How Does The Eureka Self Propelled Work?

[86vickylx]

Just what the title says. I'm trying to diagnose why the Self propelled function on my 1985 5071D will not work. I also picked up a 1986 5071D that also does not have functioning self propelled and some chewed up drive wheels (I know they are difficult to come by). As for the 85, I understand there's a cable that runs from the handle down into the base of the machine, but I don't want to take the handle apart unless I have to. I'm hoping there are some vacuum people on here that like to do their own repairs.


What does the cable attach to? Is it another motor? Is it a belt? How would I go about accessing the drive to test it, and to determine if the cable is alright?

 

[durango159]

Do you have any pictures??

Many models are similar design to another model number that someone else may have. Pictures of the units are very helpful for trying to diagnose!

Thanks!

 

[rugsucker]

Eureka self propelled

These are very nice vacs with one of the smoothest drive units.The cable goes to an arm at the rear of the motor.There is a belt at the left rear that rarely breaks.The cable assembly looks like a choke cable on a lawn mower.It is likely broken at the bottom,You should first remove the hood.Some will have a screw & nut at each side under the bumper.The typical repair would only involve removing the hand grip at top of handle.These would have been originally shipped fully assembled.If you can find a replacement cable the broken wire can be pulled out and the new wire inserted in the old cable.This is one of the once fairly common vacs brought in for service and repair but now seldom seen.

 

[86vickylx]

Thanks rugsucker!

This was exactly what I was trying to figure out! Thanks for the input. I will try checking them out later on this week.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

I love Eureka self Propelled uprights!

Eureka introduced that line of machines in 1976. The early rust colored 5071A featured a vinyl bag, and a special speed switch on the front of the hood to compensate the high, ESP speed with for the speed with the transmission. of coarse it was deemed useless, so it was removed with the next version with the cloth triple filter bag. The earlier ones also had a light up logo too. That was discontinued in approximately 1982. I will post pictures of my 3 Self Propelled and a picture of the manual to show the spacial speed switch for the transmission

 

[paul]

1979

I located a magazine article and newspaper ad that indicate a 1979 debut of Eureka's Self-Propelled line:

1. 1979 Nov 29 LAKELAND LEDGER - Model 5060 debut - with patented Evoloid gear system

("Evoloid toothings usually have one gear (pinion) having less than five teeth. This affords a helical design and offers very compact and powerful gears." Source: https://www.maul-konstruktionen)

2. 1979 Jul 2 NEW YORK p. 6 - Article on New Self-Propelled Vacs

 

[eurekaprince]

Love the news article!!! A musical comedy show to introduce a new vacuum? Amazing! Eureka used humour a lot in their sales and marketing material and advertising - which made me appreciate the company even more!!!! (beginning with that mid 1960’s Princess tv commercial.)

Thanks for posting!!!

 

[paul]

100%, Brian!

You bet!!!