Where should upper tension be to start out with a thompson mini walking foot pw201?
I'd want to check to be sure the thread is not getting caught on anything, which can mimic upper tension issues. Check the thread path, all the guides, the spool pin, the take up lever and needle bar, for nicks or wrapped up thread.
Tension discs can wear out with age. I'd try cleaning them, fold a thin pieces of soft cloth and gently work it between the discs. Should remove anything stuck in there. Just a touch of one of the silicone thread lube products may be helpful. I'd apply it to a piece of thread and then work the thread through the discs, rather than apply the lube directly to the discs.
Walking feet themselves usually don't need anything special in terms of tension. But you do need to be able to sew a balanced stitch.
Using a thread coloured differently for bobbin and top helps you see if it's balanced. All one colour on top, all the other colour on the bottom, is what you want to see. If you see pops of the other colour on top or bottom, there's a problem. If you see the bottom thread on top, or vice versa, there's a tension problem.
Thread damaged by an burr in the needle eye can fray and mimic upper tension issues too. I always try replacing the needle with a brand new one, which sometimes fixes all sorts of things. Brand new is best, not just another needle.
If none of this helps, then you may be looking at needing a new tension mechanism, or rebuilding the one you have. Best of luck.
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