Hi. I have a 25 year old Shop-Vac that emits a horrible plastic-smelling smoke when it's running. Also, if you look into the vents on the top of it, I can see a large greenish arc coming from the inside of it. My assumption is that due to the age the motor is finally giving out on it. I'm afraid to use it because I'm afraid further use might cause it to catch fire. I had to rent one a new one to finish the job I had to do. Any info on what might be wrong?
2007-08-20 08:37:09 · 8 answers · asked by Hghg 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thanks for the answers! I finally got a new one tonight.
2007-08-20 12:06:40 · update #1
Yes, the motor is giving up. Get a new one.
2007-08-20 11:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As other answers stated, your Shop-Vac does not owe you anything if it has lasted 25 years.
If the motor is an open, brush type motor, it is normal to see arcing at the brushes.
The burning odour could be the brush holders.
If you are handy, try to take it apart and check the brush holders.
While it is apart, give it a thorough cleaning with a moderately stiff brush (horse hair, not metalic)
Check the condition of the motor windings. If they appear green, this is a sign of corrosion. This usually means imminent failure.
Check the bearings if you can. It would be a good to replace them if they are ball bearings. Sleave bearings can be more difficult.
Stop here and buy a new Shop Vac.
Go to an Electric Motor Repair Shop with the make and model of the Shop-Vac and purchase new brushes and bearings if they are still available.
You may still have to purchase a new Shop-Vac.
Sometimes the brush holders are built into the brush and are replaced with the brushes.replace the brushes.
Make sure you re-assemble it correctly. No pinched wires.
Good Luck
2007-08-24 17:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by Comp-Elect 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man, after 25 years it's time to get a new one before you burn the garage down. If you can not part with it, take it apart and clean round the motor and suction pump and oil it with WD-40, stray into the motor and watch the dirt poor out. My best guess is that it's one one click from giving' up the ghost.
2007-08-26 11:09:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-01 08:52:11 · answer #4 · answered by Lydia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The motor probably has carbon brushes that are worn out. You can take the motor to a motor shop to see if you can get new brushes. They are usually a few bucks.
2007-08-20 16:15:57 · answer #5 · answered by mike b 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Something stuck in the or near the fan motor and is being burnt up when you run the fan.
2007-08-24 05:33:31 · answer #6 · answered by dadw5boys 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
25 years is too old for a shop vac. id say u got your moneys worth out of it, so buy a new one. their not that expensive.
2007-08-20 08:46:45 · answer #7 · answered by kwinder00 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I bet it is just old and finally wearing out.
2007-08-20 08:45:33 · answer #8 · answered by Ashley S 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋