what is this?

[whatisthis]

hi, i was handed this bad-boy and asked 'fix it?'. so i'm new to vacuum cleaners, but i've worked on nearly everything from edison machines to weapons carriers and everything in between. apparently vacuum cleaners don't have a serial number and model number on the data plate. this one doesn't even have a data plate at all!

at first i thought it was sputnik fallen to earth but it's a eureka, front says roto matic. the aluminum hose intake at top swivels. it has wheels but they are two separate assemblies and not in this photo. it has a cloth filter bag (that has holes) with a molded-in round rubber gasket. it 'had' (keyword is 'had') a filter band around the fan motor vents that looked like it was made of raw fiberglass or some other nasty material, so that got thrown away in half a heartbeat.

it is deceptively heavy for it's small size... if i drop it, it may crack the tectonic plate or even knock the earth out of orbit.

1) does anyone know exactly what model this is?
2) are replacement cloth bags available?
3) better then cloth, are paper bags available?
4) is a replacement filter band for the fan motor available?

many thanks!

ps. i was told that until recently it had been used as a leaf blower. no, really!

 

[eluxomarty]

Eureka

Eureka Roto Matic canister. Model 800 series.

Don't know about replacement cloth bags BUT the paper bag that goes in this vacuum is Eureka Type J bags. Keep in mind Eureka reissued the J type for one of their upright vacuums. Make sure the package of bags say for Canister type J. A filter ring should come with the paper bags.

 

[1926700]

heres some things to ask.....

1. what condition is the motor in? I.E. berring or unuseal or even exsessive noise.
2.is the cord and plug in good useable shape?
3. do you know how to service a basic eclectrial motor with a armature and carbon brushes, and repacking berrings?


thtas where i would start on this project.....

 

[whatisthis]

another question

you've given me great info on this vacuum, many thanks!

and here's another question... the plug has one terminal ripped out but before replacing it i need to know, was the plug originally polarized? ie. is one terminal wider than the other, like with lamp plug terminals?

ps. my friend (the one i'm fixing this vacuum for) showed me the 'case' for the vacuum, looks like an overgrown milkman's box. all the attachments live in the box with the vacuum and hose, each attachment has a little place it goes. very cool!

 

[hoover28]

plug

the plug is not poarized but if you have one that is it will work. I can help you if you need more info on this vacuum or parts. I have cloth and paper bags for it.

Chris

 

[1926700]

that case your refurring to is called....

a hassock.....

i have one for that model...there were also ones made for Compact, and genrics made for such things as a Electrolux that did not offer one direct form the comapny made fot that particualr machine....

heres a pic of mine.....unfroutantley i dont have the machine to go with it...=(

 

[henry200]

Here is my Rotomatic

Hassock

 

[henry200]

Brochure and instructions

 

[henry200]

All tucked away

 

[henry200]

Attachments

 

[henry200]

Original Belden cord and plug

 

[whatisthis]

hi, i'm the original poster. from the additional pictures in this thread, it looks like everyone and his brother has one of these eurekas. that is good as i have another question.

i have the thing mostly apart and i've found the cause of its problem, why it doesn't work well.

the bottom motor bearing (the bearing at the fan end of the armature) is stiff, obviously loaded with crud. the bearing itself is pressed into the fan assembly and i don't see any way to remove the bearing without opening that assembly. **is this a correct assumption on my part or is there some simple way to pop the bearing out?** there are 3 small flat screwdriver tip sized 'slots' around the outside perimeter of the fan assembly, as if these are to be used to open the assembly. simply inserting a screwdriver and twisting does not work, the parts are too tight. **has anyone successfully opened the fan assembly to replace the bearing? if so, what was the process?** i'm hesitant to 'experiment' on my own and end up cracking the cast aluminum inner part of the assembly, or wreck some other part.

so you can see what i'm talking about, here's a top view of the fan assembly. the bearing is at the center.

many thanks!

 

[1926700]

oh man!!!!!

that should have come out on the armature....=(.....

let me warn you first off, that going to be a ABSLOUTE B**** to remove!

but the good news is thats a stanard canister slash clean air motor berring, and there still very avilible and still made, just get the number off of the berring and consult you local vac shop or berring supplier. now on the removal of the berring in qestion, PLENTY of WD-40 some force and lots of prayer!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!=)

 

[thomas_squared]

Bearing Removal

I am not sure if it is possible in this application, but when installing and removing bearings from aluminum motorcycle cases you heat the case to approximately 100 degrees c and the bearing will be come loose due to the differing rates of expansion.

 

[notacollector]

From what I can see it looks like it will be pretty easy to pull that bearing. 1/4 inch bolt and washer on the inside smaller than the outside diameter of the bearing and large flat washer larger than the bearing plus a smaller one on the outside over the bolt. Put on nut and tighten and it should move that bearing at least 1/8 inch. It may be enough to loosen the bearing so you can tap it out, or you can figure out some spacers to continue pulling.

 

[whatisthis]

original poster here. after 20 minutes of studying the stuck bearing and fan assembly with a magnifier, i popped the stuck bearing out in about 20 seconds.

a local bearing supplier (motion industries) sold me equivalent replacements for the top and bottom bearings for $14.63. the originals were ND 7038, the replacements are SKF 608.

the motor and fan are completely assembled now and when bench tested, it ran smooth as silk.

i'll be reassembling the rest of the vacuum when i find the time. i'll post a photo when it's all done.

 

[whatisthis]

Original poster again. The vacuum is completely assembled and my friend has picked it up and taken it home. She is very happy. Many thanks to those that helped and gave advice concerning this project.

BTW, I replaced the cord and plug (both were shot) and noticed the 'Belden' plug has a detachable little black plastic button between the blades (says UL inside of a circle). If anyone should want the button (for free) to replace one that is lost, get back to me fast.

As I'm not 'hooked' on vacuums like most of you are, I'm now moving on to other projects (next is a 60's reel-to-reel tape recorder). I enjoyed my stay in 'Vacuumland', talked to some really nice people, and wish you all the best!

PS. Attached is a photo of the finished vacuum.