Reliable 5400SO FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SERGING MACHINES

Sewing machine operators can often help themselves when their machine does not operate
properly. Here are some simple instructions, which if properly used, can save you time and
mechanic’s service call.

What do I check when the thread breaks?

Poor thread quality (too old, not strong enough).
Check for defective needles (bent or blunt).
Check to see if needle is inserted correctly.
Make sure you are using the correct needle system, See owners manual.
Check for incorrect passing of the thread.
Check thread tension, could be to tight or to loose.

What do I check when the needles are breaking?

Select the correct needle size for the type of work being stitched.
Make sure you are using the correct needle system, See owners manual
Check and make sure the needle is inserted correctly.
Check to make sure pressure foot is inserted correctly.
Machine very dirty, remove needle plate and clean sewing area.
Check needle guard setting. See owner’s manual.
Check the timing. See owner’s manual.

What do I check for skipped stitches?

Select the correct needle size for the work being stitched?
Make sure you are using the correct needle system, See owners manual.
Replace the needle with a new one.
Check and make sure the needle is inserted correctly.
Check and make sure the passing of the thread is correct.
Machine very dirty, remove needle plate and clean sewing area.
Check the timing. See owner’s manual.

What do I do when the fabric is gathering? (Not coming out flat)

Check the differential setting.
Loosen the lock nut and adjust the differential bar.
Moving the bar up will cause stretching.
Moving the bar down will cause gathering.

How do I adjust the bight (width of the stitch)?

Adjusting the knives to the

right

allow for a wider bight. Adjusting the knives to the

left

allow

for a narrower bight.

How do I know when the knives need to be sharpened?

You can test the knives by placing a piece of fabric between the upper and the lower knives.
Turn the hand wheel until it cuts.
A clean cut means the knives are sharp.
If the cut is not clean the knives need to be sharpened, or replaced.

How do I know when to add oil the machine?

Check the oil level window to make sure the oil is up to the red mark (see owner’s manual)
As you are running the machine you should see the oil bubbling-up in the oil filler cap.
If the oil does not bubble-up when the machine is running, check and clean oil filter;
You should not operate the machine if the oil does not bubble-up.