Complete the circle

I had an email from a reader who has a Kenmore 158.1561281. It's jammed.  It sounds like a thread lock.  It occurred to me that perhaps folks don't know how to get the hook out of this type of machine. 

When I bought my mid arm Bailey (http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/homequilter.html) Mr. Bailey taught me how to take the hook out and put it back in.  This step is necessary every time the bobbin is changed because so much lint can build up and he recommends oiling the race every bobbin change.  "Complete the circle" was his way of explaining how the hook goes back in.  Perfect.

First you have to get the hook out.

On the free arm it is easy. 

Open the door

Remove the bobbin case

Identify the two tabs that hold the race cover in place

They simply turn outward to release the race cover

Pull on the stem of the hook and everything falls out.  Unless it is really gummed up or there is thread caught around the hook

This is the time that I clean the race and the hook.  I check the hook for burrs and hone any rough spots.  You have to be careful to gently hone any burrs.  The hook must have a sharp hook so that it can pick up the thread.

When putting it all back together, complete the circle

Replace the race cover making sure that the tab on it matches the notch in the race assembly.  It really won't go in easily any other way. (That isn't dirt in there; it is artifact from the "Smart Fix" in Photo Shop)

Then just put the tabs back over in place 

And replace your bobbin case.  Be sure that the bobbin case finger fits into the notch in the race cover.  It won't work otherwise.