Old singer (201k) condensers
 

I have an old sewing machine which I use frequently. The sewing machine dates to 1936. It had an awful modern motor attached, but I managed to locate the original one. It came with the original condenser packed in a way similar to the same one on cars of the same era. It is a sealed tube with four wires coming out from it. Two going to the motor, and two to the contact.

I would like to replace the innards of this condenser, but with modern x rated caps. I will have to drill it open at the bottom so I will not be able to see what's inside. How should I proceed ( I don't want to skip the caps since I want it to look like it looked in 1938 when this motor was attached, similar to when we gut out old radio caps and conceal the modern ones within).

Please find some pictures attached.

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

I'm not familiar with this setup. The BAK motor used in the 201K in the 30s doesn't have an external capacitor. The interference suppression is carried out by two caps in the rheostat pedal. These do often need changing but aren't what you seem to be describing.

I do own a 1934 201K (one of the first ones to come out of Kilbowie) and can take pictures if that would help.

201Ks are often fitted with modern motors and electronic pedals because they are often used by professionals who want something that works well rather than being historically correct.

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

Yes exactly. I am also familiar with that setup, but I really like how this one looks haha :) This is the BRK motor though, and not BAK.

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

Do you perhaps know how I would connect these two condensers? and if it also needs some type of resistor?

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

I'm afraid I have no experience of servicing BRK based Singers. I would only be guessing what the capacitor is doing. You might want to ask on one of the sewing forums, either here in the UK or in the US (or even in Sweden :)). That's where most of the experienced sewing machine mechanics hang out.

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

Aha okay :) As I understood from another forum it is possible to omit them just as on the BAK motor. They are supposed to suppress interference.

I have the manual for the BAK motor, but on this version the condensers are located in a little box below the motor (see pictures). I will take a look in the brk manual if it is have any information that can help.

Re: Old singer (201k) condensers
 

The brk manual looks identical with the box underneath.