So, I am having a few issues with my grandpa's Oreck XL9100 from either 1991 or 1992. Cosmetically, the vacuum is in excellent condition. Mechanically, it used to be in great shape, but it has been having a few issues that have lead me to thinking that it is a motor problem. First, I was using it at his house the other day, and it randomly slowed down and then returned to normal, both in speed and sound. I continued to use it, as everything seemed fine. Later, I went to use it again. This time, it sounded like it had gotten louder, and had a weird buzzing sound about it, as well as a nasty burning electrical type of odor. I stopped, mainly because I was done, and let it sit. Ever since that, the same odor has returned every time the vacuum has been used on carpet, along with the buzzing noise. I took it home with me, and ran it without the brushroll on. Sounds fine, no odor or buzzing noises. But, with the brushroll on the odor returns, as well as minor speed fluctuations and buzzing noises. Has anybody else had this issue? Is the motor shot, or getting there?
Post# 353059 , Reply# 1   5/31/2016 at 17:53 (2,858 days old) by blknblu(CT)  
@blknblu, I have already removed the belt and the whole bottom plate of the vacuum. There are no strange noises coming from the motor when turned manually. I do know that the bearings are kind of dry, but I don't know how that could cause a problem with speed fluctuations and an odd odor.