Thread Number: 43929  /  Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Repair manual for Electrolux Model G? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 457920   11/13/2022 at 19:28 (522 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        

Hi all,
I just joined this forum tonight. I just recently bought an Electrolux Model G, and so far I love it! I'm not necessarily a vacuum collector per se, but I really like antique machines and electronics in general. After see pictures and videos of the model G, I decided I wanted one! It's amazing how quiet it is, and I love the blue and chrome style.

The vacuum is in overall good condition, with just a little surface rust in a few places and a few other minor cosmetic faults. It's running well, the motor sounds good and the suction is VERY strong. I cleaned up the outside very thoroughly and cleaned a little of the interior. I was wondering though if I should clean the motor/fan of dust, carbon soot, etc? I really want to fully clean and restore the vacuum if I can. But how hard is it to get to the motor?

I was wondering if anyone knew somewhere I can download a repair manual? Or at least maybe get a diagram of the internal parts? I'm hesitant to completely disassemble the vacuum without knowing what I'm getting into! Especially since right now it's working well.

Thank you for any help!

- Chris

Post# 457926 , Reply# 1   11/14/2022 at 10:20 (521 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Hi, Chris!
I'm not going to be of any help with your questions, as I pretty much limit myself to cleaning up my vacuums, and making them look nice. And, (of course), using them!
But, I did want to say "welcome", and a belated "happy birthday".
I'm sure you'll find the advice you're looking for. The amount of knowledge among members here is amazing!
I have a handful of newer, plastic-bodied Electroluxes, and one Aerus. Somewhere down the road, I certainly wouldn't mind having a Model G myself!
Good luck with your project. I hope you get many years of enjoyment from it!

Barry

Post# 457951 , Reply# 2   11/14/2022 at 17:59 (521 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        

Thank you, Barry!

I was looking in the bag compartment again, and from what I can see of the parts farther back, it actually seems to be fairly clean. I don't see any obvious signs of caked on dirt, dust, etc. I'll try to post some pictures soon. I guess since it's a "clean fan" type of vacuum, with the motor AFTER the bag, theoretically it shouldn't get that dirty anyway. That's what I'm hoping anyway!

There is a little bit of light rust in the bag compartment, but I'm pretty sure Evaporust will fix that. Have you ever used that? It works amazingly well! You can just soak parts in a small container, or apply it with a paper towel or something and let it sit for a while and it completely takes rust off! You're left with clean metal! It's non-toxic, with no fumes at all.

I'm curious, what tools and attachments do you think I should get to go along with the vacuum? I really want to have a period correct collection for it! When I bought the vacuum, it came with a hose, PN-1 power nozzle, combination hard floor/rug "gleamer" (I think that's what it's called) and a butterfly/brush tool. The power nozzle was filthy! But I was able to completely disassemble and clean it...that was actually fairly easy. It looks good and seems to be running great now. It would be nice to get a new brush roller though, if I can find one.

I'm thinking of maybe getting a "vaporizer" and sprayer jar, both of which are genuine Electrolux parts. I wouldn't really use them for anything, but more just for the collection and as a display. Can you think of anything else that would be good to have?

Thanks again for the reply!

- Chris

Post# 457967 , Reply# 3   11/15/2022 at 08:33 (520 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Model G

 Chris,
It sounds like you may need to do nothing at this time.But if you ever do the 'secret' is the the side bumpers must be pulled back & toward center(easier if warm)to expose screws at cordwinder.I have a tan G upstairs and factory rebuilt blue G downstairs.To make them work properly I had to-open bag door,change bag,close bag door,plug cord in outlet,step on switch.These were called the 'world finest vacuum'in the 60s.In many ways there is still nothing better.
Jimmy

Post# 457977 , Reply# 4   11/15/2022 at 16:11 (520 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        

Thank you, Jimmy.

And I agree, the vacuum is really well built. It's a work of art in machinery. I wish they still made things like this! It's also amazing how strong it is despite being so quiet, and I'm pretty sure it's even stronger than the modern ones I've used!

Post# 457982 , Reply# 5   11/15/2022 at 19:36 (520 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Hi Chris & welcome to the VL community - glad you found it! Also, congrats on becoming an owner of the Model G.

Electrolux Corporation's Model G tank vacuum ('G' for "gentle") was manufactured in aquamarine green with teal trim and turquoise hose from 1961-66. When the motor was upgraded in 1966, the color scheme was changed to tan and ivory. That version was sold door-to-door for a couple years.

Products to make your cleaning ensemble complete are the users manual, a narrow space cleaner (aka crevice tool), Turbo Rug Washer accessory, and the Model B-8 triple head Carpet Beautifier & Polisher/Scrubber in matching colors. These are frequently sold on online auction sites and other used merch sites.

By the way, the difference between a tank vacuum cleaner & a canister vacuum cleaner is the position of the motor. A tank's is mounted vertically and a canister's is horizontal.

Post# 457983 , Reply# 6   11/15/2022 at 19:42 (520 days old) by Paul (USA)        



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Post# 457985 , Reply# 7   11/15/2022 at 19:57 (520 days old) by Paul (USA)        

A nice-to-know or record-keeping item is that the serial number (composed of a 2-letter series and 5-digit uncoded production number) is stamped on the side of the bag chamber trim.

Post# 457989 , Reply# 8   11/15/2022 at 23:38 (520 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        
Some pictures of my Model G

 Thanks, Paul! I actually got really lucky and the vacuum came WITH the original manual! That was one of the things that convinced me I had to have it! And the funny thing is that the Electrolux dealer where the vacuum was originally bought was written in the manual...and it's in the city where I live. They bought it in November, 1966. So 56 years later (from before I was even born), the vacuum is coming back where it started! It's in a good home now and I'm definitely going to take very good care of it :)

I'll try to upload some pictures. Please excuse the poor quality - I had to take these in the bathroom because at the moment I didn't have any other place with decent lighting and enough space!

As I mentioned, I cleaned up the vacuum the best I could. It's in what I think is pretty good condition, with just a little bit of light rust and a few other minor dings here and there. Mechanically, it seems to be in very good condition. The motor and fan sound great. It came with a plastic hose - I don't know if that is original or a previous owner replaced it at some point, but it fits perfectly. I even cleaned up the hose by soaking it in hot water and soap! (After taking off the power nozzle cable, of course). Everything turned out pretty good after I cleaned it. The plastic on the power nozzle is yellowed, but otherwise it's not too bad. I took it apart and cleaned everything inside, including the motor. It's working pretty good now. I would like to get a new brush roller though.

I think the only other remaining thing I need to work on is there is a little bit of rust in the bag compartment.

I'll try to post pictures of everything it came with. It even came with some original vintage Electrolux bags! (Which I won't use and will just keep for the collection!)

- Chris




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Post# 457997 , Reply# 9   11/16/2022 at 07:51 (519 days old) by Paul (USA)        

You bet, Chris; thanks for the photos. You did great on the clean-up and polishing! Rust in those metal bag cages wasn't uncommon.

How awesome that you have the original booklet with the purchase date and branch office in your city recorded! Is the location now an Aerus store? The filter bag package is also from the late '60s.

The Model G is a great showpiece of late 20th century styling and craftsmanship. Electrolux Canada produced similar models at the time, too, as the two companies had begun sharing R & D in the '50s & in 1961 the US Corporation became the majority shareholder of the Canadian company. I have both country's versions.

More info and photo's can be found in other VL threads using the search engine on the Vintage page. Another terrific source is Canadian collector Doug Smith's website featuring his huge international collection of Electrolux and many other brands - smithcollection@altervista.org.

Post# 457999 , Reply# 10   11/16/2022 at 13:16 (519 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture

"By the way, the difference between a tank vacuum cleaner & a canister vacuum cleaner is the position of the motor. A tank's is mounted vertically and a canister's is horizontal."

I did not know that. I always assumed that a canister vacuum cleaner is shaped like a canister and a tank vacuum cleaner is shaped like, well, not a tank but like a rocket.


Post# 458021 , Reply# 11   11/17/2022 at 07:22 (518 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Yeah, I read that in an old home handyman book.

Post# 458057 , Reply# 12   11/19/2022 at 06:04 (516 days old) by 2011hoover700 (owosso michigan)        

2011hoover700's profile picture
@electrolux137 does this mean my tristar cxl is considered a tank? I didn't know that difference between a canister and tank either.
Thanks for clearing that up.

Post# 458068 , Reply# 13   11/19/2022 at 12:12 (516 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Electrolux resources

 You may wish to join the Facebook group “Electrolux vacuum group USA”. It is dedicated to Electrolux vacuums and there are a lot of people there who have a lot of great information on these machines. Collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Jon

Post# 458092 , Reply# 14   11/20/2022 at 14:58 (515 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Opening a model G

 To open you have to warm the bumper ends at the back end with a hairdryer and then slide them towards the exhaust port and pull out. There is a keyhole style opening that they hook into. You do t want to pry them out or you will rip off the retaining tabs…a previous owner of mine did that. Next there will be a screw on each side under the bumper near the back sides of the cordwinder. Unscrew those and also the top part where the switch is and lift that up. Then the cordwinder will come off.

Next you’ll have to unplug the motor wiring from the back of the switch carefully and lift away the switch assembly revealing a small screw holding the back end of the vacuum body on around that raised rim. There is also one of these screws on the bottom of the unit along that rim, remove both, they are quite small. The back end of the vac body will slide off but there is a rubber gasket there so it might take some coaxing and require using a small wood block with a mallet to tap it backwards and work your way around incrementally.

You’ll have to have the back end near the main body as the wiring will be going through the back end and there is no need to remove it for cleaning. Now you will have the back end off cleaning of the motor is quite simple. Set the vac outdoors on a blanket or carpet if you’d like to stand it up for this step but better to do it with it lying on its side. The blanket keeps it from getting scratched and just in case it tips over or to protect the side. Inspect the motor, if it’s rusty you’ll want to use and air compressor (best) or leaf blower or another vac on blower mode to blow out the dust in the motor area and a clean small to medium paint brush can also help to dislodge any heavy buildup of dust especially behind the motor brackets etc. be careful around any wiring so as not to damage it and make sure all wiring is in good shape since you have it open. You’ll need the paint brush more likely if you don’t have an air compressor with the compressed air blowing attachment as the pressure from a blower may not be enough to dislodge built up dirt. Clean the gasket that goes on the back end as well and inside the back end of the vac that you removed. Do not disassemble the cord winder at all, that is a detailed job and must be done in a certain order carefully so as not to destroy the spring so unless needed, stay away from that for general cleaning but make sure the gold tracks are clean and have mild lubrication still and there is no burnt areas. Also you’ll see the contacts where the cordwinder tracks make contact and clean the 4 ends as dust sometimes builds up on those prongs. Reinstall the back end gasket aligning the screw holes and slide the back end of the vac back in making sure the wiring will not be linked or twisted and not really near the moving parts of the motor and you may need to tap it on with a rubber mallet gently and check the gasket as you do this that it isn’t getting pushed out of whack. It may take a few tries to get the back end on correctly with the gasket but that’s ok. You may have to tap the back end on around and around to get the screw holes to line up but once they are lined up install the two small screws and then put the cordwinder on. Reconnect the motor wires to to Thackeray end of the switch and you may also wish to blow out the switch innards and the rocker part simply lifts off for better access. You’ll notice the switch has a mechanical bar that connects to the bag door, that is for the automatic control so when it pops the bag door open it also turns off the switch shutting off the vacuum. Reassemble the cordwinder, and if the contact prongs look burnt at all you may wish to slightly and carefully bend them out a bit so they retain best contact with the raceway tracks on the cord reel. Put top cover screws back on for switch area once wiring is connected. Fit the back end screws on, test the vacuum now to make sure all connections are good before the final step just in case you have to open it again. Finally, when all is good and you don’t want to open it anymore…reheat the bumpers so you can stretch them to reassemble. The rubber bumper retaining tabs are fragile so the less you have to do the removal and assembly of those the better. I can post a pic of the keyhole openings under the bumpers on mine for you shortly so you know what you are dealing with in advance of removal. Again someone ripped the retaining tabs off mine so my bumper sort of just hangs out there partially off the back end.

A crevice tool was included with the original vac. Bristles can be purchased to renew the dusting brush upholstery tool which can be contoured for furniture pillows rounded upholstered chair arms, etc. you’ll want to warm the rim of the dusting brush and use a screwdriver to remove the old bristles. Once the hard rubber is warm it becomes more pliable. Either soak in hot water or use the hairdryer. I’ve found bristle replacements in original horsehair on eBay under $10.

The plastic hose is a replacement. But they are much more durable than the braided originals that became leaky as they disintegrated from the inside causing poor suction.

The rug and floor tool is nice and reversible by pressing the grooves tabs on either side where it says “this side up” and pulling the head off and flipping it over and reinserting it. This tool was designed in 1953 before the power nozzle came out and was the primary rug and hard floor cleaning tool so the gleaner bar on the rug side was needed. Flip the switch on the end to on and the bar becomes textured and picks up hair and threads better than with it off where it is just smooth. However, on some old carpet or loop carpet the gleaner can get stuck on the pile and not glide so then it has to be moved to the smooth side which is the off position. This side of the tool should not be used on hard surfaces and it’s a good idea to keep the gleaner off except when cleaning so it someone puts this side on hard surfaces or worse on concrete or asphalt, the gleaner bar doesn’t get damaged or the gleaner doesn’t damage any hard surfaces. Once the power nozzle was introduced, the gleaner wasn’t as important as the power nozzle was designed to pick up the more stubborn dirt the gleaner was designed to help with. The combination rug and floor tool is mostly good for small area rugs that the power nozzle might be too much for or pull into it and of course the bristle side is perfect for hard floor cleaning. Always make sure “this side up” is visible on the elbow when using the tool as it insures the suction opening is down on the side you wish to have touching the surface to be cleaned.

The clip that is about 2 inches ahead of the handle on top of the cleaner body is for storage of the dusting brush upholstery tool. Put it on upside now with Electrolux name facing down with the winged end going on to the clip. If it doesn’t stay well, the clip can be unscrewed and slightly bent to insure a tighter fit of the tool. Crevice tool can be inserted into the bristle end of the combo tool narrow end in for a ride along too or some people thread it through the carry handle.




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Post# 458093 , Reply# 15   11/20/2022 at 15:11 (515 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        

Thank you so much, Jon! That will be a huge help! I'll plan to follow your steps and take a look at the motor soon, maybe later this week after Thanksgiving.

- Chris

Post# 458116 , Reply# 16   11/21/2022 at 17:20 (514 days old) by mjhoshaw (Western PA)        
Welcome, Chris!

I'm so glad you found us! We have a great group here, very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I'm also glad you've joined the "Model G Club" as it were. I have both an aqua and a tan G. And having been guided to them by Dysonman1, I recommend using Clean Obsessed Type C HEPA bags. In terms of performance (specifically, catching and holding more fine dirt), IMO they are far superior to genuine Electrolux bags. This coming from someone who used only genuine bags all my life, until recently.

 

It's great that you have the owner's manual too. It explains how the automatic control works, and how to set it for the type of cleaning you're doing.

 

Joel
Post# 458124 , Reply# 17   11/21/2022 at 21:05 (514 days old) by CT77 (San Bernardino, CA)        

Thank you, Joel!

Last night I decided to go ahead and clean the motor on the Model G. I'm glad I did! Eeek...it was filthy!! The motor was completely covered in dirt! I took the motor out and thoroughly cleaned it. I didn't tamper with the brushes or anything like that, but I carefully cleaned everything with alcohol and got the motor looking shiny again! I should have taken a before and after picture! Disassembly and removing the motor was surprisingly easy, much easier than I thought it was going to be. But putting the vacuum back together was a ROYAL pain! The motor was very easy to put back in, but getting everything lined up on the canister was extremely annoying, mostly because the gasket that goes around the body was worn out and I had a very hard time getting it to stay in place when I was trying to put the canister back together. There is also a little tube that has to be connected, and it was tedious trying to get a bunch of things lined up at once. I did eventually manage it though.

The vacuum is back together and working fine now. I did notice a little bit of an air leak because of the worn out gasket, but it doesn't seem to be affecting the suction too much. I wonder if there is any source where I could find a new gasket?

Also today, I got REALLY lucky and found a couple of even earlier Electrolux vacuums! I guess I'm going to have a pretty good Electrolux collection now!

- Chris

Post# 458137 , Reply# 18   11/22/2022 at 16:48 (513 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Great!

 I’m glad that we were able to give you some help to disassemble your G. I’ve never opened my G but have my AF. It is similar in general design. It is amazing how dirty the motors get even with genuine bags used. And the dirt is very fine indeed. So cleaning out the motor is very good. Did you use compressed air?

The automatic control can be adjusted for cleaning needs but basically it is a sensor system that senses the suction before and after the bag, once suction is reduced by the bag filling with dirt, the system will trigger opening the door and shutting off the vacuum. The dial adjusts the sensitivity of the system so if it triggers too soon just set it to a higher number. Bags should never be allowed to become fully packed. I have a post on the Electrolux vacuum Group USA facebook group from April explaining all about it for detail.

Jon


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