Elna contessa 400 bobbin winder does not engage,probably need new friction ring where to buy

Elna Contessa 400.

I don't find a manual for the 400.
Maybe contact Elna st the link below. Show the manuals they offer.
Contact Us is at the upper right.


Elna United States Machine Manuals

That symbol indicates the bobbin winder is engaged. disengage the bobbin winder, all should be good. If not the micro switch that indicates the bobbin winder is engaged (when it's not) may need adjust or replacement. See a tech

part number 1939 Looks like a normal bobbin winder friction ring. Try sew classic. they have some generic ones in a few different sizes. (btw.... looks like a Janome one might fit, but I didn't find it)

http://shop.sew-classic.com/Bobbin-Winder-Parts-Rings-Tires_c16.htm

is the belt slipping now? You'll probably need to take off the top cover and see if you can clean up the spilt lubricant off the bobbin winder mechanisim and the drive belt on the right of this. The bobbin winder is friction driven, a rubber ring around a plastic barrel and when you click this over to the right the rubber ring drives off the main drive part of the machine.

removing the top panel is a bit tricky because you've got the handle there too, two screws unscrew it, then you need to manouvere the cover upwards and left to get it out of the bobbin feed part then tip it to the back of the machine to give you a view of the inners. You might want to subscribe to the Yahoo group called "Elna Heirlooms" as there's probably a prior thread on this there, lots of Swiss Elna owners who service their own machines, very useful place to visit.

check with sewingpartsonline.com

most machines will have a rubber o ring as part of the bobbin winding mechanism, when you engage the bobbin winder, this o-ring will move over against the main engine drive wheel and this then makes the bobbin spindle turn. So yes, you may need to replace the rubber o-ring, they can perish and wear. Called Bobbin Winder Tyre, you could try www.sewingpartsonline.com, they have loads of Kenmore models listed but can't see yours. However, if you email them, they should be able to advise what part number it is. If you start by opening up the machine case and take a look at the bobbin winder area first, you may find this rubber has split or perished.

If the fly wheel is going around then the clutch isn't disengaged to wind the bobbin, you need to pull out the flywheel on your model to disengage the clutch for bobbin winding.


Take thread from thread spool across to bobbin winder thread guide, then back to bobbin and thread the tail through the hole on top of the bobbin. Place bobbin onto spindle on top of machine and then push it against the stop to engage the bobbin winding motor. HOld the thread tail up and start winding slowly until the bobbin core has been covered including the starting point. Stop and trim off the thread tail with scissors. COntinue winding bobbin and give the thread a nudge if needed to wind evening top middle and bottom of the bobbin. A good smooth wind is important. Also don't wind at full speed and keep an eye on the thread reel that the thread is coming off, you don't want it bouncing around as this will **** the thread and stretch then relax it affecting your bobbin wind.

Obviously if you know this and the bobbin winding mechanisim is just not working, then it will need a service/replacement by an Elna repair person.

Do you also need to press the bobbin spindle over against a stop to make it engage the bobbin winder? Many of these mechanical machines have a system where the bobbin winder is driven by a black rubber which is engaged against the main drive wheel in this way.

So, if you are disengaging the clutch, pushing the spindle over, and still no action, then it could be that this black rubber wheel has perished.

Try http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/elna-120-sewing-machine-parts.aspx this page, you will see the black tyre item I mean.

Might be something you'd prefer to ask a service technician to do as he could give the machine a good clean and lube at the same time, the older machines will keep going providing you can get spares and they get a good service from time to time.

When you have the winder rubber on try and turn the winder by hand, if it does not move the chances are the winder has seized, if the winder wheel is moving but not the spindle then the grip (thread) has worn, if you cannot move the whole winder by hand and it has seized you need to get some WD40 and spray a few drops down the spindle, take an electric drill and put it over the top of the spindle and switch it on slowly and it will probably free it off, be aware of oil splashing out.
you mighjt get a digram from www.tandtrepair.com

It might need a new bobbin winder ring.