Husqvarna 500 feed dogs. I was told I should replace my feed dogs. The stitch length is shorter than usual and the teeth do seem worn down so I'm assuming this is true. First, do you know where I can get the new feed dog and also is this something I could replace myself? I have done some work on machines before but wonder if this might be a more complicated task.

Check stitch length setting. If selecting a long stitch length doesn't remedy the problem then it likely needs maintenance (clean and lube).

Hi, The machine has knobs for stitch length and width. Also, there is a small white button that drops the feed dog for darning. It is located below the knobs and locks in the down position, push it in and up slightly to get it to release and the feed dog will come up..
It is also possible that the stitch length is stuck in the Zero length position, which would require you to remove the back plastic cover to get at the mechanism for oiling. Be careful the old plastic will break easily.
Bob

Could be any of a multitude of reasons.

Check whether the feed dogs are actually rising 'above' the needle plate. If not, then they may be in a dropped position used for darning and free motion quilting.

Sometimes the feed dogs and the mechanism underneath is jammed with lint and debris. Make sure the dog teeth are well cleaned. Also check if the tips of the teeth are worn. Also verify that the needle plate is flush with the free arm--if it is raised, it will prevent the feed dogs from doing their job.

The other thing to check is whether the machine has a presser foot pressure adjustment. Some machines have it, others do not. On newer machines, it is usually a dial somewhere around the left side of the head or toward to top of the head. On older machines, unfortunately, some are simply a big screw head on the inside of the case directly above the presser foot bar. It basically applies more pressure to the presser foot, which in turn applies more pressure to the feed dogs. The problem will usually show up when sewing either very heavy or very fine fabric. Perhaps trying a different presser foot will make a difference.

I don't know what is the highest number the stitch length goes to on your machine, but a #2 stitch length is pretty short on mine. Try setting it higher.

Sewing Machine Presser Foot Stuck

Singer 6235 User Manual

see if this link helps you out.
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBGB719GB719&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=My+needle+is+only+sewing+in+place.+the+feed+dog+is+u

under the foot around the needle, there should be two rows of what look like teeth, these pull the material through and there will be an adjustment mechanism on the machine. Try leaving the foot up while you run the machine, you should see the teeth going up and down; if they are it is most likely just a case of setting up the amount of pull. I think it is adjusted with the wheel that sets the length of stitch.

Check that the stitch length is set to make ~10 stitches per inch. This stitch is long enough to actually move the fabric. If the stitch length is set too short, the fabric will stay barely move and the needle will stitch almost in place.

Check that the feed dogs have not been dropped for darning or free motion quilting. In this position, they do not rise and are, therefore, unable to contact the fabric to pull it through the machine.

With the presser foot raised and using no fabric, hand rotate the handwheel and watch if the feed dogs actually drop down below the needle plate, move toward the front of the machine, then rise above the needle plate, and move toward the back of the machine. If the feed dogs are moving in this manner, then they are functioning properly.

Is there lint or gunk stuck in the feed dogs? This will restrict the ability of the feed dogs to grip the fabric.

Are the feed dogs worn? Are the little teeth worn so there are no sharp points?

What type fabric are you using? If it is very light-weight or slick fabric, the feed dogs will have a difficult time gripping the fabric. Most machines have a presser foot pressure adjustment so that more pressure is applied between the presser foot and the feed dogs. Consult your Owner's Manual. The adjustment is usually a dial either on the left side of the machine, on the front of the machine located above the needle bar, or on vintage machines it is usually a skrew located under the top lid above the needle bar.

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check where the direction button/lever is
it controls the feed mechanism and if it is in the middle the teeth will just go up and down
set it one way and it moves forward and set the other way will go in reverse
it is graduated to provide a stitch length ( number of stitches per 1")

Remove the needle plate and make sure there is no lint obstructing the feed dogs. If they are clear, it is usually the feed dog step motor gone bad. You should have your machine serviced by an authorized Husqvarna Viking dealer. You can find your nearest dealer at the Husqvarna Viking website - http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us

If you have a drop feed mechanism make sure you have not dropped the teeth down by mistake, make sure you have enough pressure on the foot, remember you should not be able to pull the fabric through by hand if the teeth are up

Did you turn the handwheel? The feed teeth will not come up until the machine is operated. Run it a few stitches and they will come up.