Fixing up a Eureka ESP Self-Propelled vacuum

[niclonnic]

The Eureka ESP Self-Propelled vacuum at my local food bank was in rough shape, so today I did some repair work to it.

First, I went to change the bag. This vacuum uses F&G bags, which are a struggle to remove and install. The old bag was not full and was FILTHY, so I had to change it. It was a struggle to remove the old bag. When installing the new bag, I had a lot of trouble getting the collar to stay wrapped around the paper tube of the bag. Eventually, I got the collar seated correctly after about 5 minutes of struggling.

Next, I changed the belt. This vacuum uses RD (round rubber) belts, which are just as difficult to install as the bags. When I went to use this machine for the first time in a while, I noticed that the brush roll wasn't spinning. I took off the bottom plate, and found out that the vacuum was burning through the belt! When installing the new belt, I had to really stretch it around the motor shaft. It took all of my strength to get it seated correctly, and I had to be really careful not to pinch my thumbs.

Once these parts were installed, the vacuum worked! It sounds like a lawn mower.

Do you think it's this much trouble to perform maintenance on a Eureka F&G upright? I haven't had much experience with vintage vacuums.

 

[suckolux]

I have had a few, slight pain, find it worth it.Bag changes get pretty easy when you lay it down on its face, handle flat, you get good at it

 

[eurekaprince]

I have been changing bags and belts on Eureka uprights ever since I was a kid in the 1960's. F & G bags were never difficult to change - just follow Eureka's instructions: put the handle into the second "under furniture" flat position and turn the vac over with bag facing up (with the older 260 Eurekas, you can actually remove the entire bag assembly with the turn of a hook). Pull out the filled bottom part of the bag and then the empty top. Roll the spring necklace down onto the throat, and voila...the bag is removed. Reverse the procedure to attach a new bag.

Changing belts requires a strong set of hands to stretch the belt over the motor pulley. I also found that removing the brushroll on Series 2000 uprights from the 1970's to be a challenge: the spring loaded end holders require a strong effort to push them down and away from the clips on either side. I found using a large screwdriver a big help to push on the spring arms to release them.

 

[niclonnic]

Thanks!

I will keep this advice in mind the next time I go to change bags on that Eureka.

One thing I hate about vacuum cleaner maintenance is changing belts. Generally, it's not very difficult to get to the belt, but then it takes a lot of strength to pull and place the brush roll back into the housing. One time I had to have another person hold the vacuum as I was changing the belt on a much newer Eureka Whirlwind+ upright.

 

[vacuumkid47]

My Eureka "The Boss"

Mine burnt the belt right through, while the brushroll spinning. I ended up putting a flat belt on it and works just as well. It does sound like a lawn mower.

 

[hounddog]

Help! Can't find exhaust fitting

Hello Vacuumland!
I new to this forum and hope you can help. I inherited my Mom's Eureka ESP Self-Propelled Vacuum Cleaner Model # 5060A. The movers handled it rough & broke the molded fitting that bolts to the back of the vacuum housing. This fitting carries the dust etc. up into the bag. I cannot find this fitting anywhere.
Can you help? See photos
Thanks
Hound Dog (Mike)

 

[vac-o-matic]

Michael, I'm afraid you'd have to replace the outer bag, that connector cannot be replaced as far as I know, and you have another problem. See those nubs on the wheels, they've lost their outer smooth rubber coating and you cannot just replace the wheels unfortunately. It requires a total drive transmission replacement as the wheels are permanently fixed. The transmission is no longer available as far as I know, I had the same problem. I managed to find one at a vac shop who buys out other vac shops that close, and they happened to have a NOS transmission. Your best bet is to scout vac shops around your area that have been open a long time and see if you can find one. The outer bag can be replaced with no problem, although will not be a color match.

 

[vacerator]

They are out there Mike!

I saw one like yours last month at the local Salvation Army. You can find one or two and get good parts off them, or switch yours out for parts on one.