Sanitaire Model 643B

[spencersvacs92]

Hello Vacuumland Im looking for some information reguarding my Sanitaire Model 643B. It was manufactured September 12, 1974. Im also looking for some new old stock parts or era correct parts as well as general information. Anything helps.

 

[human]

A Sanitaire is a Sanitaire...

The bad news with Sanitaire vacuums is there is a dearth of information on specific models, especially older ones made before Electrolux acquired Eureka. The nice part is it's like a Model T Ford or VW Beetle. The design hardly changed over the years so parts are plentiful, cheap and amazingly cross-compatible. You can pick and choose which parts best suit your needs. They're also a cinch to work on with only the most basic of tools and skills.

I picked up an SC686 from the early '80s almost a year and a half ago and have upgraded it with a newer VibraGroomer II brushroll to replace the original that had bad bearings and an F&G bag conversion kit to replace the original dump bag setup. I also had to replace the pulley on the motor and the lower cord hook. The pulley was the real hidden problem as the original had worn impossibly thin, leaving insufficient tension on the belt.

 

[kirbyklekter]

"...is a Sanitaire..."

As Human mentioned above there are improvements you can make that will bring out the best of your machine. Check the pulley for excessive wear, easily replaced for a few dollars. Even if you don't use the vacuum cleaner very often you need to keep an eye on the belt for stretching.or cracking. If the machine sounds like it's laboring as you push and pull it across the carpet, it's most likely the belt slipping.The more it slips the hotter the belt gets and the faster it stretches. Empty the bag often or change the paper bag often. Don't let it fill up before changing, Keep the roller clean and the ends free of string,hair and junk. Hold the roller by the ends and give it a spin, it may need a little oiling from time to time.Your belt will last longer with a clean brush roll spinning freely.

Sorry about the big paragraph. You can convert from dump bag to a top fill disposable paper or hepa bag system. I'm going to switch out my SC888 to this system soon. Big improvement. You could also check your carbon brushes for even wear and listen for any screeching noises from the bearings, it is about 46 yrs old if original.

The belts are made by different companies,just try to find the freshest,softest,stickiest rubber you can get and if they are getting chewed up or shredding, check your pulley!! If yours is a 7amp motor, it's a beast,enjoy! You can get a hood with a light if yours is without if desired.