Have a Necchi 534FB. The hand wheel does not turn the needle bar, belts are loose. What should I do???

The drive belt only brings power from the motor to the mechanism driven by the hand wheel. Some machines have more than one belt; the other belts are part of the stitch selection mechanism. However, I'm not sure about your model. http://www.searsarchives.com/history/files/sewing_id.pdf lists a 158.492 and a 148.392 but no 153.392. A more likely issue for an older sewing machine is that the stop motion mode is engaged. This disengages the needle bar connection. Does your machine have a knob inside the hand wheel? If so, hold the hand wheel and turn the knob away from you (clockwise). For other machines, check if the bobbin winding mechanism needs to be moved to the left. If these aren't the case, then a linkage between the hand wheel and the needle bar isn't connected properly. The machine would need to be disassembled to find the problem. For any machine with a computer control, this is best done by a sewing machine repair technician unless you have experience with repairing electronics.

I hope this helps. Please add a comment if you misread the model number for further assistance on how the bobbin winding mechanism might be stopping the needle bar. I have assumed that you can freely turn the hand wheel.

Cindy Wells

The first possibility is that the sewing mechanism has been disengaged (as if for winding a bobbin). Hold the hand wheel firmly and turn the disc in the center of the hand wheel back (away from you) until it snaps in. Check if the machine runs. If not, does the needle bar move when you turn the hand wheel; always turn the hand wheel towards you. If the needle bar does move with the hand wheel only, you may need a new motor belt for the machine. The replacement belt is available at several parts stores, including https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/pfaff-1471-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?sort.ss_cat_sort=desc&index=1 . If the belt is fine, then the motor carbon brush or brushes could be faulty. These are also available at SewingPartsOnline.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Is the bobbin wheel actually turning? If so, the bobbin winder is still activated. Have you tried turning the inner wheel on the handwheel to de-activate the bobbin (see video)?

Amber Necchi Machine Basics

If that doesn't help, you may need to take the machine for service.

Manual:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/940234/Necchi-534-Fb.html

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Is there a clutch that allows you to move the fabric through without the needle stitching (usually a knob in the centre of the wheel. That could be loose or worn.

Try this web site:

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/needle-threader-singer-503277.aspx

Most sewing machines can use a double needle, the one with the single mounting shank and it turns into two needles.
MAKE sure you have Zig Zag needle plate installed to accomodate the double needle.
Turn hand wheel slowly to test then use thread and fabric and turn flywheel by hand to test sew.

try this link for parts
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/Necchi-534FB-Sewing-Machine-Parts.aspx

Remove the needle, and place a screwdriver or something like it under the needle bar to keep the wheel from turning.
Wrap the knob in some type of fabric to keep it from being marred.
Using channel locks or water pump pliers, grasp the knob and turn it to the left. It should come loose. Once it is loosened, try it 2 or 3 times to make sure it works as it should.
Wind the bobbin, insert a new needle and have fun again.
sewman7

tighten hand wheel

I solved this problem for a friend,!. the needle was in the wrong way and
2 the bobbin case was not properly seated be sure you hear the 'click 'when
reinserting the bobbin case...hope this is helpful Velz