Hoover Powerdrive Units - fixable or not?

[74simon]

Hi all, I posted this on AW.org a while back, but didn't get an answer. Hoping that someone here might be able to help...

I've got a Powerdrive which doesn't drive forward, basically. Both clutches engage and turn, but the forward drive doesn't transmit to the wheels. Has anyone successfully repaired one of these?

I'm guessing not as Powerdrives are much more common in the USA than over here, so spares machines are more widely available, but as my only other options are finding another on this side of the Atlantic (unlikely) or having one shipped over from the States (expensive!), I'm hoping someone can throw me a line!

I've enclosed a picture of it, with my standard Convertible. It seems quite similar to the U6039, apart from the text on the front. It was built in North Canton, sold in Germany and then bought by me in England, so it sure has been around!

Si

 

[74simon]

Picture two

Not a Dial-a-Matic, so a different badge. The standard Convertible is French built.

 

[74simon]

Specification plate

220 volts for mainland Europe.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Convertable UK

Hi Simon

Nice vacs, probably got metal fatigue from all that travelling etc...lol

Seriously, when the vac is in the upright position & switched off, if you move the handle up and down can you feel/hear the drive cable wire moving / engaging etc??

When you switch on, press handle release with foot, and pull on the handle, pulling the machine to you, does it move easy in drive??

Does the handle move forward when switched on pushing the machine forward, is it engaging??

Does the machine work in neutal (forwards & backwards)when pressing on the disengage button??

If the motor powers on and it moves (rather heavily) in neutal (disengaged button pressed)and in reverse with powerdrive it could be a minor adjustment to cable connector nut, where cable attaches to the power unit..

Thats as much as I`ve done on mine, over to the experts from this point on...I`ve got the schematics if you need them but no repair instructions..

Cheers, Mike

 

[74simon]

Thanks Mike

When did you get a Powerdrive then?

I took it to bits yesterday, and adjusted the cable connector nut, like you suggest. It is driving forwards now, although drive still seems better backwards. But it's definitely easier to push than a standard Convertible now! I guess it'll be even better once I change the rather tired belt on it too.

Just gotten back from Seamus', where I took it to show it off - my, I'm glad I live somewhere where I don't have to lug it upstairs!

Si

 

[74simon]

I might have sussed it...

Well, I got some new drive belts for it, but didn't work. Adjusted the drive control wire - didn't work.

Then I noticed something odd - while the drive didn't work with the belt on, turning the power transmitting wheel on the power drive mech did move them forwards. So it seemed like the tension from the belt prevented the drive from going, for some reason. Only one thing for it - take 'er all apart again!

 

[74simon]

so looking over the unit...

... I noticed a shaft that looked like something should have been bolted to the end. Looked a bit like an agitator shaft, in fact, minus its bearing. Hmmm, I wonder...

 

[74simon]

A dig in the cupboard

got me an agitator, which I whipped a bearing out of...

 

[74simon]

And...

It fits! Although I'm hesitant of pushing it in fully for now. I'm going to give it a run tomorrow (it's too late to run it now without disturbing the neighbours) to see how well it works now, but the wheels now drive with the belt in place, so I'm hopeful!

Si