Loud popping noise

[monogramsbylaura]

When needle case moves there is a loud popping noise as if the gears ane not aligned correctly. I have read other posts and done the steppers needle home thing. This corrected it for a time but now doing it again. What's the recurring cause and how do I correct this. Thanks, Laura

[gcannon]

Tools>steppers>thread feed>home. See if that does the trick. I usually do it about 3 times just to be sure.

[Rod or Sharon]

Hi Laura,
If the stepper home process doesn't correct the popping, there are several other things that can be the problem. Have you done a thorough cleaning, greasing and oiling of everything? There could also be thread wrapped around something or you could have a fractured drive gear. We have replaced many out in the field. If it completely breaks, your dead in the water. Start by giving your machine a good cleaning, oiling and greasing. See if that helps. Be sure and look good for little pieces of thread caught anywhere.
Sharon

[monogramsbylaura]

Thanks Rod and Sharon
Clean machine and lubrication stays current. I dont see any broken pieces around the gears etc. The stepper home corrects it but the problem returned. Not sure what caused it in the first place. I'm going to calibration, stepper, home with each needle. Is this correct?

[gcannon]

If what Rod has mentioned above hasn't been done correctly & often, the thread feed gears can sometimes stop in between clicks & cause problems too. And once, one of the little brass bushing fell off of one of mine & caused a problem.

[JTB Embroidery Services, Inc.]

I have a NON XT (Red Machine) and an XT. I have experienced a similar type CLICKING on color changes that is unrelated to the thread feed gears but can sound about the same. Depending on the machine, the alignment of the black panels on the front of the machine, a clicking noise can be heard when the alignment bar on the needle bars moves out of the reciprocator into the guide slot on the black covers. On the XT, I push the cover down as far as possible then tighten the screws and on the NON XT I push the covers as high as possible and tighten the screws. No clicking in that area of the machine.

Regard,
Douglas J. Parker
JTB Embroidery Services, Inc.
Denver, CO 80219-4319

[Rod or Sharon]

Doug,
When tightening the black covers, if you will put the screws in and tighten just enough so the machine can run back and forth without hanging up on them--tight but not completely tight--then you run the machine back and forth to properly position the black covers and finish tightening the screws. Then do it to the other side the same way. Was that clear?
Sharon

[gcannon]

Yea, hey, I forgot about that little feature, good catch, Douglas!

[Rod or Sharon]

I failed to mention that the little drive gear I am referring to is not the threadfeed drive gears--it is the main drive gear.
Sharon

[JTB Embroidery Services, Inc.]

Hi Sharon,
Tnx for the input. I have used that method in the past, but find it is quicker and works the way I am doing it. have been doing it that way since my non XT machine was new, and then again after getting the XT.

Regards,

Douglas J. Parker
JTB Embroidery Services, Inc.
Denver, CO 80219-4319