Gammill recommends replacing the motor belt approximately once every five years.
If the motor belt is too loose, it can slip, causing the crankshaft to start slowly when turning. A belt that is too tight causes drag on the motor and may cause excessive bearing noise.
The motor can be turned manually by using either of the hand wheels located at the back and front of the machine.
When standing at the back of the machine, the motor is turned forward by turning the back hand wheel in the counterclockwise direction. When standing at the front of the machine, the motor is turned forward by turning the front hand wheel in a clockwise direction.
Gammill recommends replacing the motor belt approximately once every five years.
Checking and replacing the motor belt
Gammill recommends replacing your motor belt every five years or 500 quilts, whichever comes first. A worn belt will slip and will be too loose. It can cause:
- The needle to stop too close to the fabric.
- Threads to get caught underneath when you try to pull up the bobbin.
- The machine to take more than one stitch when you only asked for one, or take extra stitches after you stop the machine.
- Long stitches or short stitches when coming in and out of points on a design.
- Inaccurate Stitches Per Inch.
To check and replace the motor belt:
Remove the two screws holding the belt guard in place.
Remove the belt guard.
Look for worn (slick) areas on the inside of the belt, or fraying on the edges of the belt, look for black belt dust inside belt cover area.
To replace, remove the belt by pulling a portion of the belt over the pulley and rotating the hand wheel.
Place a new belt over the pulley.
To adjust, use the Allen wrench to loosen two allen screws. Adjust the motor up/down to achieve the correct tension. When you squeeze in, belt should move about ¼ inch.