I have kenmore model 385.12914, while i was using, all of sudden it got very heavy and stopped working , now the wheel is jammed . I opened it up tried to see if any thread got stuck, could not find anything. Motor feels OK, plz help how to fix it.

If this is an older metal mechanical machine, it may be seized due to lack of oil.


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

What model is your Kenmore? Older mechanical machines need frequent oiling. If your machine is computerized, you should probably take it for service.


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

Based on some review of this machine, this may very likely be a common problem:


Amazon com Customer Reviews SINGER 4411 Heavy Duty Extra High Sewing Speed...

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it's possible that a part has broken and the motor also could have went out,, it would be a good to have the machine checked

Have you taken out the plate over the feed dogs, and cleaned it out and also cleaned out bobbin area. Some times thread gets jammed her, and stops te wheel from turning

Your needle probably bent and got jammed. clip threads top and bottom of the fabric and remove... then get in the bobbin area and look for issues.

You need to take the bobbin case and the raceway out to seek out the piece of jammed thread, before you do that force the balance wheel backwards that may free it off.

There might be something jamming the petal open so it won't slow or stop when you put your foot on it.. I would try that, get some canned air and blow it out and see if it 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.

When this happens it is because the thread tension was not right so it gets stuck under the bobbin case and the feed dogs. Use a bigger lint brush and take out the bobbin casing and clean out the shuttle. When you rethread pull slightly on the thread before you feed it through the needle. This will make sure the thread is properly in the tension discs.