SOURCE: Kenmore Sewing maching 158 15510: sewing mechanism
You put the hook (the half moon thing with a sharp point on it) in the machine by placing it opposite the little curved bar. Make sure it is seated properly on the ridge. The you take the race, the circular part with a small plate on the top and place that over the hook(the plate side will be facing up). It will only fit a certain way, it could have a slot that a notch fits into (that is usually how it goes). Then slide the arms over it and they will snap into place. Once done, turn the handwheel and make sure everything moves smoothly. If not, you'll need to start over as something isn't seated correctly. Then you can install the bobbin case as usual.
SOURCE: Activia 130
Is the Activa a lower end machine? It sounds like it might simply need a service. The only time I have experieneced a machine refusing to sew when was it was gummed up with old oil and seized. Check all points of electricity when the cables plug in. It might sound obvious, but I've been caught out before :)
SOURCE: kenmore sewing machine won't sew vinyl
There is several things you should use when stitching vinyl, treat it the same as leather. The main issue usually is getting the feed dogs to grip and move it through; this is why there are commercial grade machines specifically for leather hides and fur etc, it is tricky to stitch.
To stitch on a domestic machine, you need a leather needle with a spear tip to cut the leather so it doesn't split. Also, if you can get one, use a roller foot to roll over the fabric, or a teflon foot if you can't find a roller one. Also, use paper clips rather than pins to hold raw edges together (remove as they approach the foot and needle). You may also need to bash seams open after stitching (rubber mallet) and glue down the raw edges, this is how leather hides are stitched professionally. If you have to join more than 2 layers ie crossing seams, you'll probably need a Jeans-a-ma-jig device to help with feeding through the thickness and still getting feed. Like this http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/shop/jean-a-ma-jig.html
You don't say what it is actually doing, ie stitches not catching, or the feed dogs not moving it through?
But if it is an entry level machine, it may not have sufficient engine power to pierce the vinyl, especially if the textile is thick. Also, don't try to use a heavier thread than normal weight, if you want the stitching to look heavier, then just run two reels of thread through all the thread guides, tension and the needle eye together. Something like buttonhole twist will be too heavy for the bobbin tension and top tension to handle.
Hope that this helps you with your project.
SOURCE: How do I put the shuttle race and the shuttle hook back into my front loading sewing machine?
You didn't provide the make & model of your machine, but one of these may be helpful:
install bobbin shuttle Google Search
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