Windsor S12 and dubious repairs

[cam2s]

I seen a fairly new model Windsor Sensor S12 for sale a few towns over for sale for 5 bucks. Figured for the price I didn’t have much to loose. The town I got it from has a Servicemaster cleaning company and I’m guessing this was a fleet machine, though it seems the only problems was caused by the last person that fixed it. It ran just fine and wasn’t terribly beat up, but it had been take apart for some reason. The problem was when they put the cover for the motor housing back on instead of using the original screws they put screws that where in fact so big that it not only busted the screw hole the top cover wouldn’t close properly. So instead of using shorter screws they drilled holes and installed brackets to keep the top secure. Didn’t take a picture of the brackets but you can see the holes from the bracket. The foot pedal was broke and fixed with the bojack special. Bottom plate was missing as well. I took the screws out and ordered a pedal and bottom plate and now it works just fine. The only problem is the check bag light comes on during normal usage, which I’m guessing was the original reason it got taken apart in the first place. There are no clogs in it and there doesn’t seem to be any air leaks so I can live with the red light.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

They use those in hospitals range 400-600 or more. I'd say you stole it. I'm sure sensor is dirty or clogged if found. I'm pretty sure you can bypass it but I'm not versed in Windsor vacuums. You did very well.
Les

 

[electroluxxxx]

Actually this is a common issue with the sensor machines, if the machine is used for a 10 min period with the indicator illuminated it will (or should) shut off. As les mentioned, “I’m sure the sensor is dirty” that could very well be an issue. The boards in these machines are able to be washed with time to dry of course and sometimes that will fix the issue. If it doesn’t fix it, then the board should be replaced. if the light doesn’t bother you than you have a solid workhorse for a machine and it will last quite a long time and take a beating. I have had quite a few of these and have serviced many of them. I now only have my Sebo X4 and honestly wish it had the manual height adjustment like the S12.

Congrats on your find!

 

[blackheart]

Bag light

We ran into this issue many times. More often than not the problem was that dirt had gotten into the mechanism that triggers the light. It's located on the neck of the machine it's clear and has an almost D shape to it you'll need to carefully take that apart and clean out the dirt.

It's basically a circuit, when the vacuum clogs up pressure causes the plunger to be pulled inwards which separates a metallic plate from two contacts. this lack of continuity is what triggers the light, but built up dirt can prevent contact too.

 

[huskyvacs]

I hate it when monkeys "repair" things with no care at all to fixing it properly and just set about breaking it in the process of repairing it with random bits and bobs from the hardware store. It takes so much work to fix it back to what it was.

Electrical contact cleaner sprayed on the dirt sensor will fix the bag full light, seems a similar issue to Hoover Windtunnels with the TOL trim level dirt sensor lights.

 

[cam2s]

Is the sensor in the clean side or the dirty side of the neck? I tried to clean the boards up as much as possible. You can see the broken screws in the first picture with the top off.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I don't know where sensor is but go to car parts store and get electrical cleaner. This will clean sensor and not ruin it. Air may not be enough to clean so if it comes too it this wouldn't ensure not ruining sensor.
Les

 

[blackheart]

That sensor

To access it you need to remove the neck assembly, and the black plastic covers that are around it.
In order to get a better idea of where it is located this black tube leads to it. it's used to adjust the sensitivity. you'd insert a small flat heat and turn the plunger to increase or lower the sensitivity of it. They do make a cap to get the proper setting but if you lack such a tool I think you're supposed to cover about 3/4 of the hose and adjust till the light comes on.

 

[cam2s]

Well that sensor is deep in the neck....I’m not sure how one would adjust it, especially with it running you can barely get to it with the neck out. In any case I cleaned it all out and got the fuzz out. Getting all the bits back together was a chore but everything finally went back together. Good news though it seemed to work, the light hasn’t come back on!

 

[lesinutah]

Congrats

You fixed a high end vacuum and it runs great. Nice job again.
Les

 

[blackheart]

adjusting it

That black tube leads to the screw slot on the sensor the machine also might have a small hole in it's hood in the same spot for that purpose. You'd need a long and thin flat head screw driver to do it.