Machine is noisy; top thread breaks, even though needle has been changed out (it seems the thread gets caught on something inside the top)

check the age of the cotton
cotton is not a single thread but a series of fine threads bonded with a glue
old cotton glue breaks down and the thread separates easilty
next check that the needle is installed correctly with the grove ( thread groove away from the bobbin hook
check the needle and hook timing because if it is off a fraction , the hook will pierce the the thread causing it to break
next check that the eye is the correct size for the thread in use
a needle eye too small for the thread thickness will jam the thread ans not let slide through the eye properly

I would double check your Threading. Make sure the thread coming from the spool is not getting caught on something. Try keeping the presser foot up, and then pull out some thread from the back of the needle, does it seem tight to pull? Now lower the presser foot, is it more difficult to pull out? It should be but not so much that it is bending the needle.
If it is to tight, there could thread caught in the tension discs. Remove the left side panel above the needle on the machine. Check to see if you can see any threads. IF not, lower the thread tension and see if that helps. Good luck

There are several things that can cause the top thread to break. Tight tension on the bobbin thread could be a problem, but you may have a different issue if the thread is catching in the bobbin case.

Something worth trying: install a brand new needle. Remove all the thread from the machine, ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot, and rethread the top thread from the beginning. Confirm the thread path is correct. Also, rethread the bobbin case and verify the bobbin is turning the correct direction in the bobbin case. Also, try a different type of thread (AVOID old or bargain bin thread.)

Why does the upper thread keep breaking Brother

Why is my thread breaking

Sewing Machine Problem 1 Thread Breakage

One more thing. You mentioned it is a vintage machine. Has it been thoroughly cleaned and oiled recently? These old mechanicals need frequent and regular TLC to keep them purring. It could be the bobbin area needs fresh oil to keep it rotating smoothly.

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

these are suggestion, if they don't help then the machine needs to be checked at a sewing machine shop
The top thread breaks


1. the needle thread is not threaded properly


2. The needle thread tension is to tight


3. The needle is bent or blunt


4. The needle is incorrectly inserted


5. The needle thread & the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting to sew


6. the threads were not drawn to the rear after sewing


7. The thread is either to heavy or to fine for the needle


8. Try a different spool or cone of thread

try another needle
rethread the machine top & bobbin
clean under the needle plate & in the bobbin area for lint or threads
if none of these things help then I suggest the machine get's serviced just
incase the timing is messed up

Upper thread breaks
1.the needle may be bent or damaged--try rolling the needle on a flat surface to see if it's bent or not
Or the needle could be in backwards
Correct needle insertion
Correct needle insertion is mandatory for proper use of sewing machine.
Raise the needle bar to the highest point, then loosen the clamp screw to remove the old needle, place the new needle in the clamp with the flat side to the back of the machine or if using a round needle--the groove in the needle should face away from the shaft.
Push the needle all the way up to the stop or as far as it will go, then tighten the needle clamp screw
2.upper tension may be to tight--try 3 to 5
3.thread may be hanging up in bobbin case--check area for loose threads or lint
???
Lower thread breaks
The most probable cause of lower thread breaking is improperly wound bobbin
1.always start with a empty bobbin
Never wind one color over the other
2.choose thread that is identical in color & type as the one to be used for upper threading
3.wind the bobbin evenly across & in layers
4.don't wind the bobbin so full that it would be tight & hard to insert into bobbin case
5.bent bobbin--replace
6.lint built up in the bobbin case--frequent cleanings will eliminate this problem, the more often you use the sewing machine the more often it needs to be cleaned
7.thread catching on the bobbin spring or latch on bobbin case, check to see that the bobbin is inserted completely & correctly, & that you are using the right kind of bobbin

for the top & bobbin thread keep thread tails of 3 to 6 inches long pulled behind the needle before you start sewing

yes,sometimes the thread will get caught on the spool, you might think about getting a extra holder that sets behind the machine to hold those spool's that the thread get caught on, that's what I did.

Hi. So is this a horizontal hook? Where is the thread getting caught beneath the needle? Maybe on the hook? Check your upper threading to make sure the thread passes through the thread take-up lever. If thread is not through the lever, it wont get pulled up , which can lead to multiple thread loops getting caught on the hook, not pulling off after the rotation.

try rethreading the machine
the top thread tension might be to tight
needle may not be inserted into needle clamp correctly
thread could be caught on something like--spool pin--notch on spool
needle may be damaged

It sounds to me like something may have been accidently changed. Double check bobbin is clean and in correct position. Also see if there is a thread caught in one of the tension guides, by pulling a thread carefully through the machine towards the needle.
Rather than breaking needles, test the tension by putting foot down and pulling on thread by hand , if its too easy to pull through something is causing the tension to be too loose

indicates the needle hook timing is off and the hook is penetrating the thread instead of picking it up cleanly
make sure that the needle is in correctly with the thread groove facing the right way