Rainbow D4c seperator removal

[Tracy93]

Hi!
Yesterday I finally found a Rainbow D4c for a decent price, in very good condition, and complete with all the boxes and attachments except the users manual for the machine - I got the manual for the PN. It runs great but I can not get the seperator off. The nut came off with no problem and there is no corosion I can see the post is shiny and like new. Is there a special trick to getting it to release?

I have owned a Rainbow in the past but it was tragically lost in a house fire in 1986 so I am probably rusty on some things. Any help will be appeciated. I know I should take it in and have it serviced and I will, I just wanted to play a little before I do.
Tracy

 

[dysonman1]

The separator will stick to the spider wheel if it's not cleaned regularly. Remove the separator nut, and use a small straight screwdriver to pry under the edge of the separator. This should break it free for removal. As the machine is 20 years (or more) old, it would be wise to have the bearings replaced and the motor serviced. I just taught my friends how to do this at the Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Group convention in June.

Rebuilding it would involve taking the motor unit completely apart down to the screws, washing everything except the armature, field, carbon brushes, and bearings. Then replacing the bearing and carbon brushes, and reassembling it. If you pay for this service at a shop, expect to pay about $150. Once rebuilt, the machine should run well for you for more than a decade.

 

[Tracy93]

Thank you! That worked easier than I thought it would. I cleaned a bunch of dried dirt out around the flange and scrubbed the heck out of the seperator. I took the P/N apart. What a mess that turned out to be. I got it cleaned up and the motor can now breath again. There is this foam padding or insulation tape on the inside of the bottom cover,is this replaceable? It is pretty much shot.

 

[eurekastar]

That foam is actually a gasket.  It is replaceable.  You'll need to peel it off and scrape off as much of the adhesive as possible.  I use 3M Emblem Adhesive to attach those things, but other types will work too. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Water-Pan-B...231283979671?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item35d9997597

 

[Tracy93]

Gasket! I couldn't think of the word. I do plan on taking this cleaner in for a full service, I'm trying to learn a bit about it before I do. When I got my first one, a D3 with no power nozzel only the rug tool, I was maybe 19 years old and newly married. I loved it but I didn't really know anything about it other than what was in the owner's manual. I know I definitely did not use it to its full potential and after the fire I couldn't afford to replace it.

This one will be more than adequate for my needs.

On a side note - I have the original boxes. Should I figure out a way to keep them or just put them out on the curb?

 

[marks_here]

Keep the boxes, I got rid of mine by mistake

 

[marks_here]

Oh sorry for my bad manners

Welcome Tracy! Glad to have you aboard!!!

 

[Tracy93]

Hi Mark,
Thank you for the welcome. I have been a member for over a year. I lost my user name and password and a new computer didn't help so I had to re-register. I had even upgraded my membership. Oh well, such is life!

I'll try to find someplace in this over stuffed abode to store the boxes. I see we are neighbors.

 

[marks_here]

Hi neighbor..

I keep most of mine in a storage unit, my attic won't hold too much weight.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Welcome back Tracy. I store my collection in the guest room... who invites guests to stay anyway? If I did, it would likely be another collector.


 


Stay around a bit this time

 


Tom

 

[Tracy93]

I will have to break them down and store them in a closet or above the rafters in the shed. I have to figure out where I'm going to store all the pieces and parts of this Rainbow too! I saw a hanger for over the door storage - is it available new or will I be scouring Ebay for one?

 

[countryguy]

The hanger for over the door is available new from a Rainbow dealer but you might be able to find one on Ebay.

Gary