Hoover Convrtible U4097 User manual

Hoover_
Convertible _
Cleaner
Owner's
Manual

Fill in and retain !
The HOOVER vacuum cleaner you have just purchased is acombination
cleaner equipped with atwo speed motor. One speed is utilized when the
cleaner is being used on carpet and rugs, and a second higher speed is for
use with attachments,
Your cleaner is amodel ..........................................*......................
and has aserial number .........................................*.*...................
For your personal records, please enter the model number and serial number
in the spaces provided above and retain in asafe place.
The model number and serial number are on the bottom of the cleaner.
Save!
INDEX
Cleaner Description ..................................................... 3
Energy Saving Tips ...................................................... 2
How to Unpack and Assemble Cleaner ...................... 3-6
How to Use on Carpet and Floors ............................. 6-8
How to Use Cleaning Tools ..................................... 9-13
Important Safeguards .................................................. 2
Lubrication ................................................................. 18
Maintenance of 'Convertible' Cleaner
Authorized Hoover Service .................................... 18
How to Replace Belt ......................................... 15,16
How to Replace Brushes ................................... 16,17
How to Replace Headlight ..................................... 14
Replacing the Bag ........................................ 5,6,13,14
Second Speed ............................................................. 12
User Check List .......................................................... 18
1 _ The Hoover Company 1972

Important safeguards !
•Read all instructions.
•Warning: Electric shock could occur if used outdoors or on wet surfaces.
•Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near chil-
dren. Do not allow vacuum cleaner to be used as a toy or to run unattend-
ed at any time.
•Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from rotating agitator.
•Don't run cleaner over cord. It may damage insulation.
•Do not use cleaner to pick up matches, or live ashes and cigarette butts.
•Avoid picking up hard, sharp objects with the cleaner. They may damage
the cleaner and the bag.
•Unplug cleaner when not in use. Turn machine off at switch before un-
plugging.
•Always disconnect cord from electrical outlet before servicing the cleaner.
•Change bag frequently when picking up very fine materials such as powder.
•Grasp the plug to disconnect from wall outlet to avoid damage to cord,
plug, prongs, or receptacle.
•The use of an extension cord is not recommended.
•If cleaner is in disrepair, do not attempt to operate.
•Have repairs made by the qualified personnel at Hoover Factory Service
Centers or Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealers.
• Use vacuum cleaner only for its intended use as described in the instruc-
tions. The use of attachments not recommended by the appliance manu-
facturer may cause hazards.
Save these instructions!
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
1. Replace throw away cleaner bag promptly, before overfilled. Use agenuine
HOOVER bag made for your model cleaner.
2. To maintain effective cleaning, replace agitator brushes and belt when
necessary.
3. Turn off cleaner when not in use, such as when moving furniture.
4. Keep your cleaner operating at peak performance level - have inspection
and service performed by aHoover Factory Service Center or Authorized
Hoover Service Dealer.

UNPACKING THE CLEANER
Unpackthe cleanerfrom the carton
and identify the parts shown in Fig. 1.
Remove and dispose of the cardboard
packing.
1. Upper handle section
2. Lower handle section
3. Cleaner base
4. Outer bag assembly
5. Disposable bag
The cleaner assembled will look
like the drawing below.
HANDLE
CORD STORAGE HOOKS
wrap cord around cord
hooks for storage.
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
FOR CARPET Pi LE
HEIGHT to adjust the
underside of the cleaner
(nozzle location) to the
carpet pile height.
HOOD
HEADLIGH1
(deluxe models
only)
FIG. 1
ON-OFF SWITCH to turn
on, push switch down; to
turn cleaner off, raise the
switch up.
SPRING HOOK place
spring ring over hook to
support the bag.
BAG JACKET outer
covering for throw away
bag.
HANDLE BAIL support
for handle.
CARRYING HANDLE
located underneath handle
bail.
HANDLE RELEASE
LEVER step on lever to
lower handle to operating
and low position.
FURNITURE GUARD
prevents cleaner from
rubbing against furniture.
After identifying each part, you are ready to begin assembling.

3
5
HOW TO ASSEMBLE
A. Put handle together
Be sure you have removed cardboard
from the end of handle pieces. Slide
the two handle pieces together. Check
to see that cord storage hooks are on
the same side of handle, insert bolt
through small holes and secure with
nut. Tighten nut with screwdriver.
Fig. 1.
If the nut and bolt are not assembled
as shown in the illustration, the holes
in the handle are not lined up correctly.
Fig. 2.
B. Attach handle to the cleaner
Unscrew nut and remove bolt and
plate from handle socket. Fig. 3.
4
Take assembled handle and place so
that the socket holes in the bottom
of the handle are directly in line
with the electrical prongs. Position
the handle so that the ON-OFF
switch is to the rear of the cleaner.
Fig. 4.
Push down until handle is securely
in place. Insert bolt into small hole
in front of handle. Fig. 5.
Place plate over end of bolt and hole.
Fit curve of plate to curve of han-
die. Plate is properly in place when
the tabs of the handle bail fit into
the cutout areas of the plate.
Secure with nut. Tighten nut with
screwdriver. Fig. 6.
6 4

C. Attaching outer bag to cleaner
The outer bag is connected at the rear
of the cleaner. There are two projec-
tions at the bottom of the outer bag
assembly.
To attach outer bag to the cleaner,
place the two projections at the hot-
tom of the outer bag assembly inside
the metal grooved plate. (You will
find the grooved plate extending out
from the bottom rear of the cleaner.)
Fig. 1.
Just above the opening at the rear of
the cleaner is the bag clip. Pull the
bag clip to the left and fit bag against
opening. When you release the bag
clip, it should move to the right and
fit completely over the bag lock.
Fig. 2.
Attach the bag to the bag spring hook,
which is located on the top section
of the handle. Fig. 3.
D. How to attach throw-
away bag
Unzip the outer jacket and pull out
tube. Roll rubber bag retainer down
the tube toward the cleaner.
Slip the open end of the throw-away
bag onto tube and push as far back
as possible. (Be sure to match arrow
on throw-away bag with the O mark
on the tube.)
5

Unroll the rubber bag retainer so
it holds bag firmly in place.
Grasp the pleats on each side of
the throw-away bag at dotted line
and pull out until entire dotted
line is visible. Place throw-
away bag inside the outer jack-
et without folding and zip
jacket.
To turn
cleaner on,
push switch
down, To
turn cleaner
off, pull the
switch up.
HOW TO USE THE CLEANER
How to operate
To turn cleaner on, push switch
down. To turn cleaner off, push the
switch up.
Plug into electric outlet. Your clean-
er is now ready to operate. Turn the
cleaner on and push down on the
handle until the front of the cleaner
is free from the carpet. This insures
that the throw away bag is inflated.
right
ating
Handle adjustments
The handle of your cleaner has
three positions: Upright for storage
and when using attachments.
Operating for general operation
on carpet and floors. Low for
reaching under low furniture.

Adjustment for carpet pile
height
The cleaning of carpet and rugs
takes place at the nozzle. This is the
opening at the bottom of the clean-
er where the agitator is located.
Fig. 1.
It is necessary to raise and lower
the nozzle for various carpet pile
heights. The adjustment lever
raises and lowers the nozzle for
various carpet pile and is located
to the right of the bag near the
bottom of the cleaner.
Select the desired nozzle adjustment
by moving the lever with your toe
until it "clicks" into the desired
position. See Fig. 2. You can most
easily make adjustments if you
move the lever UPWARDS into
the desired position. Therefore,
when a downward adjustment is
required, first press the lever all
the way down into the SHAG
position and then move upward
one position at a time.
Select the adjustment for the carpet pile height according to the chart below.
............................... • • •B 10 el ==• • •• •1•.0•••• •0• • • • • • =0•••1
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Low for low pile and kitchen carpet
Normal for rugs with normal pile height and for removing loose dirt from
hard surface floors
High for rugs with normal pile height but thicker density; if the cleaner
is difficult to push at "Normal", move the lever to the "High"
position
Shag for very long or shag pile carpet
Note: If the "Low" setting is used when cleaning normal or shag pile carpet,
there is an increase in the belt load and pushing effort is greatly increased.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Carrying handle
Your cleaner has a convenient carry-
ing handle located underneath the han-
dle bail.
Edge cleaning
This feature improves the cleaning of
carpet edges near baseboards and solid
furniture. Dust and lint tend to collect
along these edges. The cleaner bottom
plate has been designed with a passage-
way for dirt to enter the nozzle from
the side to increase cleaning ability of
edges. From the right or left side,
slowly guide the cleaner parallel to
the edge of the carpet.
Cleaning lightweight flexible rugs
Lightweight flexible rugs used on hard
surface floors in entrances, bathrooms,
etc. should be cleaned by the following
method.
Stand on one end of the rug and move
the cleaner toward the other end or
edge. Before reaching the other end,
push down on the handle. This will lift
up the nozzle (front of cleaner) and
will prevent the rug from clinging to
the cleaner. Continue to lift up the
nozzle so that when you have reached
the edge, it is completely off the rug.
Move the cleaner back to start again
and lower the nozzle, using only for-
ward strokes.
8

CLEANING TOOL ATTACHMENTS
Cleaning tools are available for this cleaner at additional cost from Hoover
Dealers. The cleaning tools allow you to do above the floor cleaning and to
clean hard to reach areas.
Deluxe cleaning set Includes vinyl
hose with suction regulator and con-
verter, curved wand, straight wand,
dusting brush, furniture nozzle, wall/
floor brush, crevice tool and a stor-
age bag.
Standard cleaning set Includes vinyl
hose with suction regulator and con-
verter, curved wand, crevice tool and
upholstery brush.
You can convert your cleaner for use with the attachments in a matter of sec-
onds and you will find a tool for almost every cleaning job in your home.
When using attachments, follow the simple steps discussed in this section:
A. Attach the converter
B. Select the desired tool
C. Attach the tool
D. Set the suction regulator
E. Have cleaner in upright position when using cleaning tools.
USING CLEANING TOOLS
A. Attach converter
By using the converter attachment,
Fig. 1, you can channel the suction
from the cleaner to the hose and
cleaning tools. The converter must
first be attached to the vinyl hose;
then the converter is attached to the
bottom of the cleaner. Follow the
steps detailed here for attaching the
converter.
To attach the converter to the vinyl
hose, insert converter into hose con-
nector. Fig. 2.

Push connectorand convertertogeth-
er and twist.
Theconverter is lockedinto position
whenthe projectionson the converter
fit into the holes on the hose connec-
tor. Fig. 3.
To attach the converter to the cleaner,
first unplug cord. Warning: Cleaner
must not be running when position-
ing or removing front converter.
Have cleaner in upright position.
Grasp handle of cleaner and lean
backwards so that bag is flat on the
floor and the underside is visible.
Fig. 4.
r
Grasp the converter; turn red con-
verter lock away from the hose.
Fig. 5.
Place plastic latches of converter onto
metal rim of bottom plate. Fig. 6.
Bring converter up until it covers the
opening. Fig. 7. To lock in place, turn red converter
lock toward the vinyl hose. Fig. 8
Raise cleaner to upright position.
10

B. Select the proper cleaning tool
The cleaning tools have many uses.
Select the tool best suited for the
cleaning task from the descriptions
below.
Wall/floor brush* For walls and very
!rregular hard surface floors such as
brick and slate. Fig. 1.
Furniture nozzle For upholstered fur-
niture, draperies, tapestries, mattresses,
clothing, automobile interiors and car-
peted stairs. Fig. 2.
Dusting brush For carved furniture,
table tops, books, lamps, lighting fix-
tures, Venetian blinds, baseboards,
shutters and registers. Fig. 3.
Crevice tool For radiators, dresser
drawers, spaces between kitchen ap
pliances. Fig. 4.
Straight* and curved wands Used to
give extra length to your vinyl hose.
They are ideal to reach ceilings, the
top of draperies, high shelves and cup
boards. Use the straight and curved
wands with any of the above tools.
Fig. 5.
*Available only in deluxe sets.
C. Attaching the tools
After having chosen the proper tool
for your particular task, attach it to
the end of the vinyl hose.
The outer plastic ring on the end of
the hose has a slot which adjusts.
Note the slot in the hose grip. Turn
the outer ring until the slots align.
Fig. 6.
Insert the tool so t'.hat the button on
the tool fits into the slot in the end of
the vinyl hose. Fig. 7.
11

Turn the plastic ring counterclock-
wise to lock the tool in place. Fig. 8.
For additional length, attach one or
both* wands to the vinyl hose as de-
scribed in the preceding section.
To attach the tools to the other end
of the wand, press down firmly on
the white plastic spring latch. Fig. 9.
Fit the attachment into place and
release plastic latch when it fits over
button on tool. It is now locked in
place.
*Available with deluxe sets only.
D. Regulating the suction
The suction regulator is located on
the end of the vinyl hose attached
to the cleaner. Set the regulator by
turning the dial to minimum, medi-
urn, or maximum suction. Fig. 10.
E. Engaging the higher speed for using attachments
Your cleaner is equipped with a two-speed motor. One speed is utilized when
the cleaner is being used on carpet and rugs, and a second higher speed is for
use with attachments.
Uponinsertionof the converterand having the cleaner handle in the upright
position, the motor automatically adjusts to the higher speed.
Therefore, for effective operation it is important to have your cleaner handle
in the upright position when using the attachments.
When using the cleaning tools, the adjustment for carpet pile height should
be set according to the surface on which the cleaner is standing. This will
give added stability when using the attachments. Set the adjustment for
pile height to LOW if using the cleaning tools in an area where there are
bare floors and use SHAG in carpeted areas.
After having followed the steps detailed above you are ready to use your clean-
ing attachments. Simply turn the cleaner switch to the ON position and you
are ready to clean above the floor and all those hard to reach areas in your home.
The handle must be in the upright position for proper, effective use of tools.
12

Storing attachments
Your 'Convertible' attachment set
has been designed so that it will fit in
a storage bag*. The bag has two slots
located near the top for use in hang-
ing. Therefore, it can be attached to
the cleaner or hung conveniently on a
hook in the closet.
To clean attachments To clean the
hose wipe off dirt with a cloth damp-
ened with a liquid detergent. Rinse
with a damp cloth. Cleaning tools
may be washed in warm water with a
detergent. Rinse and let dry before
using.
*Available with deluxe sets only.
MAINTENANCE
The following sections are concerned with proper maintenance of the HOOVER
'Convertible' cleaner. Familiarize yourself with these home maintenance tasks
and keep this owner's manual in a convenient place where you can refer to it
when needed. Proper use and care of your 'Convertible' cleaner will insure con-
tinued cleaning effectiveness.
The bag
Your HOOVER cleaner has a durable outer jacket which covers the throw
away bag., A light wiping with a damp cloth will keep this outer jacket clean.
When to replace the throw away bag
Check the bag from time to time. It is recommended that you change the
bag when the dirt reaches the dotted line on the throw away bag. If you let
more dirt than this accumulate, your cleaner may not operate effectively.
Where to buy bags
Bags may be purchased from your local Authorized Hoover Dealer, or from
Hoover Factory Service Centers listed on the white insert.
13

How to replace the headlight*
What bags to buy
Use HOOVER bag type C with this
cleaner.
To assure that your HOOVER cleaner
operates at peak performance, it is
imperative that you use only genuine
HOOVER throw away bags made by
The Hoover Company. HOOVER
bags can be identified by the trade-
marks --HOOVER ®
How to change bag
Unzip outer jacket and pull out tube.
Roll rubber bag retainer down toward
the cleaner. Lift used bag off the tube.
Dispose of used bag.
Do not try to clean out used bag.
Cleaner will not operate effectively.
For information on how to replace
bag, see section on Assembling the
Cleaner.
Disconnect the cleaner from electrical
outlet,
1. Set adjustment lever for pile height
to the "NORMAL" or "HIGH"
position.
2. Turn cleaner over and remove the
two screws indicated in the illustration.
Place cleaner in the upright position.
Slip hood up off of cleaner casting.
3. Take off hood and remove bulb by
pressing in and turning in a counter-
clockwise direction.
4. Replace with same wattage bulb by
pressing in and turning in a clockwise
direction.
5. Replace hood. Position furniture
guard onto casting of cleaner. Tighten
screws.
*Available on deluxe models only.
14

The belt
The belt of your HOOVER cleaner controls the speed of the agitator and it is
important for the effective operation of your cleaner. The belt is located under
the bottom plate of the cleaner and should be checked from time to time to
be sure it is in good condition.
When to replace the belt
To check the belt, remove the bottom plate (see following section). If the belt
is stretched or cut; or if the agitator fails to rotate, replace the belt.
What belt to buy
To assure effective operation, use only genuine HOOVER belts with your
HOOVER 'Convertible' cleaner. When purchasing a new belt ask for Hoover
part No. 49259.
How to replace the belt Disconnect cleaner from electrical outlet.
1. Turn cleaner over. Remove metal
plate on bottom of cleaner by pushing
latches toward outside of cleaner.
2. Release worn belt from pulley.
3. Lift out rug agitator, remove old
belt and place new belt in groove of
rug agitator.
15

4. Replace agitator. On one end of
the agitator roll there is a raised metal
plate. Make sure that this end is
placed in groove on side of cleaner.
5. Place belt on pulley. Side of belt
nearer cleaner should be in line with
arrow on bottom of cleaner.
6. Replace metal plate. Place metal
knobs on front end of plate in wire
holders. Check to see that latches are
pushed back and will not be covered
by plate. Place plate in position and
latch securely.
The brushes
When to replace brushes
When brushes are worn and bristles
do not touch the edge of a card held
across the bottom plate, they should
be replaced. Always replace both
brushes at the same time to maintain
cleaning effectiveness.
What brushes to buy
When purchasing new brushes, ask for
Hoover part No. 19799. They are de-
signed to be used with your cleaner.
16

How to replace the brushes
Disconnect the cleaner from electrical outlet.
1. To replace worn brushes, remove bottom plate, belt and agitator, following
directions given on preceding pages.
END
SECTI!
7
2. Turn end plates of agitator in
opposite directions to loosen.
END PLATE
3. Continue turning until one end
comes off exposing the end section.
Then, pry out end section exposing
the shaft.
END LY
4. Gently tap the end of the shaft
with hammer to loosen opposite
end.
5. Pull shaft and end assembly from
agitator.
6. Remove brushes by pulling them
from agitator. Slide new brushes
into channels. Push them in as far
as possible.
7. To reassemble, replace shaft and
end assembly lining up the Iocator
with the slot in the agitator. Press
into place. Place remaining end sec-
tion over the shaft end, lining up the
Iocator and slot. Press into place.
Screw end plate on and tighten.
17

USER CHECK LIST
This appliance was inspected thoroughly and was in good operating condition
when it was shipped from the factory. If a minor problem develops, it usually
can be remedied quite easily when the cause is identified. Accordingly, this
check list is provided for your convenience.
Problem Possible cause Possible solution
Cleaner 1. Not firmly plugged in. 1. Plug unit in firmly.
won't 2. No voltage in wall plug. 2. Check fuse or breaker.
run 3. Blown fuse/tripped breaker. 3. Replace fuse/reset breaker.
Cleaner
won't
pick up
1. Broken or worn belt.
2. Agitator brushes worn.
3. Bag full.
4. Bag not opening.
5. Incorrect carpet adjustment
lever setting.
1. Replace belt.
2. Replace brushes.
3. Change throw away bag.
4. Open bag by pulling pleats.
5. Set carpet adjustment lever for
type carpet being cleaned.
Cleaner 1. Incorrect carpet adjustment 1. Set carpet adjustment lever for
hard lever setting, type carpet being cleaned.
to push
If the problem persists, check the telephone book for a HOOVER COMPANY
listing, or consult the white insert accompanying this manual for the nearest
location where approved service and genuine HOOVER replacement parts may
be obtained. For service under Warranty, follow the instructions in the war-
ranty provided with this product.
Always identify your Cleaner by model number when requesting information
or ordering replacement parts. (The model number appears on the bottom of
the cleaner.)
If further assistance is needed, contact the Hoover Company Customer Rela-
tions Department, North Canton, Ohio 44720, 216-499-9200.
Lubrication The motor is equipped with one ball bearing and one sleeve bear-
ing. The ball bearing should be lubricated, but the sleeve bearing should never
be lubricated.
The agitator is equipped with two ball bearings that should be lubricated
periodically.
Ball bearings should be checked annually and lubrication of all ball bearings
should be performed by the Hoover Factory Branch Service Center, or the
Authorized Warranty Service Dealer, as listed on the white insert.
18

(HOOVER -AN A880CIATION MEMBER)
Service To The Consumer Since 19 13
This information has been compiled by the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Associ-
ation from Governmental and Private Sources concerned with product safety.
These basic guidelines are for your pro rec tion and convenience.
TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK
Never vacuum liquids (unless using special equipment).
Never vacuum carpeting that is damp or wet (unless using special
equipment).
Do not store machine outdoors.
Replace worn or frayed power cord immediately.
TO AVOID ACCIDENTS
Never vacuum live ashes or cigarette butts.
Never run machine over power cord or place sharp objects on it.
Never let children use machine as a toy.
Use extra caution when cleaning on stairs.
Keep machine on floor -- not on chairs, tables, etc.
When machine is turned on, never allow fingers, hair or garments to
come near intake suction ports or revolving brushes.
Never leave machine running or cord plugged in when unattended.
Turn machine off at switch before unplugging from wall outlet.
When unplugging machine, grasp plug - not cord.
Always unplug power cord from wall outlet before servicing machine or
attaching accessories.
Store machine promptly after each use to prevent accidents from trip-
ping over power cord or machine.
Use machine and accessories only in manner intended by manufacturer.
FOR BEST PERFORMANCE
Keep your machine and all accessories clean and in good operating
condition.
Change or clean bags and/or filters as recommended by manufacturer to
maintain optimum cleaning efficiency.
Periodically check revolving brush for buitd-up of lint, hair or other
foreign material and remove as necessary.
Adjust or replace cleaning brushes when worn.
Buy replacement parts from manufacturer's authorized service center.
Have machine checked periodically by manufacturer's authorized service
center.
Store machine carefully - in dry area - never outdoors.
For optimum cleaning performance and safety, study and follow your
Owner's Manual - keep it in a handy and safe place for future reference.
THE HOOVER COMPANY, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720
R1 2-77 U4097, U4099, U4111-001 Litho USA 565 11-044