Electrolux Model L slowing down???

[jaker15]

Hey there. I have an Electrolux Model L that usually works pretty well, but lately, while I'm using it, the motor will start slowing down and a buzzing sound emanates from the rear of the vacuum. Why is it doing this? I'd really like to be able to use this machine without worrying about the motor burning up. Anything helps. Thanks!

 

[d-jones]

I'm no expert on Electrolux machines, but the buzzing and slowing you're describing could be chatter from a failed bearing. As the bearing chatters it's harder for the motor to rotate so it slows down. Of course this is pure speculation on my part. You should be able confirm the cause of this by careful examination.

 

[kirbykid63]

Carbon brushes are bad

I work on vintage lux's and what you described sounds like worn brushes.

Richard
new2youvacuums on eBay.

 

[jaker15]

I think it's

The rear sleeve bearing. I've heard a motor with worn bearings before and it had a very similar whining sound to it. If it's just going dry, what should I use to lubricate it?

 

[dysonman1]

It's definitely the Carbon Brushes. I'm an expert. I promise you that you can fix this problem yourself. A model L is simple to get into. After you remove the switch cover screw and cover plate, you'll notice two screws holding the back housing on. One is under the plate you just removed, and one is at the bottom between the rear wheels. Once the back cover is removed, just unplug the motor wires from the switch (Mark them in different colors so you know where they go for replacement). Remove the three screws that hold the motor plate to the housing, and pull the motor out.

Now, remove the two screws, one on either side, that hold the carbon brush and spring into the holder. It's on the side of the holder, which is sticking out from the motor on either side. The problem is one of only three things. The brushes are sticking from dirt in the brush housing. Or, the carbon brush is worn down almost to the spring (it's an inch long when new). Or, the commutator has either a burned segment, or has a deep groove worn in where the carbon brushes touch on either side.

By removing the carbon brushes, you can judge how worn they are. You can look at the brass commutator, to judge how deeply a groove has been worn. The carbon brushes have a spark at every segment of the commutator, and it's at 1400 degrees. But it's a small spark, and normal on any carbon brush motor.

Most likely, the brushes are sticking in their holder because of dirt buildup combined with carbon dust given off by the brushes. By removing them and cleaning both them and the brush shunt, if they're long enough, you might have solved your problem. Bear in mind that is a 40 to 50 year old machine if it's white or brown, At least 35 if it's blue. There is always the likelihood that the armature is burning out at the commutator. That's not uncommon for a machine this old.

By cleaning the carbon brushes you have, you might have solved the problem, and it can't hurt to try. There is one ball bearing and sleeve bearing in that motor. If it growls on the wind down, it's the ball bearing. If it vibrates, it's dirt in the fans. These are really very simple motors. If you have questions, just ask.

 

[rugsucker]

Model L

Tom is right about 'Carbon Brushes'.A variation of this with some blue Ls is the metal brush sleeve sliding away from plastic holder and toward motor.If so should be pushed back to original position after making sure brush will move freely back and forth.Brushes should be reinstalled in same positions if still good as most will be.As above most of these problems are easily fixed unless you ask someone who wants to sell you a new vac and say your L is junk which is almost never the case unless abused or used to pisk up liquid.Good luck!

 

[jaker15]

Tom

Thank you so much. I will tear into it probably this evening, maybe this weekend if I don't have the time. Is it possible to access the brushes without removing the entire motor?

 

[jaker15]

Well.....

I managed to get it apart and clean up the brushes. I reassembled it, and fired it up. It sounded great for a minute, then the whole machine started to vibrate and it was very loud. It sounds like the motor is out of balance. I think I'll take it into the shop one of these days so it can be properly serviced. I feel like I can never properly "fix" a vacuum cleaner.

 

[d-jones]

If the motor was out of balance it would begin to vibrate as soon as it was spooled up. I still believe the fact that the vibration begins after it's been running for a bit indicates a failed bearing.

 

[rugsucker]

Model L,cont.

Carbon brushes are usually the most common of the few problems on an L.But as above with more information this is sounding like the balls in front ball bearing move to one side causing noise/vibration.If you take apart yourself you have the 4 fan housing screws then front/rear fans and housings.Under these is the bearing plate with ball bearing held in place with rivets which should be removed and changed to nut/bolt/washer after inserting new bearing.CAUTION-If you remove yourself cover all fan edges with a rag before turning nut.Edges are SHARP!!As with anything parts must go back in same positions.This is also a good time to clean fans.Good Luck with "the World Most Lightweight Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner".