Sanitaire S650A

[computerman768]

I recently found this model on eBay for a great price, seemed top of the line so I figured why not. It's become my new daily driver and I can't be more happy with it. Even installed the ST filltube, which made a huge difference in performance.

It's in great cosmetic shape with a hood that still gleams. Aside from the obvious worn out parts (fan, pulley, etc.), the only issue is that the motor sounds very scratchy/squeal-y for a few minutes until it warms up.

I'm assuming this particular two-speed motor is extremely rare now. Hopefully a shop can fix that up. I'm pretty handy with the basics, but not brave enough to start messing with the motor, would hate to ruin this beautiful machine.

Here are some pics. It was absolutely NASTY when I took it out of the box. Used quite a bit of disinfecting wipes and washed the outer bag.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

computerman768

This possibly appears to be a 1984 or 1985 model.

~Ben

 

[super-sweeper]

Looking good! I'm sure they sell new clear fan covers (on the bottom of the machine, pretty sure they're called Kwik Klean or something!) If you want to swap that out 

 


My Wards Widetrack has that two speed motor, didn't know it was rare! Mine was squeaky too when I first got it, wonder if it was a common problem?

 

[computerman768]

I meant rare as in, if this motor dies on me I hope it can still be repaired and parts still exist. Not sure what the differences between these and the more "common" single-speed motors are, but guessing just having the switch wired to a new motor would actually give it two-speeds? I'm not an electrician so I don't know

I'm finding both hi and lo surprisingly useful on my home's various carpets.

 

[pr-21]

Sanitaire model SC889 has a two speed motor, concidered a step down motor. I bought one and had the motor put into my Eureka model 260 Twin Power Automatic. It is hard to find a 2 speed 3.5 amp Eureka motor, so I opted for that. It works great, the vacuum guy did a great job. See pic below.

This to my knowledge is the only way to get a two speed motor, unless you can eventually find a nos on Ebay. This worked for me, abeit a little expensive to do.[this post was last edited: 11/3/2015-18:59]

 

[scooby214]

I love the 2 speed motor!

I've been using an SC889 for the last month or so, and have fallen in love with its 2 speed motor. The stepdown mode is great for cleaning rugs, and is quiet enough for vacuuming classrooms while they are occupied.

 

[computerman768]

Fan

Took it in to the shop for a full service. It's running pretty nice now.

One unfortunate thing they did was install a short fan. I know this isn't the right one, as the old fan was taller. Not a huge drop in performance, but I'd like the right part. So I ordered a tall fan online, but seem to have trouble installing it. Looks like the bottom connector is shaped differently and as a result it won't go down enough and rubs against the fan chamber..

Is there a "special" fan for this model or am I just doing something wrong? I thought there were only two types of fans, but maybe I'm mistaken.