Dyson & Sebo Vacuum Cleaner Repair & Advice Forums

Dyson Models => Dyson DC04 => Topic started by: FUBER on January 14, 2013, 12:59:11 pm

Title: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 14, 2013, 12:59:11 pm
Hi all, just stripped  an old beaten up clutchless (limey) DC04 down to component parts for cleaning, inspection and repair.

Have the cyclone unit off the bin and filter removed, just wondering if the cyclone unit is designed to come apart further.

Looks like what I think is bleed valve in the side can be removed, although a bit hesitant as I dont want to damage it given  I've not found any removal tutorials or spare bleed valves listed.

Similarly not found any references to removing the inner green cone.

Wondering if anyone can offer advice or tips. Many thanks. Jezza.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: MVacs on January 14, 2013, 05:09:55 pm
Look inside the top, there are several screws. Undo them and the green cone twists off.

The valve doesn't usually give any problems.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 14, 2013, 08:02:28 pm
Many thanks MVacs. Cyclone cone off. Worth doing, no surprise well choked.

This is the first dyson I've had apart and have to say impressive. Built like a tank springs to mind, yet simple to strip.

Just finished cleaning up the motor. Commutator polished nicely, bearings and brushes both good. Surprised that the motor's in such good condition given both pre and post filters were choked. The motor is an ametek - can't believe its the original.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: MVacs on January 15, 2013, 12:23:47 pm
They are not bad motors.

What did you clean it up with?
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 15, 2013, 03:29:20 pm
Encouraging to hear respected motors. Think it points to a quality build philosophy in that it has the longest set of brushes I've seen in a consumer motor - designed to run, run, and run.

Quick check list on motor cleaning, please add or correct if I've missed a trick.
Remove motor and blow out with compressed air.
Removed brushes and check spindle end float and bearing wear.
Spin up spindle with cordless drill and lightly clean com with fibre glass pen.
Blow out again.
Drop or two of bearing oil.
Replace brushes and bench test.

With this motor found a steady current draw of 4.7amps, so assuming a 1100W motor.

Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: MVacs on January 15, 2013, 03:57:03 pm
Can you link me to the fibre glass pen please?

I wanted something to clean motors up with, but we had trouble finding any. That is what some call a com stick?
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 15, 2013, 05:34:43 pm
Not sure if called com sticks, mainly used to clean pcb tracks.

Farnell do them so oppurtunity for bulk discount. Downside though think min order around £15 so only worthwhile if ordering other gear.
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=2102028&CMP=e-2072-00001000&gross_price=true

Other option punt on fleabay. Recommend 4mm variety, 2mm best left for pcb work.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=fiberglass+pen&_sacat=0&_odkw=fiberglass+pen+4mm&_osacat=0&_from=R40
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: __russ__ on January 15, 2013, 07:49:03 pm
Not sure if called com sticks, mainly used to clean pcb tracks.

Farnell do them so oppurtunity for bulk discount. Downside though think min order around £15 so only worthwhile if ordering other gear.
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=2102028&CMP=e-2072-00001000&gross_price=true

Other option punt on fleabay. Recommend 4mm variety, 2mm best left for pcb work.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=fiberglass+pen&_sacat=0&_odkw=fiberglass+pen+4mm&_osacat=0&_from=R40

Are the fibre glass pens any better than using just a normal eraser to remove surface build up off the comm?

That's what I've always used and much cheaper so interested to hear if there's have any advantage to them.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 16, 2013, 06:55:10 am
I wouldn't say they're any better, like you say only removing surface build up. Neither is going to dress a damaged com.

Guess if the armature is out a rubber might do the job a tad quicker and easier. Think I'd still prefer the pen though to clean out the undercuts.

If the motor is still assembled I often find that the pen is small enough to access the com with the brushes removed. Simple job then to spin up the armature with it sat in its bearings. Guess you could use a small rubber on end of a pencil, but them button rubbers have a tendency to pop out then you have the possibly of the metal holder digging in to the com.

For a few quid the pens just handy for cleaning inaccessible contacts - a good get out of jail tool. Bit like the on/off button removal tool. Luckily I had bent picker. Which begs another question, should there be a spring beneath the DC04 on/off switch?
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: __russ__ on January 16, 2013, 08:26:02 am
I wouldn't say they're any better, like you say only removing surface build up. Neither is going to dress a damaged com.

Guess if the armature is out a rubber might do the job a tad quicker and easier. Think I'd still prefer the pen though to clean out the undercuts.

If the motor is still assembled I often find that the pen is small enough to access the com with the brushes removed. Simple job then to spin up the armature with it sat in its bearings. Guess you could use a small rubber on end of a pencil, but them button rubbers have a tendency to pop out then you have the possibly of the metal holder digging in to the com.

For a few quid the pens just handy for cleaning inaccessible contacts - a good get out of jail tool. Bit like the on/off button removal tool. Luckily I had bent picker. Which begs another question, should there be a spring beneath the DC04 on/off switch?


No there isn't a spring under the on/off switch.

Thanks that's useful info. I use a normal rubber cut in strips rather than one on an end of a pencil - as you say that's an accident waiting to happen! Certainly sounds like one of those pens will be a useful addition for the smaller gaps though so worth £4-5 I'd say  :thumbsup:



Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 16, 2013, 03:45:55 pm
Thanks Russ for the switch info.

Agree, certainly worth a fiver. For what it is, I'd bulk at paying more though. Unless of course its  :bow: SNAP ON.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: MVacs on January 17, 2013, 01:34:32 am
Thanks for the info Fuber, I'll pick one up and try it out.

Many people have asked us for com sticks, but I haven't been able to find them. If these fibre glass pens work, I'll find one of our suppliers that does them and buy a few hundred and bung em on the site.
Title: Re: DC04 cyclone
Post by: FUBER on January 19, 2013, 10:38:55 am
Sounds like a good idea. I think you'll find them useful.

Just to close out, have the DC04 back together cleaned and disinfected. No surprise, works like a charm. I no longer have a sea of insulation trims scattered around me. Just need to visit the site and order a few spares and job done. Thanks guys. Man Vacs - landfill is not an option.