amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
Well even if you don't end up using them a lot, what if you end up selling them? What of the person you sell them to ends up using it more than you did? I'd still recommend replacing the switches, just to be safe.
Some concerning info about 1998-99 Self Propelled Windtunnels
- Thread starter amtraksebo1997
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panasonicvac
Well-known member
Nah, that wouldn't ever happen in my lifetime I can guarantee it because those two Windtunnels definitely played a huge role during my earlier days. But when or if I get those two machines, there's a 50-50 chance that they may already have their switches replaced anyways since that recall happened a while ago. This is not something new, and Maytag has been long gone now. As long as they both turn on, I still don't see a need to replace the switches. I had a bagless non self propelled Windtunnel U5768-900 before and that one I did had to have the switch replaced. Not because the switch was hot or sparking. But the switch had a hard time turning on or off. huskyvacs definitely has a point here, recalls are less likely to be concerned about, even Samsung who just recalled their top load washers yesterday. If you look at the recall page, only a over couple hundred were reported to have the issue out of over six hundred thousand Windtunnels. That's very little. And both huskyvacs and eureka prince said theirs's never had any problems.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Truth is, I guess any old vintage vacuum could develop an electrical problem that might make it dangerous to use. We just have to be really careful with using anything electrical that is no longer covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Especially power nozzle canisters where a cracked hose could be dangerous to use, or where the wand contacts are not in good condition.
I remember being sooo disappointed that Eureka’s Excaliber upright was developing electrical problems at the switch. I thought the design was such a great idea - a two motor bag-first upright that could be set for suction only. But I remember the switch was not designed properly and users found that it overheated.
I remember being sooo disappointed that Eureka’s Excaliber upright was developing electrical problems at the switch. I thought the design was such a great idea - a two motor bag-first upright that could be set for suction only. But I remember the switch was not designed properly and users found that it overheated.
Absolute truth here!!!
I’d like to think that people are smart enough to do their own research about product recalls before buying or acquiring a used vacuum, but we all know that that isn’t the case. It’s just not practical or productive to think that we all have some sort of obligation to create product awareness or fix our used machines before selling them or putting them on the curb. That’s a bit quixotic, codependent at the least.
I’d like to think that people are smart enough to do their own research about product recalls before buying or acquiring a used vacuum, but we all know that that isn’t the case. It’s just not practical or productive to think that we all have some sort of obligation to create product awareness or fix our used machines before selling them or putting them on the curb. That’s a bit quixotic, codependent at the least.
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
Even if the actual number of reported injuries was very small, I still would just be safe and replace the switches on them. But I can lead the horse to water, but I can't make it drink I guess.
wstonehockertv
Well-known member
amtraksebo1997
That post was very pointless. Someone will come on here and say that their original switch still works just fine. It all boils down to the consumer and how they maintain it, regardless if the product was from Maytag or TTi. Granted, not all machines are made equal, but my point still stands.
Example: I had the Anniversary Self-Propelled Windtunnel when I was in high school (it came from Sears, and RIP to that store), and being a TTi product, the switch was working fine. What the hell happened was the bag door couldn't stay on properly no matter what I did (this was in 2012) and the brushroll wouldn't stay off when in floor mode even though the slider was in the right position (this was in 2011, and a few months after purchase). I didn't bother getting it fixed, and now that they are no longer in production, it's not even worth it.
That post was very pointless. Someone will come on here and say that their original switch still works just fine. It all boils down to the consumer and how they maintain it, regardless if the product was from Maytag or TTi. Granted, not all machines are made equal, but my point still stands.
Example: I had the Anniversary Self-Propelled Windtunnel when I was in high school (it came from Sears, and RIP to that store), and being a TTi product, the switch was working fine. What the hell happened was the bag door couldn't stay on properly no matter what I did (this was in 2012) and the brushroll wouldn't stay off when in floor mode even though the slider was in the right position (this was in 2011, and a few months after purchase). I didn't bother getting it fixed, and now that they are no longer in production, it's not even worth it.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
No vacuum is made to be perfect, all parts can wear out and go bad eventually. Even these Windtunnels. And again, that recall is just old news. Nothing new, especially to us collectors who'd take the best care of vacuums than anybody else. And I'm betting most people don't have those older Windtunnels anymore mainly because they've moved on to something more modern or even better. Yeah despite the fact that I really like these machines, I know I've used other Hoovers and brands that are better. Example the HushTone Commercial CH54115 which I humbly think is Hoover's best bypass upright that they've ever sold by far. If I was a consumer and if I was using one on those 98 or 99 Windtunnels as my only vacuum that like broke down today, I would just simply upgrade and buy the CH54115 or a different brand. Even if it was just the $5 switch that like sparked or overheated, I'd be ready for something new and better.
Brain, I didn't know those Excalibur uprights had switch problems. And I agree with you that it was a nice design. I do know that the Boss 4D uprights had switch problems as well because not only I've read reviews that the switches overheated but I've also experienced it myself. I've used one when I was vacuuming an empty apartment as my laundry was being washed and dried because there was nothing else better to do than to just sit and wait or go back to the apartment I was living at (I had to go to this other apartment and use the laundry set there because our washer broke down). Anyways, the switch was at my fingertip and I remember the switch got hot very quickly. I knew that wasn't normal to have. And for it being a later version, I was surprised the switches didn't get upgraded.
Brain, I didn't know those Excalibur uprights had switch problems. And I agree with you that it was a nice design. I do know that the Boss 4D uprights had switch problems as well because not only I've read reviews that the switches overheated but I've also experienced it myself. I've used one when I was vacuuming an empty apartment as my laundry was being washed and dried because there was nothing else better to do than to just sit and wait or go back to the apartment I was living at (I had to go to this other apartment and use the laundry set there because our washer broke down). Anyways, the switch was at my fingertip and I remember the switch got hot very quickly. I knew that wasn't normal to have. And for it being a later version, I was surprised the switches didn't get upgraded.
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
I get the feeling that most people on this thread don't care about what I'm saying. How does anybody know that people have widely moved on from the older windtunnels? I don't think any of us do. So there might be someone, somewhere in the world (yes, the windtunnels were sold outside the U.S.) that is using one of those 98 or 99 windtunnels that might have the problem. Or, a young, inexperienced vacuum collector might buy one of these, and might run into this issue. I still think there's a possibility.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
It's not the fact that we don't care, it's the fact that this is a post with no direction. The intentions are good, but you seem to be misguided. You're getting all riled up about a recall from nearly 20 years ago that was already addressed that applied only to a specific serial number group of the very first run of Hoover Windtunnels sold in 1998. Plus the T-series which hardly anyone even bought to begin with. The recalls already notified people.
People had their warning in the mid 2000s and can use google and look it up if they want to or care to. It's not your job to badger people about defective vacuums on a forum devoted to vacuum collectors who can readily fix these issues if they so choose, or leave them alone and not have any problems at all with them. As was already stated in my posts above, just because something is recalled doesn't mean it is dangerous or should even be acted on. It means there is a small enough chance that the company could be sued so they are protecting themselves by making a recall on it. That is your answer. The recalls only apply at time of sale or shortly after within reason of warranty periods, and lose any and all merit secondhand and especially nearly 2 decades later.
They do not even sell bags for this vacuum in department stores anymore, and their brushrolls or transmission usually have gone out long before then at this point in time going into 2023. And trying to address this recall today, guess what will happen? They will send you a discount voucher for a new Hoover Windtunnel bagless vac made in china that will have even bigger issues than these do and last maybe 3 years before the motor burns up. Maytag doesn't even own Hoover anymore so who knows if the recall claim will even be answered.
The main reason why people even donate these vacuums to thrift stores is because they tear out their carpeting and install vinyl flooring, as these vacuums can not do bare floors and they will mangle up and chew apart area rugs. Any time I get a bagged vacuum, the date on the bags that come with it is usually 2009-2012, and they haven't been used for over a decade.
Furthermore, Shark, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Aldi, even Rainbow vacuums have all had recalls on them, why focus on Hoover and specifically the Windtunnel? If your goal was to create awareness, why not cover all the other recalls as well? Heck, every vacuum Aldi sold in the last 5 years has been recalled for "fire hazard" (generic terms).
People had their warning in the mid 2000s and can use google and look it up if they want to or care to. It's not your job to badger people about defective vacuums on a forum devoted to vacuum collectors who can readily fix these issues if they so choose, or leave them alone and not have any problems at all with them. As was already stated in my posts above, just because something is recalled doesn't mean it is dangerous or should even be acted on. It means there is a small enough chance that the company could be sued so they are protecting themselves by making a recall on it. That is your answer. The recalls only apply at time of sale or shortly after within reason of warranty periods, and lose any and all merit secondhand and especially nearly 2 decades later.
They do not even sell bags for this vacuum in department stores anymore, and their brushrolls or transmission usually have gone out long before then at this point in time going into 2023. And trying to address this recall today, guess what will happen? They will send you a discount voucher for a new Hoover Windtunnel bagless vac made in china that will have even bigger issues than these do and last maybe 3 years before the motor burns up. Maytag doesn't even own Hoover anymore so who knows if the recall claim will even be answered.
The main reason why people even donate these vacuums to thrift stores is because they tear out their carpeting and install vinyl flooring, as these vacuums can not do bare floors and they will mangle up and chew apart area rugs. Any time I get a bagged vacuum, the date on the bags that come with it is usually 2009-2012, and they haven't been used for over a decade.
Furthermore, Shark, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Aldi, even Rainbow vacuums have all had recalls on them, why focus on Hoover and specifically the Windtunnel? If your goal was to create awareness, why not cover all the other recalls as well? Heck, every vacuum Aldi sold in the last 5 years has been recalled for "fire hazard" (generic terms).
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
I'm sorry.
The reason I made this thread is mainly because I have anxiety issues, and I felt that if I didn't warn people about these recalls, I would be letting people continue to use dangerous vacuums that could potentially cause people injury, or worse, death. Also, the reason I only covered Hoover recalls was because I'd probably drop dead from the stress of trying to warn everyone about other every vacuum recall. I really don't want to be worrying about this stuff, but my anxiety keeps making me. It also extends into other things. For example, I'm worried that my old kirby D50 has asbestos in it, as well as two of my other vintage vacs. Heck, I'm worried that my whole house is filled to the brim with asbestos, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. So yeah, I'm sorry.
The reason I made this thread is mainly because I have anxiety issues, and I felt that if I didn't warn people about these recalls, I would be letting people continue to use dangerous vacuums that could potentially cause people injury, or worse, death. Also, the reason I only covered Hoover recalls was because I'd probably drop dead from the stress of trying to warn everyone about other every vacuum recall. I really don't want to be worrying about this stuff, but my anxiety keeps making me. It also extends into other things. For example, I'm worried that my old kirby D50 has asbestos in it, as well as two of my other vintage vacs. Heck, I'm worried that my whole house is filled to the brim with asbestos, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. So yeah, I'm sorry.
wstonehockertv
Well-known member
It's actually easier to buy bags for the machine online, as are filters and regular flat belts.
If I ended up with a Windtunnel, I'd stick to the model without Self-Propel.
With the help of two extension wands, a bare floor tool, and a turbo tool (thank God the fitting is inch and a quarter), they do make the machine better (as do cloth HEPA bags)
If I ended up with a Windtunnel, I'd stick to the model without Self-Propel.
With the help of two extension wands, a bare floor tool, and a turbo tool (thank God the fitting is inch and a quarter), they do make the machine better (as do cloth HEPA bags)
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
wstonehockertv
Gosh, not God.
Gosh, not God.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Hi Bailey….no need to apologize…you were just doing a good service to us all to remind us to be careful with older vacs….especially ones that had official recalls on them due to something dangerous. Thank you for starting this thread…it is an important topic.
And I understand the challenges of severe anxiety…many of us do here on Vacuumland. So you are among friends here….
And I understand the challenges of severe anxiety…many of us do here on Vacuumland. So you are among friends here….
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
eurekaprince could you please not use my real name, I don't wanna get doxxed here. But thanks anyways.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
You do have the option of not sharing your name on your profile.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
ok…sorry….
maytag142c
Well-known member
Of course there’s some good info on here and we surely thank you! However as cautious as you are, don’t be afraid to take the proper protective precautions when servicing a machine that you feel might have certain chemicals in them. One learns by exploring, so dive in and give it a shot, there’s so much to learn!
Btw what is the meaning of doxxed?
Btw what is the meaning of doxxed?
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
maytag142c
Doxxed is just a term for getting your personal info shared.
Doxxed is just a term for getting your personal info shared.
amtraksebo1997
Well-known member
panasonicvac
How do I do that?
How do I do that?
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