How much are the singer Merritt 3130 going for on ebay

A: You asked, "Should I trade my Singer Merritt 3130 for Brothers JX2517". Ultimately, it is up to you, as to whether you prefer the more vintage aspects of the Singer-Merritt 3130, or the sewing feel you get from the newer Brother JX2517. If you have been sewing on a Singer-Merritt 3130 which is in proper adjustment for some time and you are used to the sound and feel of this heavier machine, I think you will have more than half the answer already.
However, do compare your Singer Merritt 3130 it to the Brother JX2517. Though I have not used that particular model Brother, I have sewn on several modern "plastic" Brothers, that all sewed very well (most Brothers are great machines), but were all much louder and more rattly than the three Singer Merritt models I own (two Models 4552 (the first one I owned quickly became my favorite GO-TO machine for most tasks) plus one more modern "plastic" Singer Merritt 9618, that I was quite impressed with too, though it is a different ball game.
The Brother JX2517, looks as if it has a lot of bells and whistles, and does 17 stitch patterns and a 4-Step Buttonhole; it might be OK for you, but you must do some sewing tests with both. Because this Brother it is a modern machine, it won't take much maintenance, but if something goes wrong you probably will not be able to fix it yourself, and will need to take it into a repair shop (where, unfortunately, they may just want to sell you the next new model they have in stock).
When it gets down to really sewing, the added fancy stitches will not matter to you at all. What you will want is a machine that lays the stitches down where you want them, predictably and reliably without missing a stitch, jamming or fouling. Try them side by side without the pressure of a salesman standing over you, nibbling your ear and praising the new machine and pointing out the limitations of your old machine. Test sewing on very thick folds of denim and also on very thin layers of cotton, rayon or even silk, but mostly test the type of stuff you usually sew. Look closely at the stitches, if either machine does not produce nearly perfect stitches, then you cannot make a decision right then, that is not until both have been properly adjusted to sew nearly perfect stitches (which I am sure both can be so adjusted). Only when both machines are sewing at their best, can you really compare the two for the finer details.
Try closing your eyes to just "Listen" and "Feel" each machine as it sews, but don't get your fingers caught ! Which machine would you enjoy sewing with in the long run. The answer should be clear, but if not, there is always another option.
ALTERNATIVE: If you are still not sure which is better for you, and if you are still hell-bent to buy yourself a new toy, then don't "Trade In" your Singer Merritt 3130, but instead Bargain with the Salesman or Owner, to get them to give you the "Trade-In Discount", without giving up your old machine. I did this on a new Singer CG590, but be careful, you may end up with more sewing machines than you have room for. Keep sewing.
Sincerely,
-- Amender (2016 FEB 24)

go to this site:
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/652_288-974-972-244-2405-588-875-1195-3130-3140.pdf

or to that one:
http://www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals/search?man_model_no=1

in about half page you have listed 244 model and few others, it is free download, do not buy... just free download...

there is link to video as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DexrUyBQpA

hope this will help you, do not forget to vote... :-)

That's impossible to tell; generally, it's what you can get for it. You might try to find out what people are asking for it used on ebay, though.

There is one for sale on eBay right now for $12.99. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Merritt-Sewing-Machine-Replacement-Tension-Assembly-Model-2404-/151468509588?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23443a0994

There sure is! Just go to the Singer sewing machine site, and there's a page where you can type in your model and click the button, and your machine is right there for free download.

Do you have a manual? If not, you can download one from singerco.com. It sounds like the top tension is too loose. Lowering the presser foot will engage the tension disks. The tension disks are located behind the needle thread tension dial. Slowly lower the presser foot, watching the tension disks press together. The thread passes between the tension disks around from the right, underneath and back up to the take up lever. The manual will tell you the location of these parts.

here are 2 links, see if they can help you
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=inserting%20bobbin%20and%20threading%20needle%20on%20singer%20merritt%203130&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ehow.com%2Fhow_5066484_use-singer-merritt-sewing-machine.html&ei=uhBjUNmnKYKLqwGO7oHwBA&usg=AFQjCNF0I4hoandqrvyUB3QSEuSlf4xUOg


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=inserting%20bobbin%20and%20threading%20needle%20on%20singer%20merritt%203130&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CD0QFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ehow.com%2Fhow_5731749_thread-bobbin-singer-sewing-machines.html&ei=uhBjUNmnKYKLqwGO7oHwBA&usg=AFQjCNHRdFH7KmYm-eyhDl_3aDOa7ZGNVw

Here you go. This manual covers several models including yours.

http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/652_288-974-972-244-2405-588-875-1195-3130-3140.pdf

try
sewingpartsonline.com

You can order parts through the Singer parts centers listed on this page:
http://www.singerco.com/support/replacement_parts_ssc_list.html