Rainbow separator shaft rust

[spacedogb]

Hey everyone,
I’ve noticed that the shaft my separator sits on is rusting. Is this normal? Also is there a way to prevent it? I clean and dry the separator and all parts around underside of machine with each use. Just not sure why this is happening.

 

[electroluxxxx]

Are you storing the rainbow with the basin on it?

 

[vacuumdevil]

@spacedogb if you're storing the unit without the water basin , that should prevent it. However I noticed you're in Louisiana which is a very humid place. I would definitely take a little bit of WD-40 and cleaning up with an M16 toothbrush. A little bit of oil should keep it from rusting anymore after that.

 

[huskyvacs]

It's a wet vac. Water + trapping it in a bin = moisture. Also spinning at high RPM can fling water in there that you wouldn't even know about. A coating of WD-40 or a stronger less-liquidy water repellent on the shaft that won;t fling off and make a mess might help. I have something like that for old leather boots in my closet but I don't know the name of it offhand. You just rub it on with a sponge and it goes on somewhat waxy and it keeps the water away.

If this is a vintage machine I am amazed it looks that clean! I only seen two Rainbow vacuums in my life and both of them reeked like a cat died in it.

 

[n0oxy]

bad smelling water filtration machines

If a machine smells that bad, it probably was not maintained. Maintaining these machines is not difficult, but you must be dillogent about what is required. Wash the basin and separator after each use and never store the machine with the motor unit attached to the basin.
Mike