Hoover U4163, U4123001, U4095, U4131 Owner’s Manual

Hoover®

Owner's

Convertible _
Cleaner

Manual

FilHn and retam.

The HOOVER vacuum cleaner you have just purchased is a combination
cleaner. The cleaner may be used on carpet and rugs, and is also for use

with attachments.

Your cleaner is a model ..........................................................................

and has a serial number .......................................................................

For your personal records, please enter the model number and serial number

in the spaces provided above and retain in a safe 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 Gleaner ...................... 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,i6

How to Replace Brushes ................................... 16,17

Replacing the Bag ........................................ 5,6,13,14

User Check List .......................................................... 18

1 _ The Hoover Company 1972

If

II

• 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 a genuine

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 a Hoover Factory Service Center or Authorized

Hoover Service Dealer.

UNPACKING THE CLEANER

Unpack the cleaner from the carton

and identify the parts shown in Fig. 1.

Remove anb dispose of the cardboard

packing.

1. Upper handle section

2. Lower handle section

3. Cleaner base

4. Outer bag assembly

5. Disposable bag

1< 3

° I

!

The cleaner assembled will look
like the drawing below.

HANDLE

CORD STORAGE HOOKS

wrap cord around cord
hooks for storage.

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 JAC KET outer

covering for throw away
bag.

ADJUSTMENT LEVER

FOR CARPET PILE \

HEIGHT to adjust the
underside of the cleaner _.

(nozzle location) to the

carpet pile height.

HOOD

3 After identifying each part, you are ready to begin assembling.

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.

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

2

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.

3

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.

4

Place plate over end of bolt and hole.

Fit curve of plate to curve of han-
dle. Plate is properly in place when

the tabs of the handle bait 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 bot-
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 0 mark

on the tube.)

• I

5

To turn
cleaner on,

push switch
down. To

turn cleaner
off, pull the

switch up.

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.

HOW TO USE THE CLEANER
How to operate

To turn cleaner on, push switch
down. To turn cleaner off, push the
switch up.

Upright

! _ating

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.

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.

LOW

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.

2

Select the adjustment for the carpet pile height according to the chart below.

I • I• • • • • oH= eo= eel = Jot el = , • = • eoo • le _oe =tHe=em_ ,ww_•

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

....... • •°o••••••••p.•••• • ••t••.*li* J• I•• 0 •H q_• H• 4t •J i_ee • 4ere ••• _w• J••l _ •••• • ill ef_ oil. •• • •_ °•H•I• J_ •l•l • Hel• i HH _i

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.

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, converter, curved wand,

straight wand, dusting brush,
furniture nozzle, wall/floor brush,

crevice tool and a storage bag.

You can convert your cleaner for use with the attachments in a matter of
seconds 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. Have cleaner in upright position when using cleaning tools.

Standard cleaning set Includes vinyl
hose, converter, curved wand,

crevice toot and upholstery brush.

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 connector and converter togeth-

er and twist.

The converter is locked into position
when the projections on 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.

Grasp the converter; turn red con-

verter lock away from the hose.

Fig. 5.

Bring converter up until it covers the

opening. Fig. 7.

Place plastic latches of converter onto
metal rim of bottom plate. Fig. 6.

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
jrregular 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.

3

4

m

m

*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 that 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 precedingsection.

To attachthe tools to the other end
of the wand, press down firmly on
the white plasticspring latch. Fig. 9.

Fit the attachmentinto place and

releaseplastic latch when it fits over
button on tool. It is now locked in

place.

*Available with deluxe sets only.

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 wilt

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 bove the floor and all those hard to reach areas in your home.

12

Storing attachments

Your 'Convertible' attachment set

has been designed so that it wilt 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

a Hoover Factory Service Center.

13

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-

HOOVER ®

marks --

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.

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. 49258.

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.

: ,

2. Turn end plates of agitator
counterclockwise to loosen.

4. Remove opposite end plate and
shaft by pulling straight out. Pry
out remaining end section.

END

SECT|(

END PLATE

3. Continue turning until one end
comes off exposing the end section.

Then, pry out end section.

5. Remove brushes by pulling them

from agitator. Use pliers if necessary.

Slide new brushes into channels.

Push them in as far as possible.

6. To reassemble, reverse procedure.
Replace first, the last end section

removed, then end plate and shaft.
Replace remaining end section and

end plate. Be sure end sections are
assembled with Iocator lined up

with slot in agitator.

17

END SECTION

WASHER

BEARING

7. Should you accidentally displace

the bearing during disassembly,

reassemble as shown.

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

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 Yellow Pages of your telephone book under
"Vacuum Cleaners - Household" for your nearest Hoover Factory Service
Center or Authorized Warranty Service Dealer where approved service and
genuine HOOVER replacement parts may be obtained. The warranty provided

with this product has a listing of the Hoover Factory Service Centers. If you
are unable to obtain the information you need from the Yellow Pages, contact
a Hoover Factory Service Center to find your nearest Authorized Warranty
Service Dealer, For service under warranty, follow the instructions in the

Warranty 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.)

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.

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 a Hoover Factory Branch Service Center or an
Authorized Warranty Service Dealer.

18

VCMA wcuu. .sso°,..,o.

This information has been compiled by the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Associ*

a tion from Governmental and Private Sources concerned with product safety.

These basic guidelines are for your protection and convenience.

TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK

Never vacuum Iiquids.
Never vacuum carpeting that is damp or wet.

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

(HOOVER - AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER)

Service To The Consumer Since 1913

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 build-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

R2 2-78 U4095, U4123-001, U4163 Litho USA 5651 1-043