Simpleton7016 Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Below is a picture of my problem. I was mowing the lawn yesterday with a sweet new (new to me) vacuum collector. But one problem kept reoccuring and it started to get rather annoying. The elbow assembly that attaches from the intake tube to the turbo unit kept slipping off. It got real annoying and I would like to entertain ideas to better affix these two pieces together. I have tightened the hose clamp as tight as it will go and the elbow still seperated often when I went around corners. It is not binding or hitting anything. I think just the combination of the vibration, old parts and "plastic to metal" surface connection is jarring it free. I thought about some "set-screws", but I am afraid that the plastic will eventually crack (probably sooner than later) so close to the end. I also tried to get the elbow assembly underneath the barclamps, but it is just too close to the end to be effective. And suggestions? Should I scuff up the inside of the elbow assembly prehaps? I am at a loss and am calling on those with better ideas than me. I don't want to permanently wreck anything.:)
Guest Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 There is suppose to be a ring on your tube which extends out and is locked down with the wing nuts/slots. My stuff is in storage right now, maybe someone can send you a photo.
Kent Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Loosen those large "wing-nuts" and remove the metal flange by sliding it up and out. Then, you can easily attach it to the elbow more permanently, if that clamp won't hold it. Mine has a bolt head -- rather than a screw-head -- on the clamp, so I haven't had any problems getting the clamp tight enough to hold the elbow on. You could use some type of sealer/glue in addition to the clamp -- even put screws/bolts from the inside coming out, so that only the head of the screw/bolt is inside the flange obstructing the flow of air/grass/etc. Don't just put sheet metal screws from the outside in, or they'll catch grass/leaves/etc.
JJ MARSHALL Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 ERIK is there any give in the vac tubes between the deck and the vac unit. some tubes are made to slide up and down a little with the deck as it move. if not the case you can pop rivet it together from the inside out. JJ
PGL Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Duct tape would be Red Green's answer. What about clothes dryer flexible pipe and locking nylon/plastic bands?
Kent Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 quote:Originally posted by PGL Duct tape would be Red Green's answer. What about clothes dryer flexible pipe and locking nylon/plastic bands? That's a 7" pipe -- not HW variety stuff, and pricey...
Simpleton7016 Posted April 25, 2006 Author Posted April 25, 2006 Good tips....I think I will try Kent's idea and change the clamp to a hex head and crank it down real tight with that sleeve removed. If that does not work, I may try some mild adhesive. If that does not work, I think the pop rivets ought to do the trick. I am just wary of drilling any holes because I think the unit is designed to flex a little. And yes, to answer your question JJ, the side tubes do sit freely and do shift a little during my work. Will update after the next mow...it could ne a while....cold front just rolled through last night....:(!
HubbardRA Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 It looks like there may be an interface adapter that is missing. Shouldn't there be a metal collar that the tube connects to, that then is held in place by the wingnut clamps?
Simpleton7016 Posted April 25, 2006 Author Posted April 25, 2006 Yes, actually it is missing. I hadn't noticed that but now I see when I look in the manual. Thanks for pointing that out. Maybe I have it laying in the shed somewhere. I will look. Thanks, Erik
Kent Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 Rod, The collar that's on the one shown above is the only collar mine has... I've assumed it was complete, but it may not be. Regardless, it works. My older B-series vac with a idler clutch on it used a different setup, since it also used flexible hose all the way. It had a much bigger flange for the flexible tubing to connect to, and that flange was not removable, as I recall. If you loosen those wingnuts and rotate those rectangular blocks of metal, that collar/flange will slide up and out between the studs that the wingnuts are on...
HubbardRA Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 Kent, I don't have one, and didn't look it up in the manual. When I looked at the picture, it just looked to me like there was another piece that should be there to make the two pieces hook up properly. You are most likely correct. As I said, I don't have one, so I can't verify the correct parts.
Guest Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 Here's a picture how mine is connected: (hope it helps)
Simpleton7016 Posted April 25, 2006 Author Posted April 25, 2006 Hmmm, that looks like the same set up. i appreciate all your help. I really think that the best thing I can do is crank her down real tight with a hex-head instead of flat head. Unfortunately, it may be a few weeks before I get to report back....very cold round here now.:(![V]
PatRarick Posted April 27, 2006 Posted April 27, 2006 How about using anti-skid tape around the collar? Pat
Simpleton7016 Posted May 9, 2006 Author Posted May 9, 2006 Kent, you were right on! Much like my stuck wheel weight problem, I was just being too much of a wuss and not using enough force. I finally got another oppotunity to mow yesterday and I really really torqued down that pseudo-hose clamp. It did not pop off a single time. And the unit worked phenomenally- not one single clog. I don't know how I ever lived without this thing. My only complaint is the unbelievable amont of dust, but a quick hose down after every use should serve as great prevention. I revitalized again yesterday with tractor #1. Then mowed and vaccumed with tractor #2. Then overseeded and fertalized with tractor #1. Now, the lawn is ready to come in nice and thick! Woohoo. On a side note, do any of you have to take a vacation day to work in the yard? I guess I shouldn't complain because I got to spend the weekend with the boys, but when the yard gets neglected, I have to take a vacation day from work....to do work. Just not enough hours in the day! Anyway, thanks to all that responded. I apprciate your suggestions and am keeping them in the "Vacuum-binder" that I made for the manuals. Cheers!
Recommended Posts