Kenmore 158.1703 sewing machine - needle not going up and down

If it's an older mechanical machine, it most likely has seized due to lack of recent, thorough oiling. Refrain from forcing the machine to run as it could damage the motor.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

best suggestion try inserting new needle. cotton up the top suggests needle problem or incorrect top thread tension, this would effect the feed dog. Because thread is black and most recent use was with pink, the problem thread was already there perhaps in cavity above bobbin but below throat plate. I have had this happen and nothing will move, untill needle released. The bobbin holder tension may also need adjusting after the knots of black cotton are removed.

Your machine is an older mechanical. It needs cleaning and oiling to keep it going. It is probably seizing because the old oil has dried. Continued use could damage the motor.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

If I remember the 301 is an American model slant needle with a gear driven motor, the machines were known as 'Rockets' the noise you can hear is the play in the shaft of the motor which is very common to that model if it is where the noise is coming from, if the noise is coming from the needle area then a drop of oil might do it some good.

move needle down

Don't know if this is helpful...but I have a very old Kenmore and 2 Brothers. I used the same needles with all 3 machines. No problems.

Where is the model number on Kenmore machines?

Have you changed the needle? If you have sewn for many hours it may just be a matter of a new needle. Be sure to use flat back kenmore or kenmore compatiable needles...no Singer (too long).

hi! there wind thread on bobbins winder 4 times by your hand rotate clockwise,insert in shaft bobiins winder on top of your machine near hand wheel push latch to engage loop thread on disc winder tension start your machine on pedal foot automatically winder disengage if already filled up of thead pull this winder and insert to bobbins casing insert thread to slot and pull out winder should rotate clockwise as shown.insert on shuttle hook casing and close cover needle plate.next thread your upper

threading tension as shown on red threading from spool pull threading and loop to dial tension threading and insert thread to lever needle and to needle hole tip. pull tread under the needle foot and feeder tooth.rotate hand wheel counter clockwise to hook up thread bobbibs and appear at top of needle plate,teo thread shoul appear,set dial tension to # 3 and stich to # 8 range to # 12 depend on fabric and layer of fabrics and set on straight stich sewing,let needle on upper position insert fabric for trial sewiing.put down foot needle lever. manually by hand rotate for assurance needle is free to sew if obtruction on loop bobbins thread occurs adjust all tension gradually then try again until free from sewing w/o problem star sewing.

you can use schmetz, i actually prefer them