Electrolux Model G

[bagintheback]

Over the weekend I found my third thrift store Electrolux, this time a model G. It came with the original hose and the carpet/floor tool. It's super quiet and polished up nicely, but I have a few questions.

How strong should the suction be on this model? I need to get a new bag for it, but even without the hose the suction is not impressive. I tried the rug tool on my Dyson today, and I was not impressed. I have no idea how anyone could clean with such low suction. Maybe my standards are too high after only using 9-12amp motors? The suction is a little less than what I get with my Kirby Heritage II

Also, when I put my hand over the intake, the vacuum makes a squealing sound as if it was leaking air. The bag the vacuum came with is slightly bent, so maybe this is the cause?

Why is it all used Electroluxs need so much maintenance?! I hope I can get it working well; I would like to see why everybody loves these Model Gs.

Nathaniel

 

[cleaningbuff]

low suction

you need a new (genuine electrolux) bag, then it will not leak air and suction will be much better.

 

[floor-a-matic]

The rubber gasket (around the pipe that goes into the bag opening) may need to be replaced.

 

[aeoliandave]

Some aftermarket Lux bags are made with a thinner cardboard that doesn't always seal tight against the gasket with the door closed. Fine when the bag is new but the problem there is that over time - as our collector vacs tend to sit - the cardboard dishes inward allowing air to be drawn in around the gasket seal, which could cause a squeal.
More likely the squeal is coming from the motor's rubber mount ring.

Sounds to me like the fans are possibly clogged with dustbunny poo accumulation and/or the rubber gasket surrounding and sealing the motor is cracked or split or slipped off the motor mount flange, letting airflow bypass the fans. The squeal comes from the split edges vibrating against one another like a pair of lips. With the inlet blocked air is drawn forward from the backside of the motor through the gasket, back through the fans...and so on...
This is a relatively easy condition to correct if you're comfortable taking the machine apart to diagnose the problem and carefully execute the repair.

A G, measured at the inlet without a hose, pulls between 60" and 65" when all seals are intact and tight.

The round rubber gasket around the inlet that goes into the bag opening is flared like a trumpet bell and I have yet to see one that was flattened or deteriorated that it had lost its flexibility or sealing properties. It is under very little pressure against the bag cardboard. It's function is to , yes, prevent airflow leaking in around the bag door seam but the bag itself has an additional very snug rubber 'condom' membrane seal around the inlet pipe. It would be the LAST thing I would suspect in your described situation.

Dave

 

[r2d2]

Woven Hose

I have several model G's and I always go for a replacement vinyl electric hose to quintuple the suction and make the connection of the power nozzle easier without the cord wrapper. Quality bags, not the grocery and dollar style bags are better because they have three layers which protects the cleaner from bag blow out when they are used beyond capacity.

 

[Real1]

Which.....

color is it? The tan models got a motor upgrade. I agree with all that has been said; you have a leak somewhere or exit-air clogging. I don't understand your comment about LUX's needing inordinate maintenance. They're tanks and considering their age (probable abuse by now), they clean up, restore and run magnificently.

Kevin

 

[bagintheback]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I will try a new bag and see if that fixes my problems. I sure hope it is not a gasket problem, as I do not want to open the vacuum up unless I absolutely have to.

Real1: I have the turquoise model, and what I meant by the maintenance comment is that all of the used electroluxs I've seen are never in usable shape. The hose leaks or the gasket is bad or something that prevents me from cleaning with it. They are simple repairs, but I'd much rather have an older Hoover or Eureka where I can take it apart and fix in minutes. I'm not a canister person anyway.

 

[Real1]

Well....

unless you find a really low-mileage LUX, taking them apart and restoring to like new is just part of the game. I would consider it an absolute bonanza if I ever found one that I didn't have to open up and fix to some extent. I got a turquoise G at a thrift shop that almost qualified....but I paid dearly because the old counter bat fought with me over it. Even still, it needed a thorough cleaning inside & out to be right with the universe.


 


You get tired of that G, drop me a line.

 


Kevin

 

[redgeminipa]

The tan G

Hey r2d2, Mike and I picked up one of those during our trip to Pittsburgh a couple months back, but didn't have the powered hose or powerhead. It was in pretty much mint condition inside and out with only a couple small very minor scratches. We got it for $50.

It's a wonderful machine with pretty good suction. My only dislike is if you put your hand over the hose, it thinks the bag is full and pops open.

 

[redgeminipa]

Another view

 

[redgeminipa]

Inside, and we didn't clean it...

 

[Real1]

Assuming....

everything is OK and that little clear tubing line inside is free & clear....try working the adjustable bag dial so that the door won't pop open when you put your hand over the hose. It's not a problem with any of mine.

Kevin