monopas

If it makes you feel any better, although I haven't used Syl-glyde in a sewing machine, I have used it in my gas clothes dryer to lubricate the shaft that the drum spins on. Suggested by appliance repair sources on the Internets. At least three years in use, no problems at all. I'd use it in sewing machine gears, though I'd keep an eye on them. It seems very similar to the Tri-Flow grease, just no PTFE. Might be a little stiffer. At least it doesn't have any lithium in it!

KenmoreGal2

Thanks monopas!

ThayerRags

Dab your finger into your Vaseline jar and smear a little petroleum jelly on the gears for the time being until you can get what you want for a filler lubricant.

CD in Oklahoma

miriam

zackly what I was thinkin'

KenmoreGal2

What do I do when the Tri Flow arrives? Will I have to remove the vaseline or just add the Tri Flow to what's already on the gears?

miriam

just wipe it down then use a little rubbing alcohol - take care not to get any on the paint though.

Rodney

The sewing machine guy in town told me to just use any light synthetic grease. I would use the Napa stuff over the lithium grease. Vaseline works in a pinch, IIRC I read in one of the grease discussions here that some old manuals recommended petroleum jelly for lubing the motors.
Pretty much any grease is better than no grease.
Old grease does eventually break down and lose it's lubricating properties. I would say that the old grease in your machine was due for replacement.
Rodney

KenmoreGal2

Thanks for all the replies so far.

miriam

grease and lint aren't a good mix.

mlmack

Super Lube would work also, if you can find it locally. It's a synthetic grease with Teflon, just like Tri-Flow.

I bought mine at Harbor Freight.