Rainbow Mania!

[eurekastar]

For those of you who have been around the forum a while, I need to say that I haven't abandoned my love for Kirby vacuums.  However, I moved last year into a home with no "man space" so I can't set up my bench polisher in order to transform someone's old and abused Kirby into a treasured possession.  Until I get something figured out, I've turned my attention to Rainbow vacuums.  I've always liked a vacuum where I can examine the debris after vacuuming and Rainbow provides a new twist on my odd fascination with dirt, lint, and dog hair.  I'm also fascinated with the engineering.  I guess I'm kind of dumb, but I still can't figure out how the separator prevents water from getting sucked into the motor/fan assembly while allowing dirt and debris to be absorbed into the water bath.  I guess I'll need to continue working on them in order to figure it out.  At any rate, I present to you my current D series collection.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Good collection, Bill! I also want to know whether or not you have any other D-series Rainbows -- in particular the D2 series with the Eureka-made R-1024 power nozzle?

~Ben

 

[eurekastar]

The D3

I've found the D3 and D4 both to be easy to work on.  However, the D3 has a completely different motor set up than the D4 series and the E2 series.  I was surprised to discover that the D3 has a flow-through motor (I think that's what it's called) that's much like motors found in other canisters.  The separator is attached to the motor itself with the fan assembly on top.  This motor is also a 3 stage motor, which I also was surprised to find.  With the D4 and E2 models, the motor is Rainbow's own version of a bypass motor.  So clean air never goes through the motor.  Instead, it is discharged from vents in the fan assembly.  I think one of the drawbacks to the D3 motor set up is that if the vacuum is tipped over or the separator isn't installed, water will get sucked right into the motor. 

 

[eurekastar]

I won an auction on Ebay for a D3 that only cost me $15.  I used it to learn how to work on the motor before I got into this one. I haven't found any online repair manuals for the D3, so I had to carefully document everything I did. This also came with the original attachment holder but I don't have any original attachments.  I'm in the process of scouting some out.   I also just realized that I have the wrong water basin installed in the photo!  LOL!

 

[eurekastar]

D4 SE

I'm not clear about all the variations of the D4 series, so I'll have to depend on others to fill in the gaps.  But I think the first D4 had the non-electric hose with the cord strapped to the outside of the hose.  With the D4, the motor was flipped so that the separator is attached to the fan side.  Air then flows out of vents in the top of the fan assembly on the motor rather than in a direct path through the motor.  I need to get an original bumper for the power nozzle.  That bumper looks like one from a Kirby Legend!

 

[eurekastar]

Rainbow D4 SE PE

I think "PE" stands for Performance Edition.  Besides the updated power nozzle, I think this model also introduced the lock button on the hose.  I also think that Rainbow may have introduced the "trigger" handle on this model too.  But for some reason, mine doesn't have it.  When I got this unit, the motor was fried.  But I was lucky enough to find one for $70 on Ebay.  I think the Ebay seller is a member of the Forum. 

 

[eurekastar]

@ Ben

No, the D3 is as old as it gets thus far.  Although, I would like to get one of the D2 Chrome Dome models. 

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Bill,

Early on in the sales of the D3A in mid-1980, the Eureka-made R-1024 power nozzle was still being sold (it was type G). Rexair's first in-house design power nozzle, the R-1650, did not show up until six months after D3A production started.

~Ben

 

[eurekastar]

@ Ben

Thanks for the information!  That doesn't surprise me about the production change.  It seems like every manufacturer makes those kinds of changes at various points along the way.  But that one is pretty major in my opinion!  It sounds like the power nozzle wasn't ready when the D3 went into production, so they just carried over the old Eureka version. 

 

[brandon_w_t]

Those are real stunning examples! The D4SE is my favorite design for Rainbow.

 

[eurekastar]

Accessories Almost Complete

I was able to find all the major tools except the crevice tool.  So it's beginning to shape up! 

 

[eurekastar]

I'm really curious to see how the rug tool performs too.  The only tool that isn't in great shape is the dusting brush. 

 

[eurekastar]

@ Ben

I noticed that the D3 in your photo uses a three wire rug nozzle.  Also, do you happen to know what that cap is on the inlet to the water pan? 

 

[floor-a-matic]

@eurekastar

I may be selling/trading my Chrome Dome once the new Rainbow arrives.

Did the SE/PE electrified hose handle have been replaced? Maybe that's why the hose doesn't have the trigger switch?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Bill (eurekastar)

The photo is not mine, it is Logan Hall's--but, yes, in original production all D3As had three-wired receptacles for the power nozzle, hence the three-wire power nozzle cord.

About that water inlet cap, I wish I knew...

~Ben

 

[eurekastar]

@ Erik

Were you able to get the separator nut off the armature shaft?


 

 

[cam2s]

Attachment holder

So there was an attachment holder that came with the D3? My D3C does not have one and it's lack of an attachment holder is one of my big quibbles about that machine.

 

[floor-a-matic]

No the separator nut wouldn't budge at all; but when I traded it for the new Rainbow, the service rep said the motor sounds bad. I wish I hadn't traded it but the new E3 would cost me more $ if had I NOT traded-in.

 

[eurekastar]

@ Cameron

This is tool caddy you need for your D3.  I think they are pretty hard to find too.  I've bought from this company before.  I think they're very reliable and ship fast too. 



http://www.a-1vacuum.com/-strse-66143/Rainbow-D3-TOOL-CADDY-dsh-Brown/Detail.bok