Thread Number: 45645  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Rainbow d4c - was loud before but got less noisy and electrical burn smell 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 472056   6/23/2024 at 14:24 by ralph123 (Memphis tn)        

Hi. Was using inherited rainbow d4c which seemed a little loud since we got it. While it was running, it suddenly started running quiet but has electric burning smell. Any idea what might be wrong with it?

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Post# 472057 , Reply# 1   6/23/2024 at 15:19 by Thevacomaticiec (Bathurst New Brunswick Canada )        

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bearing or wires gettting hot slow it down id open it up see whats melted

Post# 472081 , Reply# 2   6/24/2024 at 12:41 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

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What does your commutator look like in the armature? That would be my first thought.

Post# 472109 , Reply# 3   6/25/2024 at 14:27 by dysonman1 (the county)        

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Bet the commutator is burned out. That's what happens when bearings are not repacked and motor runs a while.

Post# 472152 , Reply# 4   6/27/2024 at 14:06 by ralph123 (Memphis tn)        

Hello Tom,

Assuming you are correct (based on your extensive experience and expertise), what would need to be done to fix the Rainbow? Is the motor shot? Is it even worth fixing? Thanks.

Post# 472154 , Reply# 5   6/27/2024 at 15:27 by EvolutionClean1 (Nampa, Idaho)        
Those machines

Were SO popular, parts machines aren't in short supply! I've done multiple motor swaps and finally cobbled one together that is perfect after an overhaul. All you need to do is check out an old vacuum shop or marketplace and they'll have D4s with not so pretty bodies and solid motors, and then someone will be happy to walk you through replacing the motor. Heck, send me an email and I can walk you through it on a video call 😎

I was very daunted the first time I took one apart, but once you've done it, it's a snap

Post# 472157 , Reply# 6   6/28/2024 at 09:06 by dysonman1 (the county)        

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Armatures and carbon brushes are still available on eBay. Like Jake said, it's not a difficult repair. There are three ball bearings (all the same part number), but only the bottom and middle bearing will likely need to be replaced. The very upper bearing by the carbons rarely needs more than packed with new high temp bearing grease.

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Post# 472172 , Reply# 7   6/29/2024 at 01:44 by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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Stored too long without running, grease hardened and gummed up, motor is overheating because its being forcefully slowed down by the sticky grease. Service motor and replace with fresh grease and oil. Shocking how little vacuum collectors know about repairing vacuums and just say "replace the motor" to everything with no diagnosis or analysis of the problem at all.

Post# 472179 , Reply# 8   6/29/2024 at 10:02 by EvolutionClean1 (Nampa, Idaho)        
Okay now

I was making a suggestion, but you go on ahead, Husky 😂

It's shocking how quick collectors make assumptions that someone offering an option doesn't have a clue what they're talking about! Have you seen my collection? Have you seen my other posts? No? Go off then 🤣

Post# 472180 , Reply# 9   6/29/2024 at 10:13 by EvolutionClean1 (Nampa, Idaho)        
Never mind the fact

 That I spent countless hours attempting to bring the motor back to life in one of my d4s, and ended up having to SWAP THE MOTOR for a less worn out one, and spent even more time tearing it down to the armature frame 😂 so between what I have learned and what I have taught myself, I now have a nearly pristine D4 SE that runs like it just rolled out of the factory. I am the last person to show off, but it's gross when people assume.

To the OP, I certainly hope that what I posted earlier did not come off as it's not worth the time to try and get your D4 working correctly, as the motors are serviceable, but in the event that the motor cannot be saved, they are very easy to replace and parts machines are easy to track down.

Post# 472192 , Reply# 10   6/29/2024 at 22:35 by ralph123 (Memphis tn)        

Your advice was perfectly reasonable Jake. My time is somewhat limited, and my main reason for asking was to determine how much it would take to make the Rainbow work again. I don't know how much I want to invest in this machine. My wife isn't particularly interested in her Mom's old vacuum. I find it somewhat entertaining to show my daughter the dirty water after vacuuming her room and bathroom. My Electrolux cleans similarly, but I can't show the dirt when finished. My options at the moment are either to store the vacuum for several years until I have time to mess with it, or send it off to be repaired. Rainvac gave me an estimate (based on symptoms that I reported) of $200 to $450 to fix. Probably take a few weeks before I have time to decide. Thanks for your advice.

Post# 472194 , Reply# 11   6/29/2024 at 23:51 by EvolutionClean1 (Nampa, Idaho)        
No worries 😁

 I'm glad I was able to be of some help! I hope the other contributions help you as well


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