So I've taken the bottom off the machine, and my first and most obvious question:
The lining of the metal base plate - perhaps originally some kind of industrial felt? Well now it's so oil and grease sodden it's like a fire risk! it's black, semi-liquid almost, stuck in various places and oozing gunge at the edges. So I've got to strip it off, I really have.
Should I replace it? Was it there to soak up excess oil? To keep the noise down at the bottom of the machine? What might I replace it with?
Suggestions gratefully received - it can't stay!
ETA - okay I see it's called a "felt drip pad" and I could buy one or a featherweight
Off to search for one for a 401 . . .