Thread Number: 39831
/ Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Trash Find—Electrolux Diplomat |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 422825   4/5/2020 at 14:57 (1,453 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
So I rode over to a friend's apartment earlier today to drop off some supplies she had asked for and as I was leaving, I spied a familiar looking hose and wand sticking up from behind a discarded couch next to the dumpster. It turned out to be an Electrolux Diplomat canister with what appears to be a generic replacement hose (has a power switch), wand and power nozzle. Needless to say, into the car it went.
Upon closer examination, let's just say it's got some issues, which I have documented in the photos below. So let's take each piece in turn. The Canister—Overall, it's not exactly beat up but it's missing the control knob on the top and the cord, which was probably cut off. Interestingly, the bag had been removed and the bag compartment is pretty clean. The exhaust filter is uniformly charcoal gray and has no brand markings. Definitely needs to be tossed. The power switch has a nice, solid click to it, so it's probably okay. The Hose—As previously mentioned, the hose appears to be a generic replacement. The handle has a power switch and does not have an Electrolux logo. It's also missing a screw on the underside where the handle would plug into the wand but the plastic isn't broken (easy fix and I probably have an extra screw). The Wand—Appears to be completely intact. There is some tape just below the plastic sheath. I'm thinking it's to hold the cord from the power nozzle in place. I think somebody got tired of it coming unplugged, which does happen occasionally. The Power Nozzle—It's an L-shaped 'Omniflow' style with a headlight and appears to be in great shape. There's a bit of long, dark hair wrapped around the brush roll but no sign of carpet fresh powder, nor are there any foul odors. So, what have I got? Based on a visual inspection only and no actual testing, it appears that everything except the canister itself is in usable condition. I don't know much of anything about the newer plastic canisters so I'm not sure if it's even worth saving. I'd hate to spend money on a new cord only to find there's something more serious wrong with it so my inclination is probably to trash it unless y'all can convince me otherwise. The hose is of no use to me because it has the newer style machine connector but I'm wondering whether I could transfer the handle over to another hose. I happen to have one that came with my Silverado and is in need of a handle. The other option, of course, is to replace the missing screw and sell it. Of course, the wand and power nozzle are the best parts as they are likely to be plug-and-play usable without anything more than a good cleaning with a Lysol wipe. Speaking of Lysol wipes, I haven't brought the thing into the house and won't for a while. Right now, it's on the deck, baking in the sun. Let the UV rays work on some of the germs it may be carrying. Needless to say, I've washed the hell out of my hands since touching it. I'm thinking I'll probably carry it down to the barn and let it sit for a few days before I mess with it further. |
Post# 422827 , Reply# 1   4/5/2020 at 15:13 (1,453 days old) by blknblu (CT)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
It is worth fixing, I have a couple of original motors for them, and the cord is easy to repair. The control valve is easy to bypass, and keep things simple. There is a proper way to split the case to work on it. |
Post# 422830 , Reply# 2   4/5/2020 at 15:37 (1,453 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422832 , Reply# 3   4/5/2020 at 16:01 (1,453 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The hose handle is now fixed. I found a screw out of the broken handle from my Silverado's hose but it was too short for missing one from the generic handle; however it would fit at the other end, allowing me to use that one, which is slightly longer than the genuine Electrolux screw, to replace its missing counterpart. Problem solved. I recall having to do something similar with the generic replacement hose that came with my Diamond J. I then connected the wand and power nozzle to one of my 1205's and powered it up. They work just fine, even the power nozzle's headlight and power switch.
So that leaves the canister, which is a bigger project/problem. I must admit blknblu, you have me intrigued. Can you point me to a resource that shows how to bypass the control valve? I found a YouTube video that shows how to take the case apart to repair the switch. The more immediate issue would be a cord. I'm guessing the easiest thing would be to replace the whole winder assembly. They seem to be plentiful on eBay. Once that's in place, we'll see whether it needs a motor. |
Post# 422835 , Reply# 6   4/5/2020 at 16:35 (1,453 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
|
Post# 422838 , Reply# 7   4/5/2020 at 18:26 (1,453 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
After reading the above posts and watching a couple of YouTube videos to get an idea of how this thing comes apart, I tore it down and discovered there is only about three inches of cord left on the winder, if that, but definitely not enough to stick a plug on and test, so I pulled it and tossed it in the bin.
The lockout control appears to be intact, although judging from the damage to the surrounding panel, I think somebody tried to pry the outer knob off with a large screwdriver. It is keyed, by the way. I also now understand how to bypass it, if necessary. I spun the motor with my finger and it turned freely and smoothly. It's not frozen up and there weren't any scraping noises, so chances are it's in good shape. I found a used genuine Electrolux cord winder on eBay for $10 plus shipping, so I've ordered that. I'll put everything back together when it arrives and we'll go from there. It's amazing to me how that machine isn't held together with any screws or fasteners. It's all done with tension. I'm not sure whether to call it brilliant or crazy. One thing's for sure, it sure makes it easy to work on. |
Post# 422839 , Reply# 8   4/5/2020 at 18:30 (1,453 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422844 , Reply# 10   4/5/2020 at 22:30 (1,453 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422847 , Reply# 11   4/5/2020 at 22:43 (1,453 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
David, that was my thought as well but when I tore it down and removed the cord winder and looked inside, there was absolutely no cord in left in it. Someone had pulled it out as far as it would go and cut it. Kind of irritating but there you have it. I tend to agree with Jon. Somebody likely saved it to make an extension cord—or maybe to tie up their little brother.
|
Post# 422849 , Reply# 12   4/5/2020 at 22:47 (1,453 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422875 , Reply# 13   4/6/2020 at 11:02 (1,452 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Yeah, it is a bummer about the cord. The good news is I found a used, working cord winder—with cord intact—for a cheap price on eBay and it'll be here in a few days. My plan at the moment is to install the cord winder and reassemble the vacuum with the suction selector bypassed to make sure there aren't any other problems that need addressing. If everything's okay, I'll go back in and reconnect the selector and see how it works. I think I can adjust it with a big screwdriver. If I can't get it to work with the selector connected, I'll just go back in one final time, disconnect it and call it a day. Assuming everything's working at that point, I'll see about replacing the filthy after filter. Honestly, my goal with this thing is to spend as little as possible to get it working.
|
Post# 422900 , Reply# 15   4/6/2020 at 20:09 (1,452 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Yes, I enjoy these refurbishment projects; in fact, I sometimes enjoy them more than I should and lose sight of how much I'm spending. I just went down that path a bit with a Kirby Heritage 1HD so I need to keep to a stricter budget on this one. I will be quite happy if the cord winder is the only part I need to buy it.
I did tear down the power nozzle today to give it a good cleaning, including removing all the hair wrapped around the brush roll. I also worked on the sheath cord with a jeweler's screwdriver. and got it to where it would hold the power nozzle's cord better. I don't know that there's much else I can do until the cord winder arrives. |
Post# 422905 , Reply# 16   4/6/2020 at 21:24 (1,452 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422907 , Reply# 17   4/6/2020 at 21:33 (1,452 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422919 , Reply# 18   4/7/2020 at 09:01 (1,451 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I have a total of five Electrolux canisters (a pair of 1205s, a Super J, a Silverado and a Diamond J) that use 'C' bags so I keep a good supply of third party "MultiFilter" bags on hand. The Diplomat Lx will make six, once it's complete. Right now, it's just a pile of parts so it doesn't count yet.
The cord-deprived cord winder went in the bin Sunday evening and Monday was trash day so it's already in the landfill at this point. A replacement is on the way and according to USPS tracking, it should be here by next Monday at the latest. Problem solved, hopefully. Given my obsessive nature, the missing top knob is bothering me but I guess I'll just have to learn to let go of that unless or until I come across one or something that would make a reasonable substitute. Of course, if I end up leaving the suction selector disconnected, that will become a moot point, except for aesthetics. I'm envisioning this being a knock-around machine once it's all put back together, something to vacuum cars with and stuff like that. It will never be the crown of my collection by any stretch of the imagination. The fact that I will have kept it out of the landfill—or most of it, at least—will be enough. That it's giving me something to do while I'm stuck at home is a definite bonus. |
Post# 422926 , Reply# 20   4/7/2020 at 12:48 (1,451 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Yes, I've seen those parts lots on eBay where somebody has stripped a canister down and buyers can choose the parts they need. Usually they're older metal canisters from the '60s or '70s. There isn't anything right now for a machine that new but I'll keep looking. The only thing I saw that might have a chance of working is a Lux7000 parts unit with no motor but I'm not about to shell out $80, including shipping, for it. However, I'm toying with the idea sending the seller a message to see if they might be willing to part the thing out.
There used to be an Aerus dealer a couple of miles from my house but they closed up a few years ago and there's a pizza place there now. The closest Areus dealer to me now is about 40 miles away. You're right. I should have held onto that empty winder temporarily to compare it to the replacement but I'm reasonably certain they're the same. Oh well, what's done is done. |
Post# 422938 , Reply# 21   4/7/2020 at 15:11 (1,451 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422944 , Reply# 22   4/7/2020 at 16:26 (1,451 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Agreed. I am and always will be much more a fan of the metal bodied canisters. That said, I don't see that I have much to lose here. Worst case scenario, if I can't get it running or it doesn't work to my satisfaction, I can always part it out and make a tidy profit. This whole venture has only cost me $17 and change for the cord winder, including shipping, so I'm not in it too deep. Any way you slice it, I win. The only thing that really changes is the nature of the prize.
|
Post# 422948 , Reply# 23   4/7/2020 at 17:23 (1,451 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I understand friend, makes sense! Mine was a couple of years old, I purchased it from newlyweds who moved in next door to me. it had aftermarket bags and it didn't sound too good but the price was right, the motor burned out in a few months. I took her to my local vacuum shop that has always handled everything and they replace the motor oh, it still didn't sound right to me being plastic so I gave it to a friend of mine with a three-story house and two kids that was desperately in need 3 years later that motor burned up and then the one that was after it. Probably just a cheap knockoff motor that the vacuum shop put in probably not the fault of the cleaner but it painted an ugly picture in my head that I didn't want any more of them us humans are weird
|
Post# 422958 , Reply# 26   4/7/2020 at 20:12 (1,451 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 422983 , Reply# 27   4/8/2020 at 10:49 (1,450 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The motor in my Diplomat looks a little different from the one pictured in reply #25 or maybe that one just has the plastic shroud removed. Another interesting thing I noticed is the case has two sets of mounting slots about a half inch apart (see second photo), perhaps to accommodate two different motor options or some other internal variation between the base model Diplomat and my Diplomat Lx.
|
Post# 422998 , Reply# 29   4/8/2020 at 13:11 (1,450 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Yes, I'm guardedly optimistic that the motor is okay. It turns freely and smoothly with no rough spots. And it's nice to know I might have one of the 'good' motors in mine. In the hopefully unlikely event the motor is bad, there will not be a replacement. I will cut my losses and part the unit out with members here getting first dibs.
Given the physical damage to the upper cover around the suction control, my guess is that's the source of whatever problem landed this machine next to the dumpster. For that reason, its going back together with the vacuum line from the bag door to the suction control disconnected once the replacement cord winder arrives. |
Post# 423037 , Reply# 30   4/8/2020 at 20:45 (1,450 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 423041 , Reply# 31   4/8/2020 at 21:46 (1,450 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Yes, it was that clean when I opened it up. All I did to it was give it a good wipe down with a paper towel and some 409. That's a big part of what motivated me to go ahead, replace the cord winder and try to get it running. It still remains to be seen if my instinct proved to be correct but I'm thinking the odds will be in my favor.
|
Post# 423373 , Reply# 32   4/13/2020 at 15:52 (1,445 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
The cord winder finally arrived about 45 minutes ago and I just got everything back together successfully. Getting everything lined up to slide those trim strips back into place is harder than it looks in the YouTube videos.
I put it back together with the suction control disconnected and when I turned it on, it ran perfectly—no bad noises or anything and plenty of suction. Doubtless that control was the problem so I'm just going to leave it disconnected and not worry about it. When I attached the hose, wand and power nozzle to the canister, the power nozzle didn't power up first try. It turns out I had the switches turned off on the hose and the power nozzle. That's just too many switches! Granted, the one on the generic hose wasn't Electrolux's idea. I had hoped to have this done on Saturday but USPS had other plans. Online tracking showed it out for delivery Saturday but the carrier had other plans. By a little after 6:00 p.m., the message had changed to saying the package was being held at the post office "at the customer's request". Total BS!!! A short time after that, I took a little drive up my street and counted no less than seven mailboxes with their little red flags raised, indicating outgoing mail that wasn't picked up because the carrier never went up our street. Things got even weirder when I went to the post office this morning to retrieve my package. After a little hemming and hawing, I was told it was back out for delivery and the attitude of the lady behind the counter indicated she resented my audacity at asking for my package and that it should be perfectly alright for the carrier not to do his or her job. I honestly had my doubts whether the package was going to be delivered today since online tracking was never updated and it showed it was being held at the post office until after it was actually delivered. Oh well, at least it's all back together and working now, so the only thing left to do is order some after filters. Hopefully USPS can handle that delivery. I didn't need another vacuum at all, but I'm glad I spotted it and saved it from the landfill—or most of it, anyway. |
Post# 423401 , Reply# 34   4/13/2020 at 19:42 (1,445 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Yes, almost as soon as I got home with that machine, I made the decision that this was going to be a limited project, into which I was not going to dump a lot of resources. I guess I got off lucky that there was nothing more wrong with it than what I found. It kind of amazes me that people toss nice machines like that with so little wrong with them. I'm just glad to be able to see the potential and bring such gems back from the brink.
|
Post# 423408 , Reply# 35   4/13/2020 at 20:25 (1,445 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 423456 , Reply# 36   4/14/2020 at 08:14 (1,444 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 423469 , Reply# 37   4/14/2020 at 12:51 (1,444 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
So I decided the only thing left to do on this little project was give the Diplomat a test run and all I can say is it was anything but 'diplomatic'. It's an all-out dirt-hungry beast! I ran it for about 10-15 minutes with no problems of overheating or anything else. If a previously undetected problem was going to manifest itself, I think it would have in that amount of time. Also, no bad odors, which is always a plus on an unfamiliar machine. The vacuum itself is very quiet, like an Electrolux canister should be, but the power nozzle is LOUD! Scared the hell out of my cats, who have yet to come out of hiding. I don't think there's anything wrong with the nozzle's motor; let's just say it has a fairly aggressive tone—with performance to back it up. Like other L-shaped nozzles I've tried, this one is a little cumbersome in tight quarters. For my needs, the square PN2 and PN4 are better bets. Maybe one day when I'm kind of bored, I'll pull out a couple of different power nozzles and compare their sound. But for now, I'm calling this little project a success and a good save.
|
Post# 423487 , Reply# 39   4/14/2020 at 14:52 (1,444 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 423570 , Reply# 41   4/15/2020 at 17:52 (1,443 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
So I noticed the mats in one of my bathrooms desperately needed vacuuming so I decided that was good excuse for overkill and to play around a little more with my Diplomat, so I had a little 'sound-off' with a representative of each of my Electrolux power nozzles—a PN1, PN2, PN4A, PN5, and the model 1692 that came with the Diplomat—and gave each one a go on the mats. I kept the vacuum out in the hallway so I was primarily listening to the sound of the power nozzle. Although I have two PN2's and three PN4/4A's, I only used used one of each for this test. So here are my (decidedly unscientific) results in the order that I tested them:
• Model 1692: Easily the loudest and highest pitched of the lot. Sounded almost like a pissed off cat. • PN5: Slightly quieter than the 1692, or at least lower pitched, but still pretty loud. • PN4A: Markedly quieter than the previous two with a pitch somewhere in between a purr and a growl, not unpleasant at all. • PN2: Surprisingly, given the design similarities it shares with the PN4A, it was nearly as loud as the PN5 and similarly pitched. • PN1: Definitely the quietest and most refined sound of all. Solidly in the purr category. I realize this isn't a very scientific test; I realize it's possible two different PN's of the same model could sound different, there are just a bunch of variables to account for, but there you have it. |
Post# 423657 , Reply# 44   4/17/2020 at 13:07 (1,441 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I agree with you, Jon. I very much prefer the design of the earlier metal canisters that began with the 1205 over the newer plastic ones but the Diplomat is growing on me, none the less. I hadn't thought of the newer Canadian style hose connector contributing to wear where the hose connects to the machine, but you're probably right and the first couple of times I fumbled with it I recognized the older design as superior, not only because it could connect to the machine either side up, but it's just plain easier to connect. I guess the Canadian version was cheaper to manufacturer. Save 15 or 20 cents per unit and sooner or later it adds up to real money. My machine seems to have an older style motor in it so its sound is fairly civilized. It's definitely not a high-pitched screamer, which is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned.
|
Post# 423842 , Reply# 48   4/20/2020 at 17:39 (1,438 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The final (for now) piece of the puzzle arrived in today's mail: a dozen new generic after filters. Looking at the old one on the left in the photos below, I think a replacement was long overdue. One could easily be fooled into thinking it was a charcoal filter. According to the instructions on the bag, they should be replaced with every fourth bag change. Given the number of machines I have, I go through bags on any given machine very slowly so supply this should last me a very long time.
Of course, now the obligatory gripe about USPS: I ordered these filters last Monday, the shipment arrived in my city last Wednesday night and was scheduled to be delivered on Friday, which is within reasonable parameters. Upon checking tracking Friday morning, it was marked "In transit, arriving late". No change on Saturday and it finally arrived yesterday. How does it take two days to get from New York to North Carolina and then languish around my city for almost five days before finally arriving in my mailbox? Interestingly, in the time it took the package to arrive, the seller upped the price of these filters from $12.95 for a dozen to $16.95, not that it affected me. Guess I grabbed that deal at the right time. Well, that pretty much does it for this little project unless or until a I come across a control knob for it, at which time I'll probably pull the thing back apart and reconnect the suction control valve, see if it works and go from there. |
Post# 424039 , Reply# 50   4/23/2020 at 08:56 (1,435 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 424121 , Reply# 53   4/24/2020 at 09:49 (1,434 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I was thinking of stretching it to five or six bag changes, sort of like I stretch the oil change intervals on my cars to 4,000 miles from the recommended 3,000. I can't really compare the filters I bought to the OEM ones since the machine came to me with a generic filter installed. The ones I bought seem to be about the same as the one that was in it. We'll just have to let it roll and see what happens.
|
Post# 424137 , Reply# 54   4/24/2020 at 13:48 (1,434 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I just finally got myself to start writing numbers on my bags. I just replaced my after filter at the last bag change, so it was a good time to start.
I've been meaning to do it for a long time, but I always tell myself that I'll remember when it's time to change the filter. Yeah. Right. Edgar; Glad you rescued the Electrolux! Two of mine were picked up off the tree belt. One is a dark grey Ambassador III, and the other one is a 75th anniversary Epic 6500 SR. The Epic was trashed by its previous owner, and is ROUGH. Among other things, it needs a new motor. But it was one of my dream vacs, and I had to pick it up. I bought a motor for it, but I still haven't gotten around to working on it. Some day. The Ambassador, after a thorough cleaning, is in amazing condition. Of course, I probably ended up spending $50 or so on eBay, picking up the bits and pieces that were missing. I don't regret it for a minute though! It's a great vacuum! Hope you enjoy your Diplomat! Barry |
Post# 424230 , Reply# 55   4/25/2020 at 14:30 (1,433 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
Barry wrote:
Of course, I probably ended up spending $50 or so on eBay, picking up the bits and pieces that were missing. I don't regret it for a minute though! It's a great vacuum! I reply: How well I know that tune! I have machines that I've bought for very little money, or even gotten for free, and then spent a ton on. I have a Kirby Heritage that I bought on eBay last winter that I ended up spending almost as much on parts as on the machine itself--and that's not including parts I already had on hand or in this case were generously given to me by a fellow member. A Legend II I bought last fall is a similar story and it doesn't end there. I feel like I got off pretty easy on this Diplomat, spending only about $30 on it and almost half of that being for consumables. I try my best to keep that in mind when I look at machines to purchase, asking myself how the cost of repairing/refurbishing it compare with the cost of acquisition. Of course, trash finds are much more of a grab-and-go proposition. Evaluation can wait until I get home and decide whether it's worth fixing up or I've just gotten myself a pile of parts. Truth be told, I usually err on the side of fixing it up. The most ironic thing, now that I think about it, is the trash finds consistently end up being among the least expensive projects while the eBay purchases end up being the most expensive, even not including the purchase price of the machine. At this point, I'm thinking I need to make a note to myself, especially considering the number of vacuums I have, to stop looking for whole machines on eBay or any other online source and limit any further 'vacquisitions' to thrift shops and trash piles from here on out. |
Post# 441436 , Reply# 56   5/3/2021 at 21:02 (1,060 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
I posted in a recent thread on trash vacs that I'd found the elusive suction control knob for my Ambassador. I had promised not to hijack that thread any further so I resurrected the original one.
I finally had a little time and installed the this evening. Doing so was a little more involved than just snapping it into place. I had left one of the tubes to the valve disconnected to disable it so I had to go back inside it. This turned into a major pain. I literally had to completely disassemble the machine to get to the tubes and figure out how to route them but then the wiring connectors kept coming loose so I had to go through and tighten ALL of those. After working on the machine for more than three hours, I finally got it back together except for one of the side strips. It had been removed and installed a number of times and the leading edge was a little bent and it eventually broke off. Now, it won't go back at all so I guess I'll need to find another one. Of course, the good news is the lockout mechanism now works perfectly but part of me wishes I'd just stuck the knob on and just had it cosmetically complete. |
Post# 441456 , Reply# 58   5/4/2021 at 13:43 (1,059 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
As I was going to sleep last night, I visualized turning the machine upside down, compressing it with my knee and trying to slide the strip on. Hopefully, the strip isn't too far gone for that. If it doesn't work, I've got a line on a pair of gray ones on eBay for $13 shipped.
I did power the machine up with one strip in place and tested it by putting my hand over the hose port. It immediately shut off and lit the appropriate indicator, which proves two things: 1) the lockout system works; and 2) I got the thing wired correctly. Of course, the final test of the latter, once I get both strips back in place, will be to connect the power nozzle and make sure it works as it's supposed to. I once rewired a Silverado Deluxe that was a complete basket case when I acquired it and managed to reverse two wires, which caused the power nozzle to come on when the vacuum was turned off and to go off when the vacuum was turned on. It was annoying at the time but as I look back it, I see the potential for a fun practical joke. |
Post# 441459 , Reply# 59   5/4/2021 at 14:21 (1,059 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It’s not supposed to shut off when you put your hand over the intake. When you put it back together the same thing will happen at the end of the hose when resistance is applied. Check the valve and the tubing to make sure the tubing is connected to the appropriate spots.
If you said finger in the intake that would make sense. I’ll put my finger near the tiny hole on the inside of the intake to make the unit shut off to check to see if the automatic shut off is working. That’s a different story. It should not shut off with your hand over the intake. Think about it. If that was the case then it would shut off every time you sucked up something and blocked the airflow. Like vacuuming the couch. At least put the hose on and see if it shuts off. If it does then you need to go back and look at the tubing and valve assembly. You could also test it with the sidekick or PN. |
Post# 441464 , Reply# 60   5/4/2021 at 15:59 (1,059 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Yeah, it won't run at all with the hose attached, much less any sort of nozzle. I guess the next step is to open her back up and bypass the valve. At least it will run that way without costing me any more money (replacement side strips notwithstanding). That's probably why the machine got trashed in the first place. All that said, I am reasonably certain I have the three tubes on the valve assembly connected properly because there was only one logical way for them to go. For simplicity's sake, we'll call them tubes A, B, and C:
'Tube A' runs from the valve to the power switch assembly and was already connected at both ends when I opened the machine up, so no need to mess with it. 'Tube B' Runs from the bag door, under the bag chamber and connects to the valve. This one was disconnected at the valve end so it was obvious it needed to go to the one empty nipple on the valve. Tube C--was connected to the valve assembly and the other end was loose when I opened the unit up. The only logical place I saw to attach it was a little (dummy?) nipple on the back side of the bag chamber. This is the only connection I was unsure of but I saw no other place for it to attach. If it was meant to hang loose, why put a piece of tubing on it? Also, the tubing was exactly the right length to reach that nipple and the nipple was exactly the right length and diameter to hold the nipple. so it didn't seem coincidental to me, although I admit I fail to understand its purpose when the same result could be achieved simply by eliminating the third nipple from the valve. Oh yeah, I've also got a wire crossed somewhere because the power nozzle runs with the vacuum turned off, similar to the aforementioned Silverado. I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do that. At this point, I really do wish I'd just jammed that knob into place and called it a day. |
Post# 441465 , Reply# 61   5/4/2021 at 16:28 (1,059 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 441471 , Reply# 62   5/4/2021 at 17:51 (1,059 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 441476 , Reply# 63   5/4/2021 at 19:42 (1,059 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 441478 , Reply# 64   5/4/2021 at 20:17 (1,059 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Andy,
The wiring diagram would be greatly appreciated. In reconnecting the wires, I was working from a photo I took on my phone before I removed the original cord winder when I first acquired the machine, along with the labels molded into the plastic of the upper shell. One side has orange, white and red wires while the other has yellow, gray and white (not necessarily in that order). With white wires on both sides, I'd say the odds are better than even that I've got them reversed. |
Post# 441479 , Reply# 65   5/4/2021 at 21:09 (1,059 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
View Full Size
|
Post# 441487 , Reply# 66   5/4/2021 at 22:06 (1,059 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
|
Post# 441987 , Reply# 67   5/19/2021 at 15:32 (1,044 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The side strips I ordered finally arrived yesterday. Gotta love the efficiency of our postal service. After holding the gray strips up to the machine, I decided I didn't like the monochromatic look, compared to its factory color scheme, so I took the nylon inner strip off of the one I needed to replace and put it on my blue outer bumper.
I opened the machine up this afternoon, found and corrected the wiring error in about a minute (Thanks again for the diagram, Andy) and disconnected the suction valve before putting it all back together. As always, the first strip went into place easily but the second one required me to place the weight of one knee on the machine to get it to slide into place. So now, I have the vacuum back together, cosmetically complete with the knob that started this whole fiasco, and fully functional except for the disabled valve. At this point, I have no desire whatsoever to go back into the machine and replace that valve and I can't imagine ever wanting to do so but at least it looks right. I honestly would have been better off just leaving well enough alone or at the most, just taking two seconds to jam that knob into place. |
Post# 442005 , Reply# 68   5/19/2021 at 21:57 (1,044 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Glad that diagram helped. When I got my diplomat (or was it my 2100?) I repaired that same dial and accidently left one of the wires to the little bag indicator off...Either it shorted or was necessary to be hooked up at all times because I blew a few fuses trying to get it working! Another member finally sent that schematic over and I got it all buttoned up
|