Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin 505S-21BH Mechanical Sewing Machine - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

my kenmore 385-19234 does not work when I press start/stop boron

Usually, it is the top thread causing the problem. Rethread entire machine. Then, pull both threads (upper and lower) with the presser foot up and leave a 6" tail. Make sure that you do not miss any guides, check your manual to make sure that you haven't missed a guide in your threading, and the direction of your thread on both bobbin and upper going the right way Youtube has excellent videos on threading for free..

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try turning the pressure up on foot

Most likely the internal lubricants have "seized" or evaporated. Time to take it to a good mechanic and have a proper professional COA (clean/oil/adjust), which would be about $50-75 around here for a mechanical machine. Not using a machine is one of the faster ways to "kill it". Run sewing machines with the needle out, at top speed, for at least 5 minutes a month if you haven't sewn with them that month. They'll be practically immortal that way...

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You may download a copy of the manual at http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0801337.pdf

This sounds less like timing, and more like a threading issue.Make sure the thread is properly in the tension disks in the top of your machine.

Practice and practice some more! Use the same fabric and interfacing as your project and a NEW needle (the correct needle) This is for the Sears Kenmore 385 automatic button hole maker. Make sure you pull the bobbin thread through the Guide Block - it is that simple. Make sure you pull your thread to the back of the machine though the presser foot slot - the correct presser foot. Account for both thread tails before starting to sew. Keep thread tails to the back of the machine 4-5", insert fabric under presser foot keeping thread tails clear. Mark button hole and sew.

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If You have a drop in bobbin you will have to remove the hook and adjust the tension, however try adjusting the top tension before you remove the hook.

check to see if your needle is bent-roll on flat surface to see if it roll good
if the needle make a popping sound when going thru fabric it is blunt
the needle is incorrectly inserted in needle clamp holder
needle & thread not compatable with project
check for warped bobbin
rethread machine
check bobbin area for lint or loose threads
check to make sure thread is not caught on any thing-such as spool pin-notch in spool of thread

1.make sure the needle is not bent --lay the needle on a flat surface & roll the needle over, if needle does not roll good then replace
2.make sure there is enough bobbin thread to pick up
3.make sure the needle is all the way up in the needle clamp
it sound like the needle is hitting the shuttle hook, if the steps above don't work then take it to be serviced

On bobbin holder there is a smaal screw tight or loosen to set tention. [email protected]

Hi! It's possible that the thread is too heavy, but there are other possibilities also. What size needle are you using? Is it a leather/vinyl needle? Also, it could be a tension problem, so try adjusting that on a scrap of the vinyl.

I found this bit about marine threads (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/thread.html). There are different sizes/weights of marine threads and it could be that you need to find a different marine thread.

Hope this helps!

Robbie

Turn the tension control to a higher number,

Hi. The most likely reason for this is that the needle is not inserted correctly. There is a flat side to the needle shank that has to be inserted facing a particular way--to the right as you're facing the machine, or to the left, or to the rear, facing away from you. Most modern machines need the flat side of the needle facing to the rear, so try that first. Also make sure the needle isn't bent or dull.
Hope this helps!
Robbie

I could not find information for the 8 stitch, but if you look through these instructions you should be able to find one that is the same.

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm

If this is a drop-in/horizontal bobbin, raise the needle to it's highest position. Remove the bobbin case then replace it so it fits snugly into the shuttle. Hand walk to see if the case moves freely in a circle. If it stops, it is not positioned correctly. You do not have to have a needle in to test this.

Once you are sure the bobbin case is correctly in place, re-install the needle. Hand Walk to make sure the case turns without any interference.

If the needle continues to hit, then the machine needs to go into the shop for service.

There is a DIY for adjusting the timing of the hook sewusa.com if you wish to try the adjustment on your own.

I could not find any information on this model, but if it is a self-winding horizontal bobbin where the bobbin remains in the bobbin case as it is being wound - it could need repair.

Re-check your manual to make sure every step is working to set-up for winding.

If it still does not work, call a machine repair professional for an estimate. It could just be the timing needs adjusted.