when suddenly it just jammed up. Everything seems to be fine, but the balance wheel is completely jammed rigid. I've looked at the shuttle and there are no thread jams at all. The needle moves fine from side to side with different stitch selections, but wont go up and down with the wheel.
I have tried looking in the machine, but I can't find any thread jammed.