Hi,
When using my DC01 upright it works fine, however when using the hose it seems to lose suction. It does not seem like there is a blockage anywhere, but i could not get it all apart as i needed a star screwdriver!

JO, April 2007

DC01 doesn't suck at all unless the flexible tube is unplugged. This is because the rigid aluminium tube pushes the rubber flap open when in the storage position (unlike the 02). So don't check the suction until you press the release and lift off the handle. Dirt around where the rubber flap hinges may stop it shutting properly. Try scraping out any dirt out from this area with a small electrical screwdriver or similar.

R. Endecott, August 2009

Remove hose (remove clear cannister at front, just above filter you will see a small yellow or grey part sticking thro grey plastic at back this yellow part is the bottom of hose, with a normal screwdriver lever this yellow part back and bottom of hose will come out). point the handle towards the light and look down the other end. If you can't see daylight there is probably a blockage. So, pass a plastic hose pipe (without water) down through the handle and the tube. This should force any blockage out. If there is no blockage then look for a split and repair. p.s. I have my dyson insured with Domestic and general who have replaced more parts than I can remember. They give excellent tips for mending the hoover yourself also. Would recommend.

Faz, April 2008

You might have a split hose. Air entering the hose will badly affect suction. This is very common and usually occurs at either end of hose. If you find split DON'T buy new hose. These cost £15 - £20 which is what a whole DC01 is worth secondhand. You can easily fix split hose with duck tape (sometimes called gaffer tape). Available at most DIY stores. I made this repair on my DC01 three years ago and it is still holding fine.

Method: No need usually to dismantle hose from machine. Get someone to outstretch hose for you whilst you wrap tape over split. Make sure you apply tape couple of inches either side of split. Squeeze tape onto hose well by gripping with your hands. One layer or maximum two should be ok. This is thick tape and if you overdo it you may not be able to concertina hose when packing it all away. Take care when re-inserting metal tube back into hose when packing machine away as the torn hose underneath the tape may catch on the tube.

Testing: Switch machine on and hold nozzle against palm of your hand. You should feel good suction. If not your repair is faulty and air is getting in through tape. Re-do repair and test again.

Doh!, July 2007

The rubber flap is fully closed when trying to use the hose. I have tryed to lever the flap up but it will not budge. Does it make a difference that I have the blue and grey dc01?

JO, April 2007

FIRSTLY let me say dco1 is in my opinion the best upright model lack of suction at hose is normally blockage in hose if you are certain there is nothing in hose, check that there is no burst in hose, to remove hose, remove clear cannister at front, just above filter you will see a small yellow part sticking thro grey plastic at back this yellow part is the bottom of hose, with a normal screwdriver lever this yellow part back and bottom of hose will come out the hose and handle will come out in your hand for closer inspection. if hose is burst cost is £19.95 feel free to e-mail jonsemple@talktalk.net

J.D.S. DOMESTICS, April 2007

If it is only losing suction when the hose is in use check that the rubber flap at the bottom of the suction tube (where it adjoins the body) is not partially open.

If the valve is fully closed I found the suction is restored. HTH!

House Hubby, April 2007