Tech Tips
(A new Tech-Tip is added each month)
Feb 10, 2010
Hoover Windtunnel Switches
Hoove has discontinued one of its popular rocker switches commonly used in Windtunnel models.
Click HERE to read the service bulletin.
Dec 11, 2009
Two type of Kirby transmission belts
Kirby Generation series machines use a different geared transmission belt than the newer Sentria series units:
K-554189 : Transmission belt for Generation series units. This belt has 35 teeth and an outside diameter of 2.4"
K-554105: Transmission belt for Sentria units . This belt has 36 teeth and an outside diameter of 2.5".
Nov 9, 2009
Belt Changing Instructions For Panasonic OptiFlow model MC-UG775
Panasonic has had some complaints that changing the belt on the OptiFlow
Model MC-UG775 is difficult. They have relased a guide that shows a simple
step by step procedure to accomplish this task. Click HERE to view the guide.
October 30, 2009
New Oreck Buster B Hose
Oreck no longer make a friction-fit Buster B Hose.
If you have a buster B unit that came equiped with the standard friction-fit hose,
you need to upgrade to the new "Shurlok" hose by purchasing a new "Shurlok" - style hose
along with a matching bag door.
O-72033040327 : New "Shurlok" hose in black
O-097301451 : Bag door that accepts "Shurlok" hose in black
O-72068040431 : "Surlok"-Style hose in white
O-097301453 : Bag door that accepts "Shurlok" hose in white
11.17.09 - UPDATE: We have found a way to adapt the new "Shurlok" to the old-style bag door.
This will save you the time and cost of installing a new bag door.
Click HERE for the details. (Thanks JK)
July 14, 2009
New Kirby F-style Bags
Every Kirby Sentria made in 2009 were packed with the Style "F" bag.
The standard Generation series paper bag will not fit these units.
There are 3 ways you can tell which bag a particular Sentria unit uses:
1.) On the outside of the original box, check and see what color the original serial number label is.
•Units with the F-style bags will have a YELLOW serial number sticker.
•Units the standard twist-style bag will have a WHITE serial number sticker.
2.) Look at the bag-top adaptor. Units using the F-style paper will have a letter "F" cut out of it on the top.
3.) Check the serial number engraved on the unit itself. Serial numbers 1081201851 (from Cleveland) and 2081204710 (from Texas) and greater use the F-style bags
Click HERE for more info the Kirby F-style filter bags.
June 11, 2009
Dyson Motor Modification For DC07 Units Using a Panasonic Motor
Dyson used two different motor styles in their DC07 uprights. If you have a unit that has a Panasonic-made motor in it, some modification of the front rubber motor support may be necessary in order to use our replacement DYR-6000 motor. This can be done with a sharp knife by simply trimming away the heavily-ribbed portion of the Dyson front motor support. Discard the trimmed portion and retain the modified front support. Our part number FQ-350060, which is a motor support gasket for Filter Queen motor, can be modified to support the motor from the sides. Cut away the thicker area of the FQ-530060 gasket and discard; you will only need the thinner ribbed part. Place this modified Filter Queen gasket around the motor to support it from side to side, and install the motor in the housing. Replace the modified Dyson front motor support, and snap on the motor cover. (This procedure is sound and has worked without flaw in-house; however, is has not been tested for long-term reliability.)
May 28, 2009
Hoover Windtunnel Brushrolls
Hoover now makes their original non-self propelled windtunnel brushroll in
wood. The way to tell the difference between the original and the replacement
is easy:
Original : One endcap is gray and the other is black.
Replacement: Both endcaps are black.
April 22, 2009
Dyson Belt Changing Tool
ESSCO now stocks a DYSON belt changing tool. Part # DYR-7340.
February 18, 2009
Oreck Switches
For Oreck XL-series uprights with the SWITCH IN THE HANDLE, including the XL21 series, there are now a total of six possible switches. For all machines with a switch in the base, FA-3400 or the OEM still apply.
The machines listed are by no means a comprehensive list of all units a particular switch works on. (There may be exceptions.) Basically, if you can get the model number, type, and switch description, you should be able to work out what one you need. Oreck model type is important because they changed to a hardwired handle with different terminal sizes for type 6-7 units. If an Oreck machine doesn’t state a type on the label, it’s probably a type 1.
O-010-8830 1-speed switch w/ wire lead, 3/16” terminals, type 1-5 units
Used on older handle switch, one-speed machines – XL8000 series, XL9000 series, XL2000 series
O-7555901 1-speed switch, no wire lead, 1/8” terminals, type 6-7 units
Used on newer handle switch, one-speed machines – XL3000 series, XL4000 series
O-7552301 1-Speed LIGHTED switch w/ wire lead, 3/16” terminals, type 1-5 units
Used on XL3600 and XL3700 series machines
O-7552303 1-speed LIGHTED switch, no wire lead, 1/8” terminals, type 6-7 units
Used on XL3600 and XL3700 series machines
O-010-8824 2-speed switch w/ diode & two wire leads, 1/8” terminals, 3/16” wire lead terminals, type 1-5 units
Used on older handle switch, two-speed machines – XL9000 series, XL2000 series, XL3000 series, XL21 series
O-7558501 2-speed switch w/ diode, no wire leads, 1/8” terminals, type 6-7 units
Used on newer handle switch, two-speed machines – XL3000 series, XL4000 series, XL21 series
January 22, 2009
Kirby Sentria Lights/Circuit Board
The Kirby Sentria (G10) does not use a lightbulb like the Generation class units.
Instead, the Sentria takes advantage of new LED-style lighting which is part of a printed circuit board.
The individual LED's are not serviceable. In other words, if one gos out, the entire PC must be replaced.
Before servicing the Sentria vacuum, disconnect the machine power cord from the electrical power outlet.
Place the machine on a grounded, anti-static mat. Failure to do so could result in damage to the PC board.
Part # K-164306 (shown below)
December 30, 2008
Kirby Sentria
The Kirby Sentria is also known as the Model G10
November 20, 2008
HEPA Filters for the "E" Series Rexair/Rainbow Canisters
Confused on which HEPA filter to get for the "E" Series machine you're working on ?
There are 3 different filters made. Refer to the pictures below to help you order the correct one.
 |
 |
 |
|
R-7292 |
R-10520 |
R-12179 |
October 10, 2008
Inexpensive alternative to the Eureka style "Z" belt (E-78983)
Save yourself and your customer the next time you need a Eureka type "Z" belt. (found on 450 series uprights)
The Royal Dirt Devil style 4 & 5 belt is a perfect fit and a lot less expensive (RO-720310 or ROR-1010)
October 8, 2008
Dyson Clutch Removal
How to remove the brushroll and change clutch for DC07, DC14.
If you need to save the belts:
From the side closest the edge of the nozzle, slide 2 long screwdrivers (preferably the same length) under the belt toward the center of the brush- right up to the handles. Put the tips of both screwdrivers in the channel that runs along the front of the brushroll tray. Lift both screwdrivers while a helper twists and rotates the brush from its prison. If you are alone and have strong fingers you may be able to remove the brush with your free hand by stretching the belt and holding the screwdrivers away from the housing with your thumb or forefinger.
With the brush free remove the tray. The belt cover is fastened with 3 screws. The last one is accessed through a hole in the housing near the back edge. You will need a torx t-15 driver with at least a 3” shank to reach it.
Next challenge is to remove the selector knob to free the clutch assembly:
With the handle lowered and the machine lying on the bench with the handle to your right, insert a flat bladed screwdriver underneath the cap and pry up. You will hear a pop as this side unlocks. The tricky part is to flip the machine over, keeping the screwdriver in place to keep it unlocked. On the inside, insert another screwdriver 180 degrees opposite from the first one to pry off the cap.
Now your clutch is nearly free! Pull firmly to release it from the housing.
install your new clutch, belt cover and tray.
To re-install the brush you need to fish the belt through the opening in the tray. Our Handihook (CS-8000) can be modified to a helpful tool. Just make another bend about ½ inch above the first one to form a “J”. Slide the screwdrivers back under the belt, tips into the channel in front, and lift- then work the end of the brush under the belt. You should be able to shift the brush and belt into final position after releasing the screwdrivers.
August 22 2007
-KIRBY BRUSHROLL ISSUE: Over the past several years, it has been believed that you needed only 2 brushrolls for the Kirby Generation (Powerdrive) models. Thus, you stocked part K-156293 for Generation 3 & 4 machines and part K-152597 for G5-Ultimate G machines. Three years ago, Kirby changed the K-152597 to the K-152502 by staggering the bristle into eight 3" rows instead of four 6" rows. Apparently, this design/number change resulted in a 15% increase in cleaning performance. The Diamond Edition and Sentria use a part K-152505. This roller also has eight 3" rows of bristles but the bristles are thinner and stiffer.
Ultinately, to get you Kirby customers the exact roller that came out of their machine you should stock 3 Kirby rollers for the Generation 3-Sentria: K-156293: G3-G4
K-152502: G5-Ultimate G
K-152505: Diamond - Sentria
August 12 2007
-DEALERS BE AWARE!! There are now two paper bags that fit Sanitaire Uprights. You can no longer assume that your customer, without a model # for a Sanitaire, needs a "F & G" bag. The new style bag is a "ST" bag that fits series 600 and 800 Sanitaires with a tube extension.
June 30 2007
- When selling Electrolux wands for the Electrolux Guardian or Eureka Oxygen, sell as a set. Typically it is a electrical problem that will run through both wands, not just one.
-To convert Bosch machines to fitall tools, purchase FA-4520.
-To convert Samsung machines to fitall tools, purchase FA-5706.
-In the March 2007 Consumer Reports Magazine, the Top Ten Vacuums listed all took paper bags.
March 30 2007
- Still have a leaky V2 Extractor Tank? If after changing the tank & valve assemblies, you still are leaking solution try replacing the (pressure) solution valve part no. H-25686057
-Do you use the term "Bojack"?? The word "Bojack" was first used in the 1920's by the workers at the North Canton based Hoover Company. Bojack was a put-down or attempt to devalue any vacuum cleaner not made by Hoover.Thus, a "Bojacker" was a Hoover salesman's competitor.
Feb. 28, 2007
-New Kirby Belt??? Yes, there is a new kiby transmission belt that fits all Diamond Edition and Sentria models produced after 05/05. This belt is Not interchangeable w/any other belt. Part# is K-554105.
-Most Dirt Devil Uprights that require a geared belt that uses either the RO-912425 narrow geared or the RO-912427 wide geared belt. There is now a third geared belt to fit the RY9000/RY9100/RY9200 uprights. The part number is RO-UA0025 .
December 31, 2006 - The Hoover Savvy uprights have 2 motors. A common problem is when a customer brings in a Savvy upright where the main motor works fine but the brushroll motor doesnt work. The problem is not the switch assembly or the brushroll motor in most cases. The problem is the wiring harness between the switch and brushroll motor which is not listed in any schematic. Order part number H-91001033 to get the wiring harness.
November 31, 2006 - Hot New Product! Part Number FA-5525 is a hot new 1 1/4" standard fit attachment. It is a floor tool with a gentle dust mop ring around the suction inlet. Great for hardware floors! Your cost $14.99
October 31, 2006 - Most Dirt Devil uprights that require a geared belt use either the RO-912425 narrow or the RO-912427 wide geared belt. There is now a third geared belt to fit the RY9000/RY9100/RY9200 uprights. The part number is RO-UA0025 .
September 30, 2006 - When changing the transmission or motor on a Generation series Kirby upright you must also change the primary gear on the armature shaft. The new parts may fail if the gear is not changed. Kirby includes the gear with the purchase of the transmission.
August 9, 2006 - The Hoover Tempo Stick vac can use one of two dirt cup filters.
One (H-43615087) comes with a plastic cyclonic cone, the other (H-43615073) does not.
See photos below for easy identification.
July 31, 2006 - The Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition requires a different switch than the rest of the Generation series uprights. The Diamond Edition switch contains a circuit board which gives the unit 2 speeds. The part number is K-632703 but the switch is currently restricted by Kirby.
June 31, 2006 - Single brushroll Hoover Savvy uprights have a belt tension pulley that you will not find in any schematic. To get the pulley you must order the clear hood. Part number H-92001024.
May 31, 2006 - The 6500 series canister from Electrolux have a hose receptacle which has wider pin spacing than standard Lux canister hoses. New from Essco is an adaptor that fits on the end of a standard EXR-4014 Hi Tech electric hose. The adaptor EXR-4565 allows the use of the wider 6500 series wand on the standard hose.
April 30, 2006 - Here is how to troubleshoot a new Hoover Savvy U8100 series that is breaking belts. Remove the base from the nozzle cover and expose the brushroll motor. Lift the brushroll motor and observe a round hole halfway up the metal motor housing. This hole aligns with a plastic pin on the base of the unit. If the plastic pin is broken you must replace the base. Part number H-92001041.
Mar. 31, 2006 - Kirby machine hose couplings are now available for G4 and G5 models with an arm that switches the motor to a lower speed for attachment use. The lower speed protects the motor. Part number for G4 is K-211393 and part number for G5 is K-211397.
Feb. 28, 2006 - The Kirby Generation series vacuums have accessories which use the hose to inflate items. When you use the inflator tool you must remove the mini emptor to attach the hose. Kirby also recommends that you remove the nozzle and add the intake guard assembly. This prevents the brushroll from picking up objects and sending them through the hose. Part #K-224693
Dec. 31, 2005 - Maytag has changed the warrenty policy for Hoover parts. All Hoover parts are now under warrenty for 90 days after installation.
Oct. 31, 2005 - Provac Backpack vacuums have 2 different lids that are not interchangeable. The older style units had a pebbled finish and is taller than the new lid. Use PV-101693. Newer units that have a smooth finish and a logo stamped on the side. Use PV-101935.
Sept 31, 2005 - When you replace the clean water tank on a Hoover V2 Steamer you will receive a kit. You will still need to use the red metering plate from the existing tank.
Aug 31, 2005 - Bissell has discontinued the air box and hose B-603-4685 for older upright extractors. If you only need the hose use Hoover part number H-43431196. It works perfectly!
July 31, 2005 - The Kirby Generation series vacuum cleaner has two speeds. The unit uses high speed when the hose is used and low speed when the nozzle is attached. The power switch controls the speeds. When replacing a switch make sure to stock the K-211093 and K-211097 hose couplings so you can test the high speed attachment setting before returning the customer's sweeper.
June 30, 2005 - Essco now stocks a cord reel assembly to fit late model Kenmore canisters. The unit includes the internal cord stopper used on Kenmore canisters. Order part number P-30781.
May 31, 2005 – HOOVER SAFETY RECALL . Self-propelled vacuum cleaners built between May 1998 and November 1999 model number U6423-900, U6425-900, U6425-950, U6445-900, U6445-960, U6449-900, U6450-900, U6451-900 & U6455-900. ON/OFF switch may fail causing overheating in the tool door/handle. For location of FREE repair service call 1-800-250-6075.
Feb 31, 2005 – All parts are now available for the Tristar EXL canister. Hoses, power nozzle elbows, filters are now in stock. Don’t turn away any more EXL series repairs.
Jan 15, 2005 - The Filter Queen model 112C 75th Anniversary Edition has a two speed switch. Here is how to troubleshoot your machine. If high speed does not work it has a bad switch. Order FQ-34007. If low speed does not work the pc board is bad. Order FQ-3610
May 31, 2004 – The square slide switch for Electrolux, Hi Tech, 2100, LE models is no longer available. A good substitute is an original Hoover Portapower Switch. Part Number H-28177006.
Oct. 31, 2003 - Hoover extractors use a brush strip or rotating brushes on the nozzle to loosen dirt. A few upright models have a double brush strip. Part number H-48447002 is the double molded brush strip.
Aug 31, 2003 – To replace the Mini Emtor on a Kiby G3 you must also replace the fill tube K-190399 and the fill tube adapter top K-190499. A more inexpensive solution is to order the G4 mini emtor assembly K-199493 which includes the fill tube and adapter top.
July 31, 2003 - Hoover Windtunnel power drive uprights have been experiencing problems with the power drive assembly. Before you replace the entire assembly try ordering the actuator arm part number H-43143046. This item was not available as a separate item until recently. This part may fix your problem and save your customer a very costly repair.
May 31, 2003 - Eureka paper bag confusion. Customers may call you looking for Eureka "A" paper bags. To help them find out what they really need ask them if they have an upright or a canister. If they have an upright give them style "B" paper bag because it replaces the style "A". If they have a canister offer them E-61230 style "OX" paper bags. Eureka’s part number for "OX" paper bags ends with "A" so many customers think they need "A" paper bags.
Jan 15, 2003 - To remove the cover from the cap assembly on the Rainbow E2 you must first remove the 6 hidden screws under the right and left side decal covers. The decal covers can be pried off by carefully inserting a screwdriver along the top edge.
Aug 31, 2002 – To allow the use of 1 ¼ " fitall attachments on on Miele canisters simply use Essco adapter part number FA-4520.
Mar 28, 2002 – The Rexair/Rainbow E2 series has an interlocking rocker switch, which stops the unit from running if the water pan, is off the machine. This switch breaks easily if a customer places the water pan on incorrectly. The machine will not run without a good switch. Part number R-7370.
Feb 28, 2002 - The Electrolux Epic uses a different machine end coupling than other Electrolux Canisters. To replace an Epic hose simply remove the original gas pump handle and add it to our Epic hose blank part number EXR-4020.
July 31, 2001 – When replacing the handle grip on a Kirby Generation Series look on the side of the grip. If you see a threaded brass nut simply order a new grip. If there is no nut you must also order a new screw, part number K-174091. If you need to purchase a handle fork for the Kirby Generation Series you must also buy a new grip. The old one will not fit.
June 30, 2001 - Dealers have been reporting problems when trying to fit the Fantom Lightning Canister wand into the power nozzle neck. To resolve this problem simply bend the female receptacle on the wand outward slightly, the parts will fit together perfectly!
Jan 15, 2001 - Many dealers have been trying to fix Hoover Steamers which seem to run well but will not extract liquids back up from the carpet. Here is one possible solution. If the motor on your extractor has heated up in the past the problem may be a suction leak between the nozzle cover and the motor cover. The motor cover will warp when heated and the single screw holding the nozzle cover to the motor cover will not be enough to retain a tight seal between the two. To fix this problem remove the dirty water tank, unscrew the nozzle cover from the motor cover (1 screw), and replace the motor cover. The part number is H-37196139.
Nov 30, 2000 – The Eureka Bravo and Victory upright brushrolls look identical. To figure out which one your customer has look at the belt end of the brushroll. If you see only 2 edge cleaning bristles it is a Victory brushroll E-54941-1. If it has eight edge cleaning bristles it is a Bravo brushroll E-54325-1.
Oct 31, 2000 – The Rexiar/Rainbow model E may have a motor made by either GS Electric or Ametek Lamb. To tell the difference look for a white sticker on the motor with the part number 7816. After the part number there will be a letter; A = Ametek Lamb G = GS Electric. If there is no sticker, look under the spider. If there is a gasket it is an Ametek motor, if not it is GS Electric.
Aug 31, 2000 – Hoover Windtunnel Powerdrive uprights have been breaking control cables frequently. When you replace the control cable also replace the lower cable guide, part number H-36131101. This will increase the life of the new cable.
July 31, 2000 – The Dirt Devil Vision with sensor models take 2 of the style 9 belt. ESSCO fine quality replacement belt number SR-1000 is a perfect substitute at a great price.
June 30, 2000 – Sharp commercial uprights have a tendency to wear out where the rear wheel axle contacts the main body of the unit. To alleviate this problem, simply order a Royal belt lifter tool, part number RO-880262. Cut off the flat end and slide the tube onto the axle. The vacuum will last much longer without damage now.
April 30, 2000 – Sanyo’s Dirt Hunter uprights are a big hit and here is an idea to make them operate even better. The adapter, which connects the wand to the lower hose, is loose and if lost or misplaced will not allow the vacuum to be used as an upright. To fix this, simply glue the adapter to the lower wand using Pliobond (SS-8030) before selling the vacuum. The unit will demo and perform much better.
Mar 31, 2000 - The Dirt Devil Vision Cyclonic Uprights use a perma filter cartridge inside the dirt container. Vision models made before January 1999 have a pillar shaped filter, which will not interchange. To retrofit an earlier mode,l simply replace the dirt cup also. Part number is RO-690040.
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