Thread Number: 37447  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Electrolux Ambassador doesn't work
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Post# 399530   10/14/2018 at 09:14 (1,992 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Hey all! Long time since my last post, I moved back in my house after I split with ex-wife.

I was recently given an Ambassador that looks in very good condition but it doesn't work at all. Nothing happens when I push the power button.

What would be the first thing to look at and test?

Thanks in advance. I'll put a picture later.


Post# 399532 , Reply# 1   10/14/2018 at 11:42 (1,992 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
My guess it's the internal rocker switch that needs to be replaced. Underneath the plastic button. Those are easily found. Pretty simple repair

Post# 399533 , Reply# 2   10/14/2018 at 12:03 (1,992 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

How do I gain access to the switch? I'm not familiar with this model.

Post# 399535 , Reply# 3   10/14/2018 at 12:08 (1,992 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

 

Does it have a bag in it?  And if it does, is the bag seated correctly so that it's pushing in the door switch when the front is closed?

 

Are there any lights on the unit to indicate that power is coming into the machine?

 

What condition is the plug in?

 

It could be any number of things including that the motor brushes, or the motor it'self, needs replacement.

 

Pictures?


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Post# 399546 , Reply# 4   10/14/2018 at 13:45 (1,992 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

The plug looks in very good shape, there is a bag in it and it's well seated.

THere isn't any light on the unit to make sure power is coming in. I can't hear any sound coming from the engine that could make me think that the motor is jammed up or struggling to turn. It is really like no power is coming in.


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Post# 399547 , Reply# 5   10/14/2018 at 14:55 (1,992 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
Definitely an open circuit...

human's profile picture
I think Greg is exactly correct. It's most likely a switch issue. The question is, which switch? I would definitely look first at the main power switch. Once you get the machine taken apart, you'll be better able to judge the action of the switch than when it's under the rocker, which is just a plastic cover. Also test the switch with a volt-ohm meter (aka multitester) to confirm it's working properly. If that's okay, the next possible culprit would be the bag eject lockout switch, whic is what kicks the bag door open when the bag is full. I'm assuming your machine is equipped with one. Full disclosure here, I have never used one of the later plastic canisters, much less taken one apart.

On the older style metal canisters, this switch is located inside the bag door. You have to take the bag door apart by opening it and removing a few screws. When I first got my Super J, it wouldn't work but the main power switch felt healthy with a definite click back and forth. When I disassembled the bag door, the lockout switch had definite issues. There were a couple of burnt contacts with the plastic melted around them and the damage didn't appear to be new. Interestingly, there was an extra contact adjacent to the blue wire that would allow you to bypass the lockout switch by moving the black wire there. I didn't try it; I just ordered a new lockout switch. Once that was in place, all was right with the world--or at least with that Super J.

Be sure also to check the cord and plug and let us know how things turn out. I'm reasonably certain the machine is fixable.


Post# 399550 , Reply# 6   10/14/2018 at 17:05 (1,992 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

THanks human

Can you direct me to a video of how to disassembly the body to access the switch?


I don't know this model and I don't want to break anything. I think I have to pull the rear end first and then slide off the side bumpers to free top and bottom halves but I'm not sure how to remove the rear end.


Post# 399551 , Reply# 7   10/14/2018 at 17:37 (1,992 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
This guy's video might help you too:





I used his video to diagnose my Electrolux Epic. After checking the bag switch, I found out someone had opened up the handle and disconnected the hot wire to the switch. I plugged the wire back in and presto, came right on.


Post# 399557 , Reply# 8   10/15/2018 at 06:37 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I opened the can yesterday night and saw nothing obviously wrong. I had a look at the main switch and I couldn't see anything broken, the parts in there rock back and forth like a see-saw. The bag switch looks fine too, nothing burnt. The only thing weird I saw was a short piece of the shield of the main cord in the rewinder compartment, and the rewinder case has a broken tab.

So I'll have to test all these parts with a multimeter: cord, main switch and bag switch, what is the exact procedure to test each of them?

I took pictures of the wires and how they are connected to the rewinder and the engine, I'll post it later, maybe there is a wrong connection.


Post# 399564 , Reply# 9   10/15/2018 at 08:52 (1,991 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Plastic Body Electrolux

These are great vacs with less weight than metal body,4 ply bag & after filter,classic Elux attachments and more.Among very few problems the rocker under switch button is No 1 and broken cordwinder and cord reel are No 2.Sounds like yours will be winder problems.Use EXTREME CAUTION WITH SPRING!It can cut you if given the chance!!
These should be taken apart with wheels up,side strips off first after pulling cord out 2 feet,lifting bottom off from rear to front.Reverse to put back with everything in its place as with a jigsaw puzzle.
Good luck & happy vacuuming later.


Post# 399566 , Reply# 10   10/15/2018 at 10:53 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

At this point, i would connect electric direct to the motor leads to see if everything is alright there.

 

If the motor DOESn't work, you'll know you need to remove that and work on it or replace it.

 

If the motor DOES work, you'll know it's either the contacts on the cord winder, the cord, a switch, or a connection issue.  

 

pictures?


Post# 399568 , Reply# 11   10/15/2018 at 11:01 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Gregvacs28

That was exactly what I was thinking about a few minutes ago. I'm looking for a good cord with free ends and a pair of alligator connections.



Post# 399569 , Reply# 12   10/15/2018 at 11:05 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Test done: motor works fine.

So, where do I go next ?


Post# 399571 , Reply# 13   10/15/2018 at 11:10 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Now I would remove the two leads from the cord winder and connect electric direct to the two leads.  test the vacuum


Post# 399573 , Reply# 14   10/15/2018 at 11:27 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Wouldn't that be easier and safer to simply testing with leads from connections on the winder to connections on the motor?


Post# 399574 , Reply# 15   10/15/2018 at 11:48 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

you need to clarify that


Post# 399575 , Reply# 16   10/15/2018 at 12:00 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I understood you suggested I'd open the winder to expose the leads in it, then connect them directly to the motor. COnsidering the risk of working close to the winder spring , I prefer the idea of keeping the winder closed and to take leads to connect the winder to the motor (and then plug the winder cord in the wall).

English isn't my first language so you may find some sentences I write sound a bit unusual.


Post# 399576 , Reply# 17   10/15/2018 at 12:11 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Test #2 done: the motor doesn't turn when powered through the cord winder.

It could be the cord itself or the connections in the winder, I suppose?


How do I safely open the winder?


Post# 399577 , Reply# 18   10/15/2018 at 12:34 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

You still don't know that the problem is the cord or winder.

 

You need to disconnect the two wires attached to the winder and connect those two wires directly to electricity, then test the machine.  If it then works, you'll know it's a cord/winder issue.

 

 


Post# 399578 , Reply# 19   10/15/2018 at 12:39 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Ok this model of winder is a lot easier and safer to open up than the older ones !

I think I found the problem (see picture).

I'll cut the cord, cut the connectors off of the cord and solder them back to bare leads. I'm not very good at it but it looks like the cheapiest way to fix this.

The cord will be a bit shorter but I don't think 5-6 inches would make a big difference in this case.



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Post# 399580 , Reply# 20   10/15/2018 at 12:43 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

It does LOOK like it could be an issue.  I would still test the vacuum like I suggested, there could be something else and this cord may still be functioning.

 

But yeah the cord will need shortening.


Post# 399582 , Reply# 21   10/15/2018 at 12:55 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Well, after measuring carefully what I'd have to cut, it's more like 18 inches, that would leave the cord significantly shorter.

Now I consider using the cord from an AP-200 I have that is in poor condition (winder not working and damaged body).


Post# 399583 , Reply# 22   10/15/2018 at 13:10 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

gregvacs28 wrote: "I would still test the vacuum like I suggested, there could be something else and this cord may still be functioning."

Just to make sure, I cut the cord where it was broken and then connected leads to power the motor, and it turned right away. So the cord was actually the culprit.

By the way, one of the leads in the cord was totally broken and the other one was half broken.


Post# 399584 , Reply# 23   10/15/2018 at 13:39 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

It seems that a good chord won't do the trick. There is another problem, with the winder: one pair of brass contacts is completely worn out (those on the right on the picture), so they can't make contact with the circular brass connection in the other half of the winder anymore. I try to power the motor through them without success.

Is there a way to fix this ? I donT think my skills are high enough to try soldering them in there.


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Post# 399586 , Reply# 24   10/15/2018 at 14:34 (1,991 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
A new generic cord winder on eBay is less than $40.00. I would just get a new cord winder

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Kloveland's LINK on eBay


Post# 399590 , Reply# 25   10/15/2018 at 16:25 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

40$ US, it could easily mean close to 55$ canadian plus shipping...I don't want to put that kind of money in that machine.


Post# 399591 , Reply# 26   10/15/2018 at 16:35 (1,991 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
Try eBay Canada. Do a search you might be able to find one cheaper.

Post# 399592 , Reply# 27   10/15/2018 at 17:28 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
no money

Or, you can simply remove the winder, connect the good section of cord direct to the machine leads, and put this "freebie" vacuum back together knowing it works, it's usable, and you haven't had to spend any money on it.  

 

Does it have all the other attachments like the hose, power nozzle, etc.; or is it just this motor base?


Post# 399595 , Reply# 28   10/15/2018 at 18:10 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

thanks for the suggestion, I'd prefer this vac has a winder that works too. i'm in the process of vampirizing an AP-100 that is in poor shape (broken handle) to use its cord and its brass connections in the winder. The brass connectors were of better quality in the older models.

If every goes well, this vac should be working later this evening.


Post# 399600 , Reply# 29   10/15/2018 at 20:35 (1,990 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
and thank-you

for sharing your issue and sharing pictures.

 

I hope we can see more of the progress and finished item.


Post# 399605 , Reply# 30   10/15/2018 at 22:05 (1,990 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I took apart a damaged AP-100 to use its cord (a full 18-foot long) and its brass connectors (see picture). I had to work carefully to pull them out of the AP-100 winder spool. Then I had to use small aluminium wire to hold the connectors tightly in place, because some of the small round plastic tabs were worn out or damaged.


I had a hard time putting the machine back all together, after 3-4 attempts it is finally correctly aligned. The motor feels pretty strong, I'm happy with it.


I'll post a picture of the machine once cleaned (and maybe waxed if it ends up very clean).


Thanks to all.


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Post# 399618 , Reply# 31   10/16/2018 at 05:53 (1,990 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I forgot to mention that the cord winder works fine.

Post# 399633 , Reply# 32   10/16/2018 at 15:23 (1,990 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Here are a few pictures of the Ambassador and the power nozzle I want to use with.

It is a PN-6. Is it a good match ?


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 399652 , Reply# 33   10/16/2018 at 22:31 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I don't know this model of power nozzle, all other ones I've owned where rectangular, is this PN-6 superior to other models in any way? It has a selector on it for Floor or Carpet, is it actually effective in both modes?

Post# 399660 , Reply# 34   10/17/2018 at 08:36 (1,989 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
PN 6

Other than color this is what was used on most of the plastic body tanks.The rug/floor switch just turns off the PN motor.As with all vacs that claim rug/floor cleaning while it can be used on a hard floor with motor off the best tool for them is the floor attachment with 2 rows of bristles.

Post# 399664 , Reply# 35   10/17/2018 at 09:17 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

OK thanks for the info, so the switch is useful when you don't have any on the flexible hose, right?

Post# 399666 , Reply# 36   10/17/2018 at 09:24 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I thought there were 2 different modes plus the OFF position.

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Post# 399668 , Reply# 37   10/17/2018 at 10:03 (1,989 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
I'm not all that fond of the L-shaped "Omniflow" power nozzles that began with the PN5. I find the little outrigger gets hung up on furniture legs, but I'm left handed so it may just be that it's on the "wrong" side for my needs. My favorite Electrolux power nozzles are the PN2 and PN4, which are more square in shape and being narrower, are much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. All that said, the PN6 should do just fine, provided your brush roll is in good shape.

Post# 399669 , Reply# 38   10/17/2018 at 10:06 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I just used it on my carpet in my basement, man, that thing is powerful !

Post# 399670 , Reply# 39   10/17/2018 at 11:28 (1,989 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
"2 different modes"

Pushing the switch forward is for reset which on previous PNs you would push the red reset button.

Post# 399671 , Reply# 40   10/17/2018 at 12:11 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I don't understand what this RESET is supposed to do exactly. COuld you please explain ?


Post# 399675 , Reply# 41   10/17/2018 at 13:02 (1,989 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Reset Switch

kirbylux77's profile picture
What pushing the switch forward to "reset" does is it makes the powerhead turn back on if you got a jam in it. Remove the obstruction, press the switch forward to reset & voila, it turns back on.

That powerhead looks like it would have come from a Canadian Electrolux 2100, later in the run. First version was white, with just a red reset button, & the filter cover on the canister didn't have the hooks for the crevice & combo dusting/upholstery tool. That change, & changing the powerhead color to blue & adding the 3 way off/on/reset switch, & including the combo tool instead of 2 separate dusting & upholstery tools, are what differentiates this from a earlier Canadian 2100. The powerhead that came with your Ambassador would have been essentially the same as the PN6, with a slightly different hood cover. The other change they made to the PN6 was to the cover over the height adjustment wheels in the back, they added slots so axles could be used in place of the automatic height adjustment wheels. This was desirable for commercial users, & also for people that want fixed height adjustment so the powerhead grooms the carpet better.

Very nice job refurbishing your Ambassador! Very admirable you were able to fix the cord reel, instead of just buying a new one. My only suggestion would be, now that you have it fixed, is to buy the HEPA Cloth Style C bags available online & thru some vac shops. Most of the distributors in Canada, such as Hibbert & JohnnyVac, carry them now, so if a shop doesn't have them they can easily be ordered. They are a little pricey compared to the 4 ply paper Style C bag, but if you order them in bulk on Evacuumstore.com, they are reasonably priced there. Definitely worth it for the improved filtration.

Enjoy your free working Electrolux Ambassador!

Rob




Post# 399677 , Reply# 42   10/17/2018 at 13:17 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Thanks Rob, I appreciate you took the time to explain. I also has a sort of cream colored PN6A with the same selector the blue PN6 has.

Post# 399678 , Reply# 43   10/17/2018 at 13:25 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Here it is:

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Post# 399679 , Reply# 44   10/17/2018 at 14:15 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Do you have any information about the attachment called Sidekick? I recently acquired 5 Elux with accessories, including two Sidekicks.

Thie gizmo looks like it must be used at an angle on the stairway steps, right?

Is it normal the roller doesn't want to turn by hand or is it jammed up?


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Post# 399691 , Reply# 45   10/17/2018 at 18:49 (1,988 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

How did you happen to be so lucky as to get a FREE 5 Pack of Electrolux canisters?

.... and where are the pictures of all of them?

Don't tease us. lol


Post# 399705 , Reply# 46   10/17/2018 at 22:09 (1,988 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

This is not correct: I got 3 Elux for free, just two days after I bought 5 with lots of accessories for 75$ CAN.

I got one AP-100 (very dirty with a broken handle), one AP-200 (fair condition) and the Ambassador (not working at all) for free.


Those I paid for all worked (one SuperJ, one E-2000, two AP-100 and one AP-200), but the AP-200 had a faulty cord winder that I fixed yesterday, the AP-100 with the broken handle being the donor.


I may take a few pictures of this "collection" in my garage these days.


Post# 399719 , Reply# 47   10/18/2018 at 10:55 (1,988 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Ah, I forgot to mention that I also bought two Elux for 25$ CAN one month ago, one AP-100 and one AP-200, average condition.

Post# 399736 , Reply# 48   10/18/2018 at 20:02 (1,987 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Francois,

You've got one of the versions of the E-Special, which was introduced in Canada in 1982. It became the L-E (Limited Edition) at the time of marketing in the U.S. after the merger of the two North American companies in 1985. The L-E became the Model 90 in 1988, then Ambassador a year or so later. The Ambassador line actually included several different successive labels as upgrades were made: Ambassador, model 1623, with pn model 1723; Ambassador Plus, model 1623 (with a 10-amp. motor); Ambassador II, model 1676, with pn model 1751; and several color iterations of Ambassador III, model 1676 and the C101- model series.

Yours is actually a Ambassador II (look for the coronet on the label with the Roman numeral 'II' in red text). It was manufactured from around 1990-91. You will find the specs on the inside cover of the bag chamber.

Contact Aerus if you want a pdf of the owners manual.

________

Re: your questions about the ...

RESET BUTTON

Electrolux Corporation had an automatic shut-off incorporated in its power nozzles to prevent belt breakage when an object disrupted normal operation. After dislodging the object, the reset button is depressed to turn the motor back on.


SIDEKICK

The Sidekick is a mini power nozzle used on stairs, upholstery, and other smaller areas. The first ones, introduced in 1987 with no model #, were equipped with a black reset button. Later ones were identified as model 1562 and were equipped with a on/off rocker switch instead of the reset button.

Fyi, there are two other versions that fit the electric wands: Sidekick II & Sidekick III (for the Lux Guardian Ultra & Platinum).


Post# 399742 , Reply# 49   10/18/2018 at 21:26 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Thanks a lot Paul for these informations.

About the Sidekick, is it norma I can't turn the roller by hand ?


Post# 399749 , Reply# 50   10/19/2018 at 08:18 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Here are my recent acquisitions:

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 399750 , Reply# 51   10/19/2018 at 08:25 (1,987 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
"can't turn the roller"

To check and clean--
--remove 6 screws--lift off top--remove brush & belt--(motor & belt should be good)--if you cannot turn white brush ends with 2 fingers--place small nail or punch on axle and tap gently to remove end--clean thread,hair,string,etc--clean & lubricate axle--replace.Then vacuum stairs,furniture,cars,SUVs,mattresses and more.


Post# 399751 , Reply# 52   10/19/2018 at 08:30 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Thanks Jimmy, I'll dig into it these days.


Post# 399753 , Reply# 53   10/19/2018 at 10:01 (1,987 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
I see you have a Super J....very nice! Those aren't easy to come by in Canada. Better hold onto that one for a while. I have a Epic 6500 & Grand Marquise here that I use often.

Rob


Post# 399756 , Reply# 54   10/19/2018 at 11:57 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Rob

I bought two SuperJ's last year, sold one to recover some money I spent for other vacs I bought just before, fixed one that I've kept for the basement.

I may keep this one too, it looks and sounds pretty decent.


Post# 399763 , Reply# 55   10/19/2018 at 15:13 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

What is the usual fix for this? The plastic washer at one end of the sidekick roller brush is broken, and the other one is cracked.

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Post# 399764 , Reply# 56   10/19/2018 at 15:29 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

No luck, Sidekick #2 is worse than #1, so no swap possible.

Post# 399777 , Reply# 57   10/19/2018 at 20:53 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

I'll be lucky if I find nylon washers the right size and with a hole small enough to fit there.

Post# 399781 , Reply# 58   10/19/2018 at 21:55 (1,986 days old) by Paul (USA)        

You're welcome for the info. in reply #48, Francois.

I should also mention that Aerus still sells an iteration of your Ambassador II; it's labeled "Lux Classic". Most parts are interchangeable.

The Sidekick, too, is still currently being sold; so you'll be able to get some from an Aerus dealer or or possibly online vacuum cleaner parts companies. Your other option, of course, would be to replace the entire brush roll (service # 45690).

___

Awesome job at acquiring all those vintage Electroluxes! In case you're interested, here are the matching-colored shampooer/polisher models that were sold with each:

AP100 - B22
Super J 1401 - B22J
AP200 - B25
E-2000 - B50
Ambassador II - 1522




Post# 399782 , Reply# 59   10/19/2018 at 22:16 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Thanks Paul,

My girlfriend just told me that in her town, the Singer dealer, who also fixes vacuums cleaners and also install central vacuums, has lots of Electrolux parts he'd probably agree to sell, because he will retire soon. I'd be interested in buying good flexible hoses, there are a bit hard to find.

I'd be curious to visit his back store...


Post# 399784 , Reply# 60   10/19/2018 at 22:33 (1,986 days old) by Paul (USA)        

No problem, Francois.

The Singer dealer's parts supplies sounds intriguing, but I'm guessing that his parts are from Electrolux North America (owned by the Swedish company) instead of the former Electrolux LLC, now called Aerus LLC.

I hope, for your sake, that they're from the latter. That could be a gold mine!

Btw, you're fortunate to have a girlfriend that's supportive of your hobby!


Post# 399785 , Reply# 61   10/19/2018 at 22:40 (1,986 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Another thought is that some companies, such as Sears, rebadged the Sidekick before designing and manufacturing their own mini power nozzles. So, show the Singer dealer the brush roll, and he may be able to locate parts in bins marked for other brands.

I think, too, that the Little Lux and Little Lux II have used the same brush roll.


Post# 399786 , Reply# 62   10/19/2018 at 22:42 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

For the moment, she finds my hobby "cute"...

This said, she's very comprehensive for so many things, I feel lucky I have her in my life !

As for the Singer dealer, his ELux business is a sideline.


Post# 399794 , Reply# 63   10/19/2018 at 23:28 (1,986 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Thanks for sharing pics of your stash.

 

It  looks like the Canadian metal body models used the same type hose connection as the plastic body. ? Are these metal bodies from the 80s or 70s?

 

I've never seen that in the U.S. 

 


Post# 399795 , Reply# 64   10/19/2018 at 23:31 (1,986 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Cool.

Re: Reply #36 ... The PN6 was the first Electrolux Corporation power nozzle to have a switch. Positions (top to bottom) are Off, On, & Reset.

The PN6 is unique in that it was equipped with a brush strip that ran the length of the brush roll (later models such as the PN6A, 6B, & 7B had mini brush strips at the ends of the brush roll). I can't remember if it has the fixed or spring-loaded rear wheels, but that and the air channels varied among models along with other features.

The brush strip was designed to contain debris by the brush roll opening, but it must not have been effective, because of its short duration.

Trivia ... the color of the brush roll cover is jade, which is a very dark green. it matched the secondary color on the Diamond Jubilee, Deluxe Special 1453, Hi-Tech 2100, & the L-E tank vacuum cleaners.


Post# 399807 , Reply# 65   10/20/2018 at 09:32 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Greg
The only 100% metal-body model I have isn't on the pictures, it is a no-working ZB-89. They are a bit hard to find in good condition around here.


Post# 399815 , Reply# 66   10/20/2018 at 11:57 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

OK now, I fixed one of the Sidekick roller with a couple of steel washers of two différents sizes. The motor tested good so I'd be ready to use the SIdekick in my stairway but I don't have the cord that would fit it to the vac.

It seems it needs a specific cord with two female ends, are they available on the market ?


I could make one but I'd have to sacrify the cord of one of my PNs.

Other ideas ?


Post# 399819 , Reply# 67   10/20/2018 at 14:14 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Well, I just realized my last message was wrong, the Sidekick is made to fit directly to the flexible hose.

Post# 399883 , Reply# 68   10/22/2018 at 01:56 (1,984 days old) by Paul (USA)        

The Sidekick will both fit directly onto a OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) electric hose can be connected to a hose cord on a standard hose using a short pigtail cord (one can be seen in the large picture on the Sidekick box in the photo below). As an aside, the metal hose connector, also shown in the photo, was needed to replace the original plastic one of the upright hose.

Next to the box in said photo is a disconnected pigtail cord showing both a male and a female end (note that there are 1½ cords shown).

When AB Electrolux bought back the Electrolux brand from Electrolux Corporation, it also took over most of Aerus's production at its Eureka plants in the U.S. and Mexico. In fact, Eureka, owned by AB Electrolux, was the original manufacturer of the Sidekick even before the buyout. Production was later outsourced to Kwonnie Electrical Products Ltd. of Hong Kong.


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Post# 399887 , Reply# 69   10/22/2018 at 08:46 (1,984 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Early Sidekick

When SK was introduced there were 4 boxes as well as it being standard on deluxe tank and optional on Discovery.An original idea was that if customer would not trade or brought other brand vac in for repair(Elux would service all brands)they might at least buy the SK.There were 3 different color boxes for Eureka(seen above),Hoover,&I think Kenmore as these were 3 that were seen more often.These included adapter cord and short wand.For Elux there was a smaller box(no adapter needed)to offer to bag customers with late model Elux.I have the Elux SK box with 2 piece styrofoam sliding into box.Not sure if I saved others.
Early SKs were built in Bristol VA with overseas motors.
Other vacs with SK style attachment soon after were Sears(with smooth belt)& Rainbow.Kirby had the air driven Rugrat style before any of the motor driven.


Post# 399888 , Reply# 70   10/22/2018 at 08:55 (1,984 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
SK on upright

The short metal adapter above was not for Discovery.The all plastic hand grip would be changed to the plastic grip with metal end by simply screwing off & on.Yet another box with hand grip,hose cord with straps and adapter with outlet & switch was packed for uprights.

Post# 399891 , Reply# 71   10/22/2018 at 11:00 (1,984 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
sidekick how I love thy....


I used to use Sidekick with my shop vac and an 60s appliance cord (mixer) to clean my car.

Now I've adapted it for use with my central vac.

This is one of two I have. There's another that's a lighter color gray. They work great and tend to hold up better compared to the Kenmore's.


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Post# 399902 , Reply# 72   10/22/2018 at 16:22 (1,984 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

Thank you guys for that bunch of informations. Both Sidekicks I have came with nothing, so I had no clue to how to connect them. Being a member here improves my knowledge.

Post# 399906 , Reply# 73   10/22/2018 at 17:31 (1,984 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
bi-pin cord

If you want to use the sidekick on a hose with out terminals, such as a plastic shop-vac hose, just get one of these.  Plug it into the nozzle and then into an extension cord.


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Post# 399907 , Reply# 74   10/22/2018 at 17:38 (1,984 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)        

reply#73

OK I have one like that, I used it ti test the SIdekick motor directly in the wall, lol !



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