Electrolux Model L Question

[eurekastar]

Today, I pulled out my Model L and turned it on for the first time in a long while. Instead of the quiet "whoosh" that it used to have, it now makes a low "roaring" or "growling" sound. It's not emitting any strange odors. Nor does it seem to be running hot. And it has plenty of suction too. So I'm guessing it's a bad bearing. I really have no expertise in Electrolux vacuums, so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[danemodsandy]

Could Be.....

....You have to remember that a Model L can be as much as fifty years old (off-white body with turquoise trim and paint fill for "Electrolux" lettering). Even the newest ones (last version; gold body with white trim and paint fill) are thirty-five years old. A bearing replacement and new brushes will do a world of good.

It is POSSIBLE that you just have dried bearing lubricant from sitting, but if that's the case, running the machine is not going to do the bearing any favors. What I'd suggest is to just plan on new bearings and brushes, and new lubricant, and you will be good to go until sometime around 2050.

Below is a link to a Vacuumland thread that discusses bearing replacement. While a 1205 is the machine being discussed, the Model L is very similar.

If you are queasy about going inside your machine, there are members here who can do a bearing and brush replacement for you, like Nathan Thomas, a.k.a. Electrolux-Dude.

A Model L is very definitely worth giving this attention to!

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?8198

 

[eurekastar]

Thank you!

Kenny did a better job of describing the sound. It is more of a buzz. I've serviced plenty of Kirby motors, but I've never worked on one of these. But I'm glad it's the more simple Model L on which I can learn. I also found another older thread where Nathan Thomas gave detailed instructions on breaking down a Model L and its motor. Now, I just need to root around for a parts source. I think I'd better disassemble it before ordering anything to make certain it's a genuine Electrolux motor. Thanks again!

 

[floor-a-matic]

Leaky suction

Suction leaks around the inlet, do I need to put a gasket? It doesn't seem like there is a gasket, but I'm not sure?

Or is it due to using a generic hose?

Is there a parts schematic for the L?

 

[henry200]

Electrolux didn't employ a gasket on the hose inlet.  Generic hoses might fit more loosely and leak a little, but I've had a tiny bit of leakage even when using a genuine hose sometimes.  It's never been bad enough to worry about in my experience, just the occasional "hiss" when the hose is pulled at an angle.