Electrolux Epic 3500SR Brush Reset Issues

Nathan,

That's a great vacuum cleaner. I just love those twin-motor uprights. I've got four of them--an Epic 3500SR like yours, a Genesis LXe, a Discovery II, and a Discovery Plus, the latter of which lives at my friend's house. It looks like the tool you're missing is the combo dusting/upholstery brush, which is fairly easy and inexpensive to source. Check eBay.

As for the issue with the reset switch, the pile on the multicolor rug does seem somewhat thicker than that of the regular carpet, which could be offering too much resistance. What is under the rug? If it's on a hard floor, is there a grip pad under it? It's possible the vacuum could be lifting up the rug and preventing the brush roll from turning. The same could happen if it's directly on top of the carpet. I seriously doubt the non-polarized plug is an issue, since the polarity of the current is reversing itself 60 times a second, but it would be easy enough to test. Plug it in one way, and if the reset switch pops, then reset it and turn the switch over to see if it does it again. If it does that whichever way it's plugged in, then that's not the problem. It's also possible that the bearings on that motor are wearing out and the motor is overheating as it struggles to turn. A shot of lubricant won't solve the problem, but it might alleviate it just enough to isolate the bearings as the culprit. Of course. if the reset switch isn't terribly expensive, maybe buy one and see if that solves the problem, although I think it's unlikely to be the culprit. Then again, I've been wrong before. Let us know what you discover.


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Post# 459775 1/26/2023 at 13:10 (456 days old) by nwb (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Hello, all. I acquired my great grandmother's old Electrolux vacuum a few months ago. It's kind of beat up, probably from my grandfather vacuuming under the beds. Anyway I've got the accessories besides just one attachment that I couldn't find at the house. I've since bought a new brush and brush motor belt, headlamp bulb, filters and bags. I've also replaced the cord, since the original one was twisted and warped Although the replacement isn't polarized, it doesn't seem to make a difference. I don't believe there are any exposed metal places on the vacuum where a shock is possible; although I'll likely replace it with a more proper one when I get more time and some extra $$ for this. I am having an issue, however, with the brush motor reset switch tripping when I don't think it should. The reset sometimes trips on the rug with the patterns on it, but it never trips on the plain carpet in my bedroom. I'm unsure if the reset switch is just worn out (the vacuum is at least as old as me, being 24) or something else. The belt tension on the brush motor seems like it might be a little tight: this is outside my expertise. I forgot to take a picture with it apart, but I could press the belt down maybe a quarter inch with a little pressure of my finger. I had seen a similar thread on this forum through Google search which suggested moving the brush motor forward to relieve the strain on the belt. Unfortunately the brush motor in the nozzle of this one is on pegs with screw holes, so it can't be moved at all without modification to the plastic, which I'd rather not do. I had gotten all the parts previously from eVacuumStore.com. They seem to also sell a replacement reset switch, if it's recommended I try that. Hopefully someone here with much more experience than me can shed some light. I just noticed this site recompresses uploaded JPEGs to reduce size. Hopefully the carpet/rug photos are detailed enough after the fact. Much appreciated! Nathan Photos... < > Photo 1 of 6 View Full Size

Post# 459780 , Reply# 1 1/26/2023 at 15:13 (455 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)
Checkrate/Likes *Electrolux* Nice vac with the deluxe attachments and caddy.The motor may need cleaning/servicing that already puts some strain on motor then thicker carpet could add more. To test-Unplug vac!,remove base cover,slide belt off motor shaft,turn motor shaft-if it does not turn very easily with 2 fingers remove motor,clean lint/dust,remove end at belt with 2 screws without letting parts fall away from other end,clean/lubricate shaft & sleeve bearing,replace end with equal pressure on the 2 screws-shaft should then turn easily.Rare but possible that you might also need reset switch. If you are in east TN I have Elux URs both nice and parts vacs.

Post# 459781 , Reply# 2 1/26/2023 at 15:32 (455 days old) by Thevacomaticiec (Bathurst New Brunswick Canada )
Checkrate/Likes I have the Discovery 2 and if the reset switch activate , it must be your power head motor that is damage or straining . I would check bearing and brush roll end cap .

Post# 459782 , Reply# 3 1/26/2023 at 15:41 (455 days old) by nwb (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes rugsucker, I pulled the nozzle apart. Motor seems to spin fairly easily using my finger tips. Brush spins easily as well. I am in Nashville. thanks again Photos... < > Photo 1 of 2 View Full Size

Post# 459783 , Reply# 4 1/26/2023 at 15:51 (455 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes Nathan, That's a great vacuum cleaner. I just love those twin-motor uprights. I've got four of them--an Epic 3500SR like yours, a Genesis LXe, a Discovery II, and a Discovery Plus, the latter of which lives at my friend's house. It looks like the tool you're missing is the combo dusting/upholstery brush, which is fairly easy and inexpensive to source. Check eBay. As for the issue with the reset switch, the pile on the multicolor rug does seem somewhat thicker than that of the regular carpet, which could be offering too much resistance. What is under the rug? If it's on a hard floor, is there a grip pad under it? It's possible the vacuum could be lifting up the rug and preventing the brush roll from turning. The same could happen if it's directly on top of the carpet. I seriously doubt the non-polarized plug is an issue, since the polarity of the current is reversing itself 60 times a second, but it would be easy enough to test. Plug it in one way, and if the reset switch pops, then reset it and turn the switch over to see if it does it again. If it does that whichever way it's plugged in, then that's not the problem. It's also possible that the bearings on that motor are wearing out and the motor is overheating as it struggles to turn. A shot of lubricant won't solve the problem, but it might alleviate it just enough to isolate the bearings as the culprit. Of course. if the reset switch isn't terribly expensive, maybe buy one and see if that solves the problem, although I think it's unlikely to be the culprit. Then again, I've been wrong before. Let us know what you discover.

Post# 459784 , Reply# 5 1/26/2023 at 16:35 (455 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)
Checkrate/Likes *Electrolux* Motor looks clean and good.Bearing looks good(with heavy use it could wear to oval shape opening instead of round).Belt tension sounds OK.Did you clean same rug with old brush?Might be combination of new bristles,thick carpet & reset?

Post# 459841 , Reply# 6 1/29/2023 at 11:50 (453 days old) by nwb (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Okay so I've vacuumed again today. I've noticed that when I vacuum "against the grain" of that troublesome rug, that usually triggers the reset switch. The brush motor will sound like it's "struggling" for lack of a better word, obviously due to the rug resisting the brush rotation, increasing current draw and tripping the switch. However, I don't think it should just do this with normal vacuuming of any rug or carpet. It should do it if something really is caught in the brush, like a curtain drape, since that is its purpose. I did order a new circuit breaker reset switch from eVacuumStore, and it should be in the mail soon. If anyone else has any ideas, please do share. Thanks again for sharing your brains with me. :) Nathan

Post# 460274 , Reply# 7 2/13/2023 at 11:36 (438 days old) by nwb (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Replacing the reset switch seems to have fixed the issue. Thank you, all.

Post# 460278 , Reply# 8 2/13/2023 at 14:45 (438 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes *Excellent...* I'm glad you got it resolved. Enjoy your Electrolux!