Height adjustment question for my new Sanitaire SC688B

[mjhoshaw]

Greetings all, today I vacuumed our sunroom and hallway, which has a mix of wool and polyolefin area rugs. The wool ones have cut pile about 1/2" long. The poly ones have very short cut pile, maybe 1/4". If I set the height adjustment low enough that the vacuum doesn't skim over some spots without apparent brush contact, the sole plate really clamps down and the brushroll really bogs down in places. Is this normal, and is this why these vacuums are belt eaters? I can see how lots of belt slippage would wear one out in a hurry.


 


I feel like I need in-between settings of 3-1/2 and 4-1/2 in order to get ideal contact. Aside from this issue, I'm really happy with how this vacuum cleans. None of my other vacuums have a VGII or equivalent, so I think today I scared the rugs into releasing their hidden dirt! I'm also very happy with how when I was done the brushroll wasn't loaded with hair like the ones in my other vacuums are after cleaning the same rugs. Score one for large-diameter, chrome-plated brushrolls.


 


If I could rotate the bearing caps so that the bristles didn't stick out so far, I think that would fix things, but that's not an option. I will appreciate any advice, including "it's normal, don't worry about it." I won't mind frequent belt replacements, given how well this vacuum cleans.


 


Thanks,


 


Joel

 

[jo]

This is an issue

With this type of vacuum. There really isn’t a solution. The brush tool may have the new versus worn option but it’s likely in the new position so the bristles don’t stick out too much.

I usually go with the slightly lower selection so there is definite constant contact with the carpet or you aren’t cleaning thoroughly. Any yes…this is precisely why these machines go through belts…they stretch out over time too and then get chunks cut out of them from debris or also split. It is a constant issue. I once wondered if they now make silicone belts for these machines but didn’t bother researching. Not sure if they would be any better.

Jon

 

[mjhoshaw]

That's what I did too . . .

. . . else I felt like I wasn't cleaning thoroughly. I'm glad I'm not the only one, and I won't sweat it. As I wrote above, I can live with the belt changes.


 


Joel

 

[speedqueen]

potential fix..

What you might do is to take the hood off, you'll need both a T35 torx and Phillips screwdrivers, and back out the front axle bolts a few turns or try screwing them in slightly to shift where the positions on the dial-a-nap cam end up laying with reference to nozzle height.

**Be sure to adjust them an even number of turns on each side**

-Richard

 

[mjhoshaw]

RIchard, thanks for that

I will have a look.


 


Joel

 

[ctvacman]

Fix

You could get the dial that has 8 positions, I have that on my professional model and could not imagine not having it, granted it was standard from the factory but you could adopt it too.

 

[mjhoshaw]

I lkie that idea, but

my town's only vacuum store doesn't sell Sanitaire, so I wouldn't expect them to carry the knob as it isn't a wearing part. Suggestions for where to get this knob will be appreciated. Also listing a few models that have the 8-position knob would be helpful.


 


Joel

 

[ctvacman]

Ebay

eBay is your best bet or try googling it, even if your vac shop does not carry them they should still be able to get you parts for any vacuum. Mine is a s670 type b, also the generic wooden brush roll with all bristles makes it much easier to use and more effective as it has a chevron pattern, that brush can be found on eBay for $16 with free shipping.

 

[speedqueen]

The generic roller is good, but you might like the all bristle VG-1 better. I have one in my 1950 or so Eureka 250, works amazing even with the old 3 amp motor.

 

[ctvacman]

Vg1

I have one of those all bristle VG1 also, still find the generic superior, at least for my carpets which are hard to clean.

 

[human]

I replaced the VG1 that came on my SC686 with a brand new VGII because it had bad bearings. It definitely works better now.