I have a Singer model 431g sewing machine the problem that I am having is when I press the foot control softly it will not move, but when I press the foot control all the way down it moves very slowly. Do I need a new foot control or is there something wrong with the motor ?

Gary, February 2012

Singer used two carbon piles in its foot controller. Over the years, some of the carbon wafers in either or both piles break or powder allowing a gap/space between the rest of the wafers. If a sufficient number of these wafers break down, essentially all you have left is an on/off switch, because contact is only made (internally) when the controller is all the way down. Replacing the foot controller is the quickest in this case. However, the controller has a "full throttle" adjustment screw that if too loose or bent (resulting in poor contact because of shortened screw length) , results in this type of symptom. Either way, it is easily repaired. I pulled my 431G out of a scrap heap and after replacing one spring, has been working like new. IMHO, the best machine ever made by singer. (next to the 222K which I also have)

Kelly Romain, Ontario, Canada, June 2012

only way to be sure is either to borrow foot control or put direct power to motor to see where problem is. bad rheostat in foot control or binding/worn bushes or brushes in motor. does machine turn easily by hand,maybe need some oil?

johan, February 2012