I have a Singer 7364 sewing machine. The needle won't go down when I turn the wheel and it makes a loud 'EERR' sound. When I tried to sew it wouldn't let me. Even to turn the hand wheel round is a problem as it doesn't turn all the way around which doesn't allow the needle to go to the highest level or lowest level.
I've taken the bobbin plate off, as well as the bobbin case, to examine further and when I did look further down under it I saw some pieces of greasy threads jammed in what looks like 2 black metal cogs. I plucked them out, but still I'm having trouble getting it to work. I know it's not the bobbin winder as it's been pushed to the left away from the hand wheel.
I have also tried taking the machine apart. I unscrewed all the necessary screws, but the frames won't budge. Please help!
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I live in Scotland now (but spent 40+years in the US); I teach total newbies how to sew, and I'm do a bit of repair tech work as well. I know, therefore, whereof I speak.
First, I think you may have switched up your model identification numbers as there isn't a Singer 7364 - but there IS a Singer 7463, also called a Confidence. Here's a link to the free user manual download from the Singer USA site:
www.singerco.com/
If your machine is indeed the Confidence 7463, it's not quite a 'vintage' machine but it is coming close to being considered one - and may be one if older than ten years at this point. Singer machines are wonderful, with many (including the Confidence) being considered 'basic+' entry level machines with very reasonable pricing - but these ARE NOT our gran's sewing machines and so will A-become 'vintage' much sooner than in previous build days, and B-wear out much sooner than previous builds.
It is possible to eke more years out of these machines - but to do so the owner-user needs to be scrupulous about annual servicing...no offence but I do have the feeling (mostly from the mention of what you pulled from the 'hook race' area) that servicing hasn't been kept up with on your machine.
Right, it sounds to me as though the bobbin gear has failed, or there is something caught in that area - and no, it's not the 'hook race' area you've cleaned, but deeper into the machine and you REALLY shouldn't have tried to go in there! For starters, you're VERY lucky you didn't get the electrical shock of your life - static build-up has to be discharged and if not done so correctly has the power (pun intended) to cause grievous bodily harm if not death.
You have created what most repair techs refer to as 'a basket case' meaning it requires a container to carry the machine and all the parts removed in a well intentioned attempt to save some money on repairs.
At the point your machine is now, your ONLY option is to gather up all the bits into a sturdy box and take the machine to a qualified (factory trained, preferably) for repair and putting back together what you've undone.
The repair tech is going to charge you from $50-$125 and this cost will be for the parts and labour to repair the machine+his/her extra efforts for putting your basket case back together correctly - if he/she is feeling generous, the cost MAY include a proper servicing as well but don't count on that generosity.
Be properly apologetic for trying something you're not at all qualified to attempt, and he/she may only charge you an additional $25 for a servicing (cleaning, oiling, checking for your next parts fail). Otherwise you will likely be charged another $40-65 for the servicing - but either way you should pay for that servicing because without a proper servicing that machine is going to break down again and sooner, rather than later.
If he/she attempts to convince you to give up on the machine - ask why, and listen very carefully to everything he/she says. It may be the machine has been abused to the point it cannot be reliably repaired and should be 'retired'.
A new machine comparable to your 7463 will cost you around $200USD - but will come with a warranty and the chance to start with a new machine you will hopefully take for regular servicing - EVERY YEAR.
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