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Author Topic: Hello! Hoover Constellations  (Read 6015 times)

Offline jason60

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  • "anything Constellation "Connie" we can float"
Hello! Hoover Constellations
« on: August 09, 2018, 10:45:20 pm »
Hi :tiphat:
I have just joined Manchester Vacs, it seems like a great site. Eventhough I dont collect Dysons myself, i find all aspects of Vacuums interesting.
 I not only want to gain more knowedge about Hoovers, but share some of my knowledge to others on how to service constellations, improve floatation using simple but effective methods on differing surfaces. :reading: We can learn together on how to get the best out of your Hoover. Renovation and polishing the aliminum wands to look like chrome, refurbing the tools and so it goes on. :thumbsup:

Current Vacuums
5 Constellations model 862
2 Constellations model 848 x1 boxed and unused
2 Constellations model 867A
6 Hoover Dustettes 1930s to 1960s
2 Hooverettes  x1 boxed and unused

1 Electrolux Za 65 cylinder boxed and unused 1963

So thats me, quite mad, friendly, chatty and hopefully useful  :boggleeye: :grinn: we are all here to learn, vent our frustrations  :angryman: , share  :coffee: whilst at the same time taking a lighthearted approach :biglaugh:
so lets chat :smokin: :


kind regards
Jason60

Offline MVacs

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2018, 11:15:42 pm »
Welcome to the site, Jason.  :tiphat:

Please feel free to wake up old topics or start new ones as you see fit!

Offline DavidP

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2018, 06:55:29 pm »
Nice to see you on the forum Jason.

Offline Madrat

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2018, 10:43:34 pm »
I love my constellation.

Offline beko1987

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2018, 08:04:32 am »
Welcome! Do like a nice constellation, have a Hop Green one in the loft that I have done nothing with for ages annoyingly. I can also confirm that nailing a 1200w henry motor in peps them up a bit but makes them run really hot (2200w Miele motors fit too, even more insane!

Keep them as standard, they work much better. The motor strips down very nicely bar the fancase bearing which is rivited in with bespoke rivets, I scrapped a motor removing those to see what could be done. Remove the supressor too, a collector I know had one blow on him, but due to where it's situated inside, it blew the explosion through the exhaust vent and burnt his carpet.
Collector and restorer of vintage vacuums, Dyson Appreciator! Come and see my blog, where I am uploading all my mountains of brochures, manuals and other vacuum cleaner paperwork, and also my youtube channel @beko1987!

Offline jason60

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Beko1987 greasing sealed bearings
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2018, 11:31:21 pm »
Hi Beko
I have seen many of your videos on Youtube and love them because they just get to the "nitty gritty" without being pretentious. :bow:
Did you know you can easily grease sealed bearings without getting them apart. Try this as it saves loads of hassle and it works.
1, obtain a large airtight bottle with screw top lid
2,Attach a vacuum pump to the lid with tubing. Pumps on ebay sell for around £15.00
3, use a large enough container filled with grease and put the bearing  in it making sure it is covered. Heat up the grease over the cooker to make it "Runny".
4, place the container in the bottle, switch  on the pump to create the vacuum. Air will be drawn from the bearing through the warm grease, you will notice bubbling on the grease. Its doing its job. :thumbsup:
5, once left for a while, you can gradually de vacuum the bottle, the grease will now of course be drawn into the vacuum void created in the sealed bearings. You know this has happened because you will find an indentation in the grease where the bearing has drawn the grease in.  ;)

Your bearing will be as good as new. You can use oil, but it will not last quite as long, but none the less easier for penetration. :biglaugh:


Remember, sealed bearings are not airtight, so this process works very well indeed. :tiphat: better than trying to get them apart.

Try it and let us know how you get on, knowing you, I dont think you can resist it. :grinn:

Jason60



kind regards
Jason60

Offline ryevac

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2018, 10:38:01 am »
If unusual size bearings that i don't want to re buy, i simply boil mine in a small stainless steel container.
I find the electric hob works best as gas / flame can cause a flash over with the fumes coming from the melted grease.

They must be soaked and washed in petrol beforehand.
The only way to fail is not to try.

Offline beko1987

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Re: Hello! Hoover Constellations
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2018, 07:16:29 pm »
That is genius, yes, I'll see if I can give that a try one day! I don't have too much issue with fully 'sealed' bearings, usually their either rusty scrap or 'not too bad', the most recent ones I had issue with were on an Electrolux Twin Turbo, and tbh I couldnt get the puller in to get them off anyway so the above method wouldn't have worked.

Currently in the middle of a 1996 Henry refurb, it's bearings aren't the best, but new ones are ruddy expensive (629d's). They got a 2 day soak in Autosmart Tardis (wasn't buying £4 worth of unleaded for 2 bearings...) then new grease and their better, should perk up when I fire the machine up after repairing a broken coil wire, but it'll never be perfect.Just good enough
Collector and restorer of vintage vacuums, Dyson Appreciator! Come and see my blog, where I am uploading all my mountains of brochures, manuals and other vacuum cleaner paperwork, and also my youtube channel @beko1987!

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