Hose Question, Lux1205

[rocketwarrior]

When I place my hand over the intake port of this $5 1205, the suction seems great. When I attach the hose, it seems marginal - yet the hose doesn't "seem" to have a clog. Is there something I should know about hoses. The issue might be moot if I cannibalize the unit, but I am here to learn.

 

[vacjwt]

dont cannibalize it

thare may be a hole under the vinyl and vinyl hoses are not the best for suction before you cannibalize it email me I will be happy to take it off your hands and pay you some money more then more then 5 bucks of course I have allways liked that model but never found one

 

[charles~richard]

Woven Electrolux hoses

Here's the deal. Electrolux woven hoses were a very complicated, multi-layer construction. First, an inner rubber layer, then a coiled steel spring made of thick piano wire, then a second rubber layer, then a layer of thin twine, then a layer of thick canvas and finally the outer woven layer.

When the first electric hoses came out (1205), the construction became even more complicated because in addition to everything else the electrical wiring was also embedded. And for the sake of safety against electrocution since the wiring carries 120 volts, the thickness of the two rubber layers was more than doubled. That's why the later Lux hoses were so stiff. (They were also made aggravatingly shorter by about a foot, in a cost-cutting measure.)

Now, the problem with rubber is that it breaks down over time, especially when it is constantly and repeatedly flexed. Ever looked at an old auto tire and seen all the cracks and fissures? Same happens to these old hoses -- the rubber layers break down and develop cracks, and eventually start crumbling away. You can have a hose that, cosmetically on the outside, looks flawless but is a total dud because it's rotten inside.

Here's a repeat of the famous Roger Proehl Hose Test, which is 100% infallible for all woven hoses:

1. Put the hose in a single loop and hold both metal ends in one hand, the ends pointing upward. Make sure the suction reduction valve is fully closed.

2. With the flat palm (not fingers) of the other hand, vigorously pat-pat-pat the opening of the larger end of the hose.

3. If you hear a reveberative, hollow "tonk-tonk-tonk" sound, the hose is good. If you hear a flat "pfft-pfft-pfft" sound, the hose is shot. This is relative, by the way, to the condition of the hose. The better it is, the more hollow will be the sound and vice-versa.

4. The reason for this is simple physics. In a good, sealed hose, when you pat one end of it, the air pressure of the palm-striking sound waves has to travel the entire length of the hose and out the other end, yielding in that hollow, echo-y sound. In a lousy hose, air leaks out throughout the length of the hose, so the sound waves just dissipate.

Hope I have explained this clearly.

 

[rocketwarrior]

Thanks, Doc

Charles, the Roger Proehl Hose Test really answered my question. The hose is shot. So, like, do you think that is a major reason people throw out good vacs?
Recall that I was given an old cannister once because the owner claimed it had quit working. In that case, I located a clog and gave it back. But here, where a lay person could not diagnose the problem..........dum da dum dump.

 

[charles~richard]

Rotten hoses

are PRECISELY the reason many people got rid of old sweepers, especially Electroluxes. I don't know what the cost for a replacement electric hose was for the 1205 in the early 1970s, but such a hose today goes for something like two hundred bucks. FOR A HOSE.

Many people just can't justify spending that kind of money on a hose. So, the otherwise perfectly good Electrolux gets sent off to the Goodwill, and the people go to KMart and buy a plastic "Wonder-Vac" for $99, half the cost of a new Electrolux hose, and are frequently perfectly satisfied with their purchase. Until, of course, the machine self-immolates after a couple months' worth of use and they have to go get another one!

P.S. Your photo is a perfect demonstration of how to conduct the Roger Proehl Hose Test! May I save it? I'd like to submit an article to the next newsletter about hoses and this would be the perfect illustration! You'll be famous, I tell ya, famous!!

 

[rocketwarrior]

Hose Shot

Dr. Lester -
I consider it an honor that you might be interested in using the photo. With my compliments.

 

[rocketwarrior]

Oh no, a blemish

Charles, I just noticed I have a band aid on my left thumb. Do you want me to reshoot?

 

[electrolux-dude]

Replacement Lux Hoses

There are several wholesale places that have replacement Lux hoses. Most replacement hoses are the plastic or vinyl ones. They do work really well, and you will be amazed at how much better suction the machines will have. Usually you can get a replacement hose for less than $100.00--usually in the $35-50.00 range. A good, reliable source for replacement parts is HESCO. Their website is www.hescoinc.com. Give them a try--

 

[charles~richard]

When I said $200 for a hose, I meant a genuine replacement hose from Electrolux-Aerus. You can nearly always find a variety of new-stock Electrolux hoses on eBay, both genuine and bojack.

I have not had to price one in a while but a few years back a neighbor asked me about finding a replacement hose for her Silverado. I called the one remaining Electrolux dealership in L.A. at the time (now there are none) and a new electric hose was, if I recall correctly, $179.00. Whatever the cost was, the neighbor did not want to spend the money so she got some new plastic vac.