Electrolux Automatic Model G trouble

[kesler]

I have an Electrolux Automatic Model G (pictured, I hope) my mother gave to me several years ago when she desired a newer model. Never really used it as I my house was under renovation and the Craftsman shop vac was fine but now I need the Electolux. Problem is when starting, with a new bag inserted, the motor switches off and the front drops down. I have researched on the internet and read the available manual for the Auto G and understand the feature. I read a posting by Henry200 of St. Paul MN submitted 7-1-2011 where he described this problem and a remedy of cleaning the small plastic tubes in the front compartment which I did. I was surprised to find there was no dust at all under the metal plate that separates the bag compartment from that front assembly ( whatever it is named ). None of the tubing was obstructed, factory fresh. Put it back together, switched it on, operated fine, attached the hose, OK, attached the crevice tool and it switched off and front dropped open. Keep in mind, unused bag. The hose and crevice tool were unobstructed. I tried different positions of the advance and retard dial to no avail. Took it back apart trying to think as a mechanical engineer and noticed the fitting on the dirt intake tube does not have an opening on the plastic tube end. Curious. Why run a tube to a fitting that is not ported? I used an angle awl to clear any dust from the interior of the intake tube. I can force the vacuum to operate and defeat the automatic feature with a long bungee cord wrapped around it but I do not think it wise. I'll bet one of you experienced Electolux experts know exactly what is going on. Will you please advise me? Thank you. Kesler

 

[vacuumlad1650]

There is a knob on the front. Turn it so it points to the number 6. It adjusts the auto shutoff feature. If that doesn't work please send me an email
Andy

 

[bikerray]

1. The brass tube on the side of the tube that the hose plugs into should have a small opening about the size of a thin wire (like the wire in a twist tie).

2. Take the control valve out of the front of the Model G, unscrew the knob and check to see if the rubber O ring is seated in between two thin ridges of plastic. If the front piece of the plastic knob is broken and not holding the O ring in place the valve will leak from one chamber to another and the front of the G will open.

 

[kesler]

reply to advisors

Thank you for your replies Andy vacumland1650 and bikerray.

I have taken the front assembly apart again to confirm the brass fittings (2) were unobstructed and I passed a thin wire through both fittings ( 1 on the dirt intake tube and 2 on the pressurized compartment for the "open button")
I removed and inspected and cleaned ( although was clean )the rotary advance/retard dial. the dial worked perfectly, spring, like new and most importantly the rubber membrane fitting was perfect no holes or signs of wear. I carefully reinstalled the rotary dial assembly paying close attention to achieve a proper seal. Note: with a Q-tip I coated and wiped off with lint free towel a very small amount of PB Blaster lubricant careful not to leave any on the surface of the rubber parts. The lubricant can rejuvenate parts like rubber O rings. I carefully reattached the hoses and reassembled the front vacuum assembly.
Finally, I ran a length (couple of feet) weed eater plastic "string" that just fit into the opening into the canister body to dislodge any obstruction there. There was no resistance.
Reinstalled the same new Electolux bag, closed the front, and turned the machine on. Worked fine, attached the hose, still OK and just like before added the crevice tool and the machine switched off and the front dropped open.

I restarted and tried every setting of the Advance/Retard dial to no avail.

I then tried this test, I reopened the steel plate separating the front assembly from the bag compartment and detached the small plastic hose from the tube fitting on the inside of the steel plate. Secured the plate with the 3 screws and restarted the machine. Of course there will be no Automatic feature. But the machine did not switch off with the hose and crevice tool attached and I vacuumed normally for a few minutes without a problem.

Could there be an obstruction toward the aft of the machine? I have not attempted anything there.

Kesler

 

[ronni]

I used the stripped twist tie in the brass nipple to remedy the same situation in my Model G.

Since that didn't work for you, try blowing through the clear tubes to dislodge any blockages.

 

[kesler]

Reply to advisors #2

Thank you ronni. As I indicated in my earlier posts the clear tubes [although yellowed from age] and brass fittings are UNOBSTRUCTED]. Pipe cleaner passes easily thru the clear plastic tubes and a very thin wire passes thru the 2 brass fittings.

And for bikeray in middle earth I failed to mention in today's post that when inspecting the Advance/Retard control valve, I observed the 2 O rings were in perfect condition. In revolving the control valve I felt slight resistance and heard faint squeaks indicating seal.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Inside the cover the little black rubber diaphragm with a metal rod sticking off...take the cover off it can clean it. They got dirty and stretched over time. Cleaning really helps it
Andy

 

[mchmike]

These are genuine crevice tools for a tan G and a turquoise G . If your using an aftermarket tool that is too small it may be chocking the air flow through the machine causing it to pop prematurely . Uhhumm on that last phrase.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I was talking with an old retired elux friend of mine about this and he said maybe its your bag. He said some of the plastic body models of the 90s would do this if cheap generic bags were used. Maybe this is the case with the old metal G.
Some of the generic bags are great but there are some that are terrible. Just a thought.

 

[kesler]

Reply to advisors #3

Thank you for your replies, time and brain time: vacumland1650, mchmike, kirbyvertibles and all.

First, take a look at the photo attached to my first posting and you will see the package Mom purchased in the early 60's and gave to me. (Mom is 93 and still vacuums with an Electolux Epic 6500 SR.) All stock Electrolux manufactured items pictured. No aftermarket.

Second, every tube and fitting (2) in the front assembly is clean and unobstructed, including the ports on the clear plastic cover of the vacuum control (advance/retard) dial.

Third, I disassembled and cleaned the vacuum control (advance/retard) dial. The rubber diaphragm is in perfect condition, no holes or deformities. I coated, with "PB Blaster" soaked Q-Tip, the rubber diaphragm and wiped it clean with a lint free ( micro fiber ) towel. PB Blaster, if you are not familiar, is a spray petroleum distillate product that should be in every homeowners, repair, DIYer's kit. It can renew rubber components like O-Rings (read instructions, NOT to be confused with WD-40). All the parts of the vacuum control (advance/retard) dial valve (dial with clear plastic body that houses a spring contained by two O-Rings), spring, metal spring cap, rubber diaphragm and clear plastic cover and the 2 steel self tapping screws and the 2 aluminum screws are all perfect. Like new. There are no cracks in the cast aluminum body of the front assembly.

Finally, vacuum bag was of Elecrolux manufacture.

Lastly, let me add that I am very impressed with the manufacturing excellence of Elecrolux in engineering the parts I have encountered. I have no experience with vacuums other than use. At every step I can see the parts are all over engineered. Clearly, Electrolux management decided to build a product that was not to be thrown away.

Attached are 4 new digital photos of some of my progress. Unfortunately, I deleted the images of my work on the vacuum (advance/retard) dial. I detached the front assembly from the canister body for easier work on my bench. If you do this, watch out and have an extra split ring or two available. Those things can shoot across a room and into another dimension.

Thank you all,

Kesler

 

[real1shep]

I had this happen to a 1205 recently...all it turned out to be was that over the yrs the hose ends, although they looked clean, had swelled and were not tight to the automatic valve. It just takes one loose one to get exactly your symptoms.

Also make sure that long tube that goes from the front to the back of the bag holder is tight, in place and not leaking from a hole/crease etc.

Those hoses in the pic are old and yellowed....replace them as a matter of course. Just about any good hardware or box store has the tubing. Cut a tubing in half and size from that...not the ends that have been on the machine forever...lol.

Ergo, just replace them ALL!

Kevin

 

[suckolux]

Smart guy, great machine, you will get it.

 

[mchmike]

Those bags your using are from like the 70's . I would try some new ones they may rip on you and flood the motor with sand and dust.

 

[real1shep]

For bags just use HEPA...they cost more but filtering is fantastic. I have seen NO difference with the water column gauge between the paper bags and the cloth HEPA bags...before the naysayers say the HEPA bags are too restrictive.

Yeah, I know there's airflow to consider as well, but I don't have the Kirby gauge and real flow gauges cost hundreds and more.

Kevin