Air-Way question

[vacmadman]

Field cleaning

Use WD40 and compressed air to clean out the field this will cut through the grease and dirt. I have used OOO steel wool to clean any rust on the field, but you must be very careful to make sure that there is no steel wool left behind. WD40 again will help clean any left behind. I use WD40 through out my cleaning process, and yes a toothbrush helps as well.

 

[quebecois]

Fantastic ! It's great to see before and after pictures, thanks a lot !

 

[madman]

Do not use acetone on any windings, the field or armature.

The field will come out, but it is probably stuck very good in there.

 

[quebecois]

I'll probably go to my mechanic since my air compressor is in my shed and we have two feet of snow out here. I'll definitely use WD-40.

 

[vacmadman]

I just use canned compressed air. I don't have a compressor.

 

[quebecois]

I wouldn't have thought canned air is strong enough to do a good job, thanks for the suggestion. Is this the same used to dust off keyboards and computer fan ?

 

[vacmadman]

A compressor would work better but the canned air works for me so far. I buy it at Harbor Freight.

 

[huskyvacs]

The cans of air work, but the can is spent in 2-3 minutes. And they cost $10 a can.
I only use them for when I'm working on something when people are sleeping and need a quick shot. I bought a small 2 gallon air compressor from Goodwill for $40. That's the price of 4 cans of air for infinite air.

 

[vacmadman]

Canned Air

The canned air I buy Ultra Duster industrial strength 10oz last long enough for me. When you consider I may use it for just a few seconds each time. I rebuilt 3 vacuums last year, and I still have some air left in the last can I bought. I can't justify buying a compressor, for as little as I use it. The canned air is easy and convenient, and takes up much less space in my workshop. If I ever start using Air tools, instead of electric tools, that would be the only thing that would justify it in my mind. [this post was last edited: 1/24/2021-10:00]

 

[quebecois]

My girlfriend made me realize the printing on the cover isn't the same on my model than the one pictured at the beginning of your post.

 

[vacmadman]

That is a later version of the window style. It's possible that some of the early models may have had their windows replaced with the latter style window. They changed over the years.

 

[quebecois]

Thanks for the pictures of the different covers.

I have a better knowledge of the Electrolux models, this Airway is a gift from a friend of mine. I didn't know vacuum cleaners like that even exist before I got this one. I'm not a collector, but I also have an old Rainbow and an Arrow, that's about it !

I'm just curious if I can make that Airway run properly after a good cleaning.

Do you know what is the purpose of the hollow handle ?

 

[vacmadman]

The easiest way to show you is by showing some pages from a Air-Way manual. I hope it helps.

 

[quebecois]

Oh well, that 's pretty clear, thanks !!!

 

[quebecois]

I'd like to separate the handle from the aluminium body, is there a way to apply reasonnable strength to achieve this without damaging the handle neither the body?

I thought about forcing a big flat screwdriver in the slot shown there and then working the handle left and right while holding the body with my feet or having it clamped in a vise (with wood pads), is there a better way I don't see ?

 

[vacmadman]

This can be challenging, be very careful these Air-Way's are notorious for the housing, or casting breaking at and around that screw area. If the handle will not come out it might be best to leave as is, and work around it, rather then trying to force it and cause more damage.

 

[quebecois]

I put my favorite home-made loosenut last night (50% acetone and 50% automatic transmission fluid), hammered the tube a few times (with a wood block) and open slightly the slot with a screwdriver and it came out pretty easily.

 

[huskyvacs]

If the screw is too tight for manual unscrewing, try a cordless screwdriver (and no that doesn't mean a power drill). No clamps or vices.

 

[air-waycharlie]

VacMadMan is correct about separating the handle from the fan housing. I took my Air-Way Super Chief to a vac store friend where I live. In trying to separate the two, (the Super Chief had a metal handle), he cracked opened the joint in the metal. He thought I was going to flip out but I just looked at him and said I know you WILL fix it.

It is not easy to find someone who can weld aluminum/pot metal/steel, but he did. It came out looking perfect and undamaged--no lines or scars. He never did say what it cost him but I have a feeling it was plenty.

So be very careful and like you mentioned, it may be easier just to work around it.

 

[quebecois]

To huskyvacs: screw was pretty easy to remove, it was the handle itself that was stuck in there.

Handle is now separated from the housing without any problem, then it will be easier to buff the aluminium housing eventually.