Thread Number: 13053
Rainbow Issue?
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Post# 139108   6/9/2011 at 01:22 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Hey all, I had purchased a Rainbow E2 new, and my mother fell in love with all the bragging I did about it, but she could not really afford a new Rainbow. I found her one on Ebay, a complete system, Its the E2 12 Gold colored *I have the blue*, The vacuum was pretty dirty, the seperator was horrible. I cleaned it up the best I could and got it all together. The vacuum sounds and sucks VERY good on high, but on low, there is this strange kind of high pitched whining noise,,, its kind of hard to describe. I know I read that the gold colored units are louder than the blue ones, but this noise is pretty loud. I will try to get a video on youtube so maybe someone can hear and explain it.. maybe I am just used to my blue one being so quiet? haha. I did check to make sure the Hepa was clean * I cleaned it and ordered a new one* Checked the sperator and cleaned it out.. Any other ideas? Thanks a bunch! Aaron

Post# 139109 , Reply# 1   6/9/2011 at 01:24 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

I wanted to add the vacuum does still suck lightly while on low the air flow feels totally correct, maybe even a little more than my blue E2 while on low :)

Post# 139112 , Reply# 2   6/9/2011 at 01:39 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        






went ahead and shot a video.. also like if I cover up the intake on the vacuum, the noise stops.. so strange....


Post# 139113 , Reply# 3   6/9/2011 at 01:39 (4,676 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Rainbow "Hurricane" SR motor always had the loud hi pitched wine to it.The current machine must have insulation in it to suppress and muffle the sound of the SR motor.Switched Reluctance.these motors have no brushes-sort of like an induction motor.Were you able to clean up the machine OK?A customer brought a "Brown" E2 into Greenville sew and Vac-the custoemr owns a small aprtment complex-someone abandoned it in an apartment-he wanted to have it fixed up-both mike and I suggested he replace the HEPA exhaust filter in it before trying to use it.Mike did not have the Rainbow filters.He would have to go to the Rainbow dealer in town to get one.The price was righton the machine,though,FREE!I have a Brown E2 and compared it to the current E2B machine-the new one is much quieter-least half as loud.

Post# 139127 , Reply# 4   6/9/2011 at 08:50 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Hello, the noise it is doing I guess is almost more like a Whistling noise... like the air is doing soemthing weird. It stopped for a while last night but is doing it again this morning. Also another strange thing, to me at least. I have never seen a Rainbow without a brush to clean the seperator and remove the nut. This particular one does not even have a place on the bottom of the machine to put this.

Post# 139134 , Reply# 5   6/9/2011 at 10:32 (4,676 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Aaron

ON low speed, my Gold 2 speed does the SAME thing. I know what you're talking about. It is a whining noise. I never use the Air Clean feature and it's not an issue for me since I pretty much get most all the dust when I vacuum from top to bottom.....But mine does that too. The only time I use low speed is if I stop vacuuming for a few minutes and water is in the basin.


Post# 139135 , Reply# 6   6/9/2011 at 10:38 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Ok, so maybe its the normal thing for these, but damn, its annoying!! its like the darn thing is whining/whistling.... and it seems like the noise goes away when the later level gets a little lower in it? haha!! Mark, does your Gold on have the brush on the bottom of the vacuum? I am still puzzled about this one not having the brush, or even a slot for the brush!

Post# 139137 , Reply# 7   6/9/2011 at 10:54 (4,676 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
It's hard to tell from the video if mine is the same noise, but I've always thought it was a strange noise too. I couldn't handle it being run 24/7 if I were in the same room with it. I did run it 24 hours once in another room with water and the next day the water was still clear.....But I had just cleaned everything really good. I never really thought there was enough air movement on LOW speed to do much of anything.....Now on high speed, different story.

Post# 139145 , Reply# 8   6/9/2011 at 11:25 (4,676 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Aaron

I forgot to mention, not sure if you would want to do this...The local distributor here charged 65 dollars to completely disassemble the Rainbow and sanitize all the parts and put it back together and they charge 65 dollars...Not sure if you have a distributor close to you but they may do that if you ask them. One that's done, if she takes care of it it probably wouldn't need to be done again for a LONG time.

When you bought this Rainbow for you mom off Ebay, did the seller say that it was rebuilt and or cleaned thoroughly or was it just a private party selling a used one?


Post# 139146 , Reply# 9   6/9/2011 at 11:52 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

it was just a private seller. I will call my local office and ask how much they charge if it is only 65$, I just may go have that done!! :)

Post# 139160 , Reply# 10   6/9/2011 at 14:18 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Ok, so I have a theory on this noise... I may be 100% wrong... but.. to me it feels like the unit pulls in more air while on low speed than the newer E2's do. The noise it makes, you can kind of hear in these 2 speed motors when they fire up. I am thinking maybe this Gold E2's may turn more RPM while on low. and its kind of making the motor make that noise?

Post# 139164 , Reply# 11   6/9/2011 at 14:32 (4,676 days old) by kirbykid63 (Wilmington Delaware)        
It most likely needs a good servicing

I just finished two rainbow E series machines and the first thing you need to do is replace the motor filter that is under the dome it is most likely caked with dirt. also change the hepa filter and motor seal this is just routine maintenance for these machines,unfortunately the filters are not cheap.

Richard
new2youvacuums on eBay


Post# 139165 , Reply# 12   6/9/2011 at 14:36 (4,676 days old) by kirbykid63 (Wilmington Delaware)        
Utube video

There is a well made utube video of how to tear down a E-2,watch it and you will see how dirty these machines can get inside and that you can save lots of money and service this machine yourself.

Richard
new2youvacuums


Post# 139167 , Reply# 13   6/9/2011 at 15:31 (4,676 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Kirby kid.....That is for ONE speed Rainbows.....not two speed.

Two speeds have a computer on board and are different

I'd be happy if someone made a video of a two speed Rainbow tear down, but I have yet to find one.


Post# 139200 , Reply# 14   6/9/2011 at 21:01 (4,676 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

we would both be happy Mark :)

Post# 139235 , Reply# 15   6/9/2011 at 22:34 (4,675 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        

my mine doesnt do that noise. check it out.




Post# 139266 , Reply# 16   6/10/2011 at 03:42 (4,675 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
It's so hard to tell if it's the same as mine listening to it on audio instead of being there......

For the guy above. The 2 speed Rainbows do not have a motor filter (the round thing that looks like a car motor filter is only for ONE speeds.


Post# 139267 , Reply# 17   6/10/2011 at 03:55 (4,675 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

For the 2 spd Rainbow E2 machines-the separator brush-wrench is in a small compartment on the bottom of the powerdome where it fits over the water bin.the end just barely sticks out of the cubbyhole its in.Push lightly on the end and it pops out-like a James Bond Thing."Q" would say-"this is your Rainbow vacuum.Use it on your next mission-you will need to clean the separator underneath the unit-its brush and wrench pops out from this little compartment under the powerdome just above the water bin!"I cleaned out my separator this time after my machinesabout 4th use.Was dirty.Good wash off-and its now white again.

Post# 139295 , Reply# 18   6/10/2011 at 12:32 (4,675 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

This Gold one, does not have a compartment for it. I have two E2-12 Blue vacuums they both have it, this one does not, it is so strange, I think I have the reject vacuum! haha

Post# 139302 , Reply# 19   6/10/2011 at 14:06 (4,675 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
NO

I never had a brush/compartment on mine either. I discovered Rexair stopped making the separator brushes/wrench for a while, then they starting making them again. So there are a lot of units that don't have them.


Post# 139362 , Reply# 20   6/10/2011 at 22:18 (4,674 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Boo on you Rexair!! No wonder all the seperators on the one I got from Ebay on the Gold ones are in such bad shape!!

Post# 139369 , Reply# 21   6/10/2011 at 23:10 (4,674 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Aaron

If you find any info on taking the 2 speeds apart to clean the fans, let me know. Mine doesn't really need it but it would be cool to know how to take them apart. Just use a toothbrush to clean the separator. That's what I've always done. Not every time though.


Post# 139370 , Reply# 22   6/10/2011 at 23:14 (4,674 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

yeah, I have just been taking one of the brushes from the other vacuums I have and using it. I am getting one in the mail soon that is not supposed to be working *even though the person told me it was missing the water bowl*, so it may work with a water bowl! haha. that would be sweet! But if it does not work, I may use it as kind of a project vacuum! I am so scared of tearing up one mine that works!! I can see dust inside a couple I have, and would love to clean it, but that would be an expensive boo boo if I mess up.

Post# 139380 , Reply# 23   6/11/2011 at 01:50 (4,674 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The electronics used to run the SR motor in the E2 vacuums are static sensitive.the operator has to be grounded and the machine worked on a static disappating grounded workbench mat.There is supposed to be a HEPA style filter-separate from the main one that keeps the motor and electronic board clean.This filter is not user replaceable.A tech has to do it.

Post# 139383 , Reply# 24   6/11/2011 at 03:09 (4,674 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Oh that's rich!

I guess that sums that right up. I won't be taking mine apart then I guess to examine the inside. LOL

I guess 65 dollars isn't much for the tech to clean it. But my main reason was I wanted to watch the process, but I doubt they would let me. If I take my hepa off and look through the hole I can see the fans with a flashlight, and there is VERY little if any dirt that I can see. It even smells nice inside.

I did break down and wash the hepa filter with the sink sprayer. I was so afraid I would ruin the hepa. It hadn't been washed ever in the five years I've had it. I sprayed it really good a few times; it was drenched.....Then I shook it out, put a towel on the floor and put the wet hepa back on the rainbow and turned it on HIGH and it was completely dry in about 20 minutes. I've never washed a hepa filter before. It seemed to wash up really good...Not sure how a really dirty hepa would wash up though.


Post# 139384 , Reply# 25   6/11/2011 at 05:28 (4,674 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Wow!

A never used D3 Rainbow?


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mark40511's LINK on eBay


Post# 139387 , Reply# 26   6/11/2011 at 06:14 (4,674 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Oh yes-thats interesting on the Rainbow separator brush-wrenches-thought all Rainbows came with them.

Post# 139388 , Reply# 27   6/11/2011 at 06:18 (4,674 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Rainbow E2 motor has two fans-one for the main vacuum suction-the other with the non replaceable HEPA filter to cool the motor and the electronics board.Its above the main fan-In the vents at the very top of the Rainbow powerdome unit.This also isolates the motor from the suction airstream in case any water or moisture goes thru it-so it won't get into the maotor or electronics.A true double bypass motor.Many new Wet Dry vacuums have a similar motor construction to meet OSHA safety regs.

Post# 139464 , Reply# 28   6/11/2011 at 17:26 (4,674 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        
I found a PIC on Ebay

mark40511's profile picture
Of someone selling an E2 motor UNIT only, that they have completely taken apart. I guess to show a potential buyer that everything has been cleaned & Sanitized.

I don't see another HEPA. It looks pretty complicated too LOL


Post# 139479 , Reply# 29   6/11/2011 at 19:58 (4,674 days old) by RainbowJoel (Dexter NM)        

Mark
after seeing this picture, not sure dare to take apart. lol


Post# 139481 , Reply# 30   6/11/2011 at 20:39 (4,674 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Hey Joel

After posting this, I found the same seller has a ONE speed unit he's selling as well, but has this exact same picture in his listing....So I don't even know if this is the ONE or TWO speed taken apart.


Post# 139504 , Reply# 31   6/12/2011 at 02:09 (4,673 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        

that picture u posted is 2 speed model.;)

Post# 139684 , Reply# 32   6/14/2011 at 04:46 (4,671 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Think the extra HEPA filter may be in the peice on the extreme left-this would have the circuit that drives the motor.I don't know if I would buy this--did the person taking down the vacuum take the static protection procedures in taking down the vacuum.Supposidly only dealers service dept are given the training on this-so says the one in my area.

Post# 139689 , Reply# 33   6/14/2011 at 05:50 (4,671 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Oh, I'm not buying it........It was just a picture I found on Ebay of someone selling it.

But there are a lot of companies selling refurbed 2 speed Rainbows.....

Greatvacs.com

Goodvac.com

Rainvac.com

I'm sure they are all aware of the static issue. Not sure they are authorized though. I have no idea how that works.


Post# 139690 , Reply# 34   6/14/2011 at 06:45 (4,671 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The static issue is dealing with MOSFET device equipped electronics devices-the Rainbow E2 motor drive is one of them.The MOSFET transistors and IC's can be damaged by a static electric charge that builds up on your body.The MOSFET equipped device has to be worked on a special static disaptive workbench mat and you are grounded with a special resistive wrist strap.the wrist strap has a resistor in it so you won't get electrocuted if you contact something live in a circuit-of course the Rainbow is disconnected from the power soruce.But current limiting ground in the wrist strap is required by OSHA safety regs.Rainbow gives special factory training to their authorized service reps on this.They also mention the machine has to be properly reassembled or it won't work properly or for long.I am in the electronics business and understand this.So I am not going to take my Rainbow apart to the component level.I would only purchase a refurbished E2 from an authorized Rainbow dealer to be safe-and the machine would likely have a warranty-the others may not.

Post# 139756 , Reply# 35   6/15/2011 at 04:57 (4,670 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        
Tolivac

mark40511's profile picture
I was reading on Goodvac.com and the site owner mentions that you must be grounded because certain things are static sensitive. So apparently he knows this........His site seems to be most about Rainbow inside and out, so he must know a lot about the machines. Perhaps he used to work for them or something. I don't know.....

Post# 140986 , Reply# 36   6/26/2011 at 11:23 (4,659 days old) by RainbowJoel (Dexter NM)        
Aaron

i wondering if thats the Hepa filter. Try turn on with out Hepa filter and put the case cover back on, if it still makes the noise???

Post# 140994 , Reply# 37   6/26/2011 at 13:03 (4,659 days old) by aarons1584 ()        

Hey, sorry I never did update. I actually bought a new HEPA for it, and it reduced the noise. You can still kind of hear a slight whistling noise, but not enough to bother anything. :)

Post# 140995 , Reply# 38   6/26/2011 at 13:35 (4,659 days old) by RainbowJoel (Dexter NM)        

oh ok. Oh well are u still going give to ur mom? mine sounds little quieter since i brought the Hepa filter last weekend. mine was so dirty i guessing the previous owner didnt add enough water or something. So i had cleaned but didn't dry decided remove hepa filter and have casing blank. lol

Post# 141018 , Reply# 39   6/26/2011 at 19:36 (4,659 days old) by whirlsonicmore (South US)        
RainbowJoel:

My E-Series one speed has no HEPA filter in it. If you change the water like it should be, and don't over emulsify the water with fine dirt, the inside should stay relatively clean.

Post# 141036 , Reply# 40   6/26/2011 at 22:08 (4,658 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        
whirlsonicmore

yep i do change water often.


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