Ran across some vacuums! Guess which one I bought.

broomvac · Sep 17, 2017

Thanks all!

Vinvac: I noticed the same thing. That's one way Eureka one-upped Hoover; the bag on my Precision is much bigger than that on my Hoover C1403. No offense Hoover fans, but IMO Eureka ESP/Sanitaire style uprights outperform convertible-style Hoovers and their descendants for the same reason. For the same open system with all other variables equal, more filtration surface area will result in a decrease in flow resistance. That's fluid mechanics for ya! Notice I don't have any Hoover Convertibles or the like; I feel I already have that base covered by my 840W Sanitaire S661. I'd put it head-to-head with any Hoover with confidence.

fantomfan57: Yep, you almost had it! I had fun too. I drew inspiration from another member here (Forgive me, but I can't remember who. Sorry!) who did the same thing. I like seeing what other people find in the thrift shops, too. Vicariously experiencing the excitement of discovering new vacuums is fun.

ryan1994jeep: Want to try? lol

panasonicvac: I'd bet that 0.8 amp power difference does not make a noticeable difference in effective cleaning performance.

eurekaprince: Thanks for the info! I figured out soon after I bought the Precision that it was actually a Bravo II in disguise. Hate to say it, but I actually prefer the "ugly" hood.

suckolux: Thanks! I'd bet the broken fans were the result of a combination of both misuse and fragility.

kirbyvertibles · Sep 18, 2017

I was going to say the elite but also thought maybe the eureka.

WHAT ESP better than Convertibles!!!! you should be horse whipped!! lol No actually I will say (and I'm a die hard Convertible man) yes the ESP just may be slightly better..... thanks now I have to wash my mouth out with soap.

Those Eureka Precision/bravo/bravoII/world-vac/mega boss/smart-vac things were very good cleaners even better than Elite. They just weren't made with the best of quality. Their motors failed badly unlike the Elites which also cheap lasted forever. The bearings would always fail first for some reason.

broomvac · Sep 21, 2017

Bags, Belts, and Cord!

Bought some genuine Eureka parts for this vacuum today:

3 Style U "Premium Filtration" bags
2 Style EXT-U "Extended Life" belts
1 New-old stock Bravo/Bravo II/World Vac 30 foot cord E27535-1

This Precision is going to get some TLC very soon!

broomvac

electrikbroomgu · Sep 22, 2017

Eureka Bravo uprights

These machines IMO aren't as bad as some make them out to be. Yes they are noisy due to the dirty air design and exposed motor cooling. The lower amp units or higher end deluxe models were quieter and actually those deluxe units had some steps to deaden sound like a foam piece built into the handle and another foam/metal piece that sat housed in actual motor housing.

The single biggest failure item is the fan end roller bearing. This is especially true on the newer higher 11 and 12 amp models. I have saved hundreds from death by simply re-packing the upper and lower ball bearings when they start to sound dry or noisy.

The fans on the majority of these are actually cream colored nylon and last a long time unless one severely abused the machine and sucks up rocks etc. The wheels are held on with metal shafts and seem to last quite a while, especially if they are properly lubricated. The tool caddy was attached very well on the handle assembly and the outer bag is fixed into place with two upper torx screws and the bottom portion slides into two side clips and the one long screw keeps both the handle and bag from moving up and off.

Having worked on both many Bravos and Elites I would say they each have their weaknesses and strengths and both can be a good machine overall.

The Bravos have better original factory fans. Elites are almost always bad when we get them. The newer replacement fans
The Bravos have the attachment and bag assembly attached better than how the Elites did it with plastic clips on certain models
The Elites seemed to save more stout motors and bearings but they too are getting old and need re=packing often
The newer mid to late 90's Elites used plastic wheel shafts that wore quickly
Both Bravo and Elite's have fragile plastic fan housings that can develop holes easily if something sharp or hard is picked up
The Bravos in 11 and 12 AMP guise on certain models are louder than the Elites if they don't have the sounded deadening
As mentioned the Bravo has a larger capacity bag that is a bit easier to change than the side zipper on the Elites
The late 1980's Original non tool Elite was a pretty stout machine and is usually found with a light green hood and white outer bag but you're stuck with a short 18' cord unless it is swapped out
Both machines can have their power cords swapped out with longer versions and each use there own unique end that plugs into the motor housing with Hoover making two different styles for 12 AMP and lower amp machines
Hoover wins for attachments in the newer versions with the Bravos using the rather cheap combo brush/upholstery tool but the Bravo counters with a larger diameter hose on most models

Bother do a fantastic job cleaning the carpet assuming a fresh belt is installed and the brush strips are in good shape

icee · Sep 22, 2017

That kenmore tho

I am a sucker for those shape kenmore powerheads! I am like 80% upright, 20% canister, but those kenmores get me.

broomvac · Sep 28, 2017

The result!

I appreciate the info, electricbroomgu. I made many of the same observations when I was servicing the Precision.

Aside from a cord, belt, and disposable bag, the Precision didn't really need anything. Underneath all of the dust, I discovered a very nice, low mileage vacuum!

Separating the upper and lower halves of the handle to replace the cord was a bit of an exercise, but I managed to finesse a thin butter knife under the tab to undo the fastener.

Thankfully, both motor bearings are still in great shape and aren't scratchy in the slightest. Although it sounds smooth, it's definitely the loudest vacuum I own. You all were not kidding when you said it was loud! I couldn't stand using it without hearing protection.

Finally, I had to compare the finished product to my Hoover "Elite." I know, the Elite II would have been a better comparison, but this is all I've got. Sorry! The similarities are hardly coincidental.

Anyways, enjoy the before/after pictures!

broomvac