Electrolux Model L Motor Repair

[Greg]

Hello,
I am trying to repair an Electrolux Model L canister vacuum for a friend who is 89 years old and the original owner of the vacuum. She absolutely loves the vacuum and I'd really like to repair it for her. Our friend uses the vacuum regularly and the problem just started. It runs for a bit, then stops. When running, the armature looks like a 4th of July hand-held sparkler.

I have removed the motor from the vacuum. The carbon brushes are only about 1/4" long and barely extend out of the holders. The brass holders seem very close (too close) to the armature with less than 1mm space, if that, but I don't have the experience with electric motors to know if that's OK or not. There is a 1/8" space between the brass holders and the outer end of the plastic brush covers (the plastic piece which holds the brass holders) at the end cap end. The brass holders look as if they've recently made contact with the armature, but armature still looks OK, not great, but no major grooves that I can see. The bearings appear OK.

I’ve ordered new brushes for the motor and hope they are the correct ones. I’m concerned about the clearance between the brass holders and armature as they sure look too close. I'd love to hear from anyone who has rebuilt this motor and can address my concerns about the brush holders being too close to the armature. How close should they be? Any other tips would be appreciated too.

And, by chance, does anyone have a replacement motor for this vacuum?

Thanks for your help,
Greg

 

[vacumaniac]

Hello Greg!

I don't think the distance of the holders is anything to be concerned about. It will be a pretty close fit. I would consider replacement of the bearings in the vacuum as well so long as you will have it apart. Another possiblity is that the armature is shorting out, if you have a multimeter you can check the resistance between the bars on the armature.

But chances are the brushes being replaced, along with new bearings and a good clean will bring this back to new!

 

[vacman1961]

The problem is the brass portion of the holders are too close, the earlier model L's had issues with the holders slipping in, the later ones were actually bent on top to prevent them form sliding. The brass should be level with the plastic on the part of the brush holder that is on top, where the brush snaps into. You can put the holder on a piece of wood and gently tap the top of the holder and it will slide, then take a diagonal cutter and sort of bend the brass over just a bit so it does not slide back in. You might have to take a small file and gently file the brass where it hit the armature so the brush slides in and out easily. If you need assistance you can meal them to me and I will fix them for you if you want?

 

[Greg]

Thank you very much, Derek and Charlie, for your replys.

Charlie, the inside of the plastic part of the brush holder is channeled for the brass portion of the holder. The channel does not "daylight" out the top. It stops short by about 1/16" from the top. Would you still suggest that I drive the brass portion completely out the top to enable a slight bend?

Greg

 

[rugsucker]

Model L

The "Worlds Lightest Weight Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner"was sold from early 60s till 1980 with original colors of white-tan-blue-gold & rebuild colors of brown-grey.Great vac!--Very good information above.When sleeve is flush with edge of plastic the sleeve will 'bend' into the plastic to prevent sliding toward motor with vibration.You should also check fans for dirt build up.Should be very clean with proper care and use of 4ply bag.But if dirty can be removed and dirt scraped out with narrow screwdriver or similar.Pop off rear bearing cap and add 10-15 drops of oil if felt pad is dry.After installing motor in vac should be tested ,using care for your safety,and clean & polish armature with a white armature stone.These are usually good as new.Then check hose for possible suction loss between vac and hose end.When you return you can also check attachment bristles.If strips on original floor brush or round bristle for dusting brush are worn they are easily replacable.Loose wands can also be tightened at end with slots.--Happy Vacuuming!

 

[Greg]

Thank you again for another very helpful reply. This site is wonderful and I really appreciate everyone’s time.

The brushes I purchased on Ebay arrived today. They were advertised as fitting Models 1205 and 1210. From specs I’ve come across on various sites, I was under the impression that the Model L would be similar as all three motors appear to share the same armature. The brushes I received have the proper slip-on connector and appear to be the same thickness and width as the old brushes. The armature end of the brushes, however, are not curved to match the armature’s surface. Instead, the ends are square. So, what to do? Do you install the brushes as they are and let them wear to the curvature of the armature (I’m guessing not), or do you somehow shape the brushes to match the armature? If the latter, how do you do that?

I re-set the brass holders in the plastic portion of the holders as Charlie previously suggested.

Regarding cleaning the armature, I do not have an armature stone. Instead, I used 400 grit sand paper while spinning the armature at low speeds with a power drill. It cleaned up nicely (not perfect), but looks good. Will this be sufficient?

Thanks again,
Greg

 

[rugsucker]

Model L brushes

The white armature stone also shapes and seats the end of carbon brush with motor running.Use care.Is easy to do on MoL with motor mounted back in front body.After a brush is seated on this or other motor if carbon brush is removed but will be reused it should be replaced in same position.Hope this helps.

 

[rugsucker]

and more

When replacing armature and carbon brushes motors are often run at half speed to seat brushes.(This may not apply to your repair.)

 

[Greg]

Thanks Again

Thank you again to all of you who have replied. The replies have been very helpful. Today, I found a local shop who is actually excited about working on this motor because of its age and history. They are going to cleanup the armature and seat the brushes. With a bit of luck, the vac will be operational again and reunited with our elderly friend and its life-long owner.

Thanks again,
Greg

 

[Greg]

Good As New

Hi everyone,
Success! The Model L sounds great and runs like a champ. The small electrical repair shop renewed the armature and seated the brushes. The vacuum's owner is thrilled to have it back. I've posted a photo of the vac just for fun. Thank you again for all of your suggestions and help.

Greg

 

[electromatik]

Oh boy does that bring back the memories. That's identical in every way to my grandma's. Mom had the bronze one with no cordwinder.

 

[kirbylux77]

Greg

GOOD JOB on the repairs & for saving the Model L for it's appreciative owner! Now let's hope you get a nice home cooked meal as your reward

Rob