Rainbow D3C Separator questions...

[krbuck]

I recently was given a what I think is a working Dc3 by a friend. The only problem is that its belt and gaskets are pretty shot so it needs lots of help.

I started removing the separator, but the nut is so stuck... WD40 will hopefully help if I keep it up over time, but that is not really my question....

Should the separator spin freely apart from the drive motor or should it instead be attached to the drive motor and spin with it? I've attached two pictures that demonstrate how the separator spins unattached to the drive shaft; note the center nut does not move.

I ask this because mine just spins loosely by itself which seems counter-intuitive.

I do not plan to take apart the whole motor assembly since it seems to be working ok, but I do want to replace gaskets and seals and other parts that age and give up since they look pretty bad. Since I have it semi-apart is there a suggested list if items I should replace?

Many thanks!

 

[vacuumman206]

it is possible you have the newest of the D3, that was transitioning into the D4 separator and armature setup. If that is the case, you might have a problem. The original separator, which ran up to the late D3 and then into the D4's, was thin aluminum that was held in place simply by tightening the nut(and the rotation of the motor). The next style (plastic, as pictured on your machine) had that acorn nut that was not meant to be cranked down to keep the separator in place, because the separator was designed with a nut holder on the underside to sit on a nut fixed on the armature right above the spider. What I have seen on 2 D4's that I have come across is; the inside of the separator busts off and remain attached to the nut/armature, allowing the motor and acorn nut to spin freely of the separator. I haven't had to deal with that in a while, so I couldn't tell you exactly how to go about getting the possibly broken separator off.

 

[krbuck]

Wow, thanks for your knowledge and experience! What you describe sounds suspiciously likely.

I feel that if I cannot get the acorn nut loose by holding the other end of the shaft, I may need to break the separator off in pieces just so I can get to the other side of the separator and remove the acorn nut. I can then replace the separator and the rubber parts that have deteriorated. If I cannot get it off, its probably a lost cause.

I suppose I should just get another machine, but I always like making something go from useless to useful.

 

[krbuck]

I finally got the nut loose.

Also, the previous owner said it was refurbished quite a long time ago, which makes sense, because some of the parts look new.

I wonder if they did the refurb correctly. The previous owner said it works fine, so I'm wondering if it was meant to spin freely and engage like a clutch when running?

Does that sound right?

 

[vacuumman206]

it shouldn't. If it isn't the style with the locking nut, it should remain in place when the acorn is hand-tightened. Looks like you should replace the nut and the separator. good luck on getting those flange screws out if you plan on taking that thing apart further!!

 

[vacuumman206]

scratch what I said about the locking nut separator set-up: I looked into it again and recalled that was introduced on the 2nd D4 model. The style you have is designed with a bevel on the hole of the separator where the acorn should fit snug against when hand-tightened. If the nut is tightened all the way and the separator still moves that beveled edge must be too worn out.

 

[krbuck]

Ahh, ok that makes sense. The separator hole looks a little worn and moves around more than one would think it should even after the nut is tightened. I already ordered a motor gasket for the main unit and the foam seal and belt on the power nozzle. It looks like I should really replace the separator as well.

I'm hoping this will get me by in my new apartment which unfortunately has more carpet than I'd like.

Thank you very much!