DC3300 - question about gasket(s) around motor/fan housing

[bobgroh]

Trying to finish up my DC-3300 (basically cleanup, tighten up and put new gasketing around the motor/fan assembly) and pondering how to put new gaskets (purchased from SS - just weather stripping) in place. My DC-3300 dates from mid-1990's so has all molded parts. I did take pictures when I disassembed it but sort of doubt how the new gaskets are supposed to go back in.

The one around the fan inlet tube is pretty clear so no questions there.

The one at the rear (around the enclosure that the motor sits in) is a bit more trouble-some in my mind. The gasket on the bottom - ok. The gaskets on each side - the fit is so tight w/o the gasket, I seriously doubt I can get the assembly back in without scrapping off the gasket. The gasket on the top - the original was just stuck on the top of the motor enclosure. Really? I think it might do better if it was on the tub (ditto with the side gaskets). Comments welcome (please!!)

[beeg]

Just a thought while ya have it apart. If ya followed instructions for parts #37/39 bolts. Reverse em so that the nuts are on the outside and smooth head is on the inside, so that the bag doesn't get holes in it from the bare threads.

[bobgroh]

My DC3300 was, of course, assembled by someone else in a galaxy far, far away. But I'll dig up the manual I downloaded and check that out. Thanks.

Bob Groh

[bobgroh]

Did check out the bolts per your posting - item #s don't agree with my manual so not sure which ones you are referring to (not that there are all that many to check!!). I did find that the original owner did NOT install some of the screws that should have been there. No wonder things are a bit wobbly. I'll get on that today. Still pondering the gasketing situation but anxious to get things back together and make some sawdust!!

Bob Groh

[br549]

Did check out the bolts per your posting - item #s don't agree with my manual so not sure which ones you are referring to (not that there are all that many to check!!)

Items 37 and 39 should be the two sides. I think beeg is referring to the two bolts at the bottom at each side ... just checked mine, and even my partially filled, shorter than Shopsmith brand bag that I am using is pressing against the threaded ends of the screws pretty good. If you reverse the screws, then the snap in head covers may not fit and you may snag the protruding threaded ends on your ankles or other things. I think I may just add some cap nuts to cover threads on mine.

For the gaskets, can't help you there, but would be interested in seeing pictures of before and after. When I got my DC3300, I only reassembled it after it had been disassembled enough to ship, so curious what I may face if I ever open it up again.

[charlese]

beeg has the right answer, but I used another fix for torn bags. After seeing the snagged and torn bags, I grabbed a can of "Great Stuff" that was left over from sealing around the shop door. Squirted a round foam cover over the screws and now no more torn bags. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dow-GREAT-STUF ... on/3369676

After bragging about that fix, beeg posted his! --- Duh moment.

Well I didn't have to do any wrench work and you can't see the brown funny looking foam when the DC3300 is operational. It is not necessarily a pretty fix - it just works. Been there for years.

[beeg]

beeg has the right answer, but I used another fix for torn bags.
After bragging about that fix, beeg posted his! --- Duh moment.

Actually it was a suggestion from.......who else but JPG.

[bobgroh]

OK on settling which bolts are the ones in question. Sort of thought those were the most likely one's to be a problem. I went through the same thought process, i.e. can't flip them around so hidding the heads under some covers is probably best way to fudge it. Don't know what I will do but something. It also turns out the original owner assembled it without one of the bolts at the top of the legs and with two of the bolts missing at the bottom. The one at the top (on each side) is a bit of bugger - access is blocked by the handle. I may disassemble the tub pretty much all the way to get the missing bolts in there (with the bolts missing, you have 2 3/8" holes there for air leakage!). The ones on the bottom will just stiffen things up. Firming up my plans for the gasketing - I will take pictures and get some dimensions also (gaskets and a few other things).

Bob Groh