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Thread Number: 36161
/ Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
Kenmore Whispertone quitting randomly |
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| Post# 387741 , Reply# 1 3/10/2018 at 22:00 (2,231 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada) | ||
Does the vacuum have full suction power when it is running? If it doesn't, that's the more obvious problem - clogged hose.
A couple other possibilities with these older Kenmore's is the machine end hose connector, or the relay inside the motor compartment. If you try wiggling the hose when it goes off, & that makes it turn back on, then you need a new hose connector. You can confirm for sure if it doesn't do the same thing with a second hose. The relay isn't so easy to diagnose, though. Most times when the relay does go out though, the vacuum usually stays ON all the time, you can't shut it off with the hose handle switch. I would also be inclined, just because it is a older vacuum, to take the motor out & check the condition of the carbon brushes. They could require replacement & contributing to or causing the problem as well. Rob | ||
| Post# 387769 , Reply# 3 3/11/2018 at 13:07 (2,230 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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Another question: how would I gain access inside the vacuum itself ? I need to fix a broken wheel , and I can't see how to open the case ... | ||
| Post# 387770 , Reply# 4 3/11/2018 at 13:13 (2,230 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA) | ||
It's been awhile since I had one apart, but here's how I remember. First remove the bag cover, open it all the way and lightly pull upwards and it should release from each hinge. There should be two screws on the motor cover at the bag compartment side. Then carefully remove the cord rewind pedal, there should be two small tabs at the rear to carefully pry out. Then you should see the screws under the pedal and then the top should come off. That should be it as far as I remember.
While you're in there, definitely clean the foam exhaust filter. I cleaned the one on mine and the airflow was MUCH improved and it ran much cooler. It fills up with dust and carbon from the brushes over the years. The motor will be inside a plastic housing which is why it has the name Whispertone. If it's real dusty inside I would just clean the whole thing up while you're in there. The housings are easy to wash once the motor is removed. Sorry I can't help with much else as far as the connections. I have had a few issues with the canister to hose connection but pushing the hose back down fixed it. My bigger issues have been the wand to hose power connection, and I was able to fix that if you ever need help there. | ||
| Post# 387773 , Reply# 5 3/11/2018 at 14:06 (2,230 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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THank you fan-of-fans I'm struggling with the rewind pedal, I can't find exactly where I should pry it off. Could you please edit the pictures I posted and show where are these tabs you talked about? | ||
| Post# 387774 , Reply# 6 3/11/2018 at 14:35 (2,230 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA) | ||
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| Post# 387779 , Reply# 8 3/11/2018 at 17:02 (2,230 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA) | ||
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| Post# 387784 , Reply# 10 3/11/2018 at 17:48 (2,230 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA) | ||
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Oh, yes that's the foam filter I remember. It may be to make it quieter, but I would definitely wash that, as it was very dirty on mine. I would rinse it with water until all of the black water goes clear and then let it dry. I'm not sure on the armature, someone else will have to comment as I've never messed with these kind of motors.
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| Post# 387968 , Reply# 14 3/13/2018 at 15:15 (2,228 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA) | ||
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| Post# 388074 , Reply# 16 3/14/2018 at 21:41 (2,227 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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Is there really a risk that the vacuum overheats at the point it catches fire when used for less than 45 minutes in light conditions (very small carpets)? | ||
| Post# 388078 , Reply# 17 3/14/2018 at 22:11 (2,227 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX) | ||
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It may or may not not actually catch fire, but it could self-destruct prematurely if it IS drawing too much current and the machine is still used. It is known that motor windings can short if the insulation is compromised by age, chemicals, or excess heat. | ||
| Post# 388079 , Reply# 18 3/14/2018 at 22:18 (2,227 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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I had the motor in my hands for a while and it looked like new to me, i doubt it has ever overheated, there is no part of it that shows evidence of overheating (see this picture).
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| Post# 388083 , Reply# 19 3/15/2018 at 00:08 (2,227 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA) | ||
My first thought from your first post was a thermal switch. Definitely a good idea to check the current draw while using it. An ammeter/wattmeter is a good tool to have around anyhow. You can order all manner of cheap ones on ebay. Most run-of-the-mill multimeters will also do amps, but usually are fused for 10 amps or so, which should work for this.
If you want to replace the relay anyway, or to have a spare, it looks like the sticker on it is in good condition. Google/ebay the part number on it, and failing that, it should be a fairly ordinary setup, so a generic replacement should be no problem. It should say the ratings on it, but I'd assume a 220v coil, and, maybe 5A max? Something like that. The commutator (that's the armature's group of brass contacts that the brushes ride on) looks just fine. I'd leave it be. | ||
| Post# 388093 , Reply# 20 3/15/2018 at 07:46 (2,226 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada) | ||
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Wow! Quebecois, interesting that it was the thermal overload protector that was the culprit here. On most motors, when a motor dies, the motor will turn on for a few seconds, turn off, try to turn on again, until it starts smoking & just dies. This is the first time, though, I have seen the thermal overload protector being too close to the field wires causing the thermal overload protector to over-react & cut out prematurely.
I would caution you that this might be a sign the motor could be showing signs it's near the end of it's life, especially if it's a single stage Ametek motor. Being this vacuum is from the late 90's, this would be the expected life expectancy for a motor to last. Just be careful, keep an eye on it, & be prepared to order a replacement if needed. Rob | ||
| Post# 388099 , Reply# 21 3/15/2018 at 08:23 (2,226 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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I have a multimeter and I would be willing to make the test you're talking about but I don'T understand what I should do exactly. | ||
| Post# 388164 , Reply# 23 3/15/2018 at 20:15 (2,226 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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Thanks for the link, I didn't know that type of tester, will buy one tomorrow. What is the correct procedure for the test ? What kind of reading should I expect if my vac is ok ? If it is not? | ||
| Post# 388224 , Reply# 25 3/16/2018 at 10:55 (2,225 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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Looks like these gismos are hard to source here in Quebec, not available in Canadian Tire, nor Home depot, nor Home Hardware, neither Rona. They all know what I'm talking about but they don't have them. I'll phone electronic stores and boutiques. | ||
| Post# 388251 , Reply# 26 3/16/2018 at 17:27 (2,225 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada) | ||
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Finally had to order on amazon, will get it by April the 10th... | ||
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