HELP! Machine problems!

[pinkwoodrose]

I am sewing vinyl and my Singer Model 20U33 is giving me problems.

The knob that I turn on the flywheel, to wind bobbins and disengage the sewing foot, won't stay in the locked position.  I can sew a few stitches and it comes undone like it would be if I were winding bobbins.  I have checked everything I know and all I can do is DUCT TAPE it to the flywheel.
My tried and true repairman passed away last year and I am in a small town. HELP :o
Thanks for what info you can give me. I'm on a Nov 30th deadline and have lots,,,of sewing to do.   R

[lamx]

I suspect the last time you loosened the stop motion clamp screw to wind a bobbin, the stop motion clamp washer, part 505009 in the Parts diagram at: http://parts.singerco.com/IPpartCharts/20U31_33.pdf dislodged and is now not properly seated on the tail of the main shaft.  I checked the Instruction Manual at http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/20U.pdf and the Service manual at http://parts.singerco.com/IPsvcManuals/20U31_33_35.pdf and neither one tells how to properly install that washer.  The good news is that it can only be installed four ways:

- The way it is now
- Rotated 180 degrees
- flipped over
- Rotated 180 degrees

Try all options and one should work for you.

Ed

[pinkwoodrose]

Thanks Ed, I will definately check out the service manuals as well. 
I don't understand what you mean by 180, etc.  Thanks sooo much for your help!
Rose :)

[gozierdt]

180 degrees is one half of a full turn. So take the washer off, turn it 1/2 of a turn, then put it back in and try it.

[Can-Vas]

180 degrees is one half of a full turn. So take the washer off, turn it 1/2 of a turn, then put it back in and try it.

Oh THAT degree  -  And I thought. 'gee that's one hot washer..'