Hoover U5262-900 / U5260-900 / U5266-900 / U5268-900 EmPower Bagless Upright Vacuum\015 I have a Hoover Empower, it’s about a year old and I have no pets, just a 4 year old. Recently it has been smelling horribly when running; it gets progressively worse as I vacuum and the suction seems to be almost gone. The burning smell (not rubber, smells more like plastic or something) makes the entire room smell for a day, that’s how bad it is. The sound of the motor also gets louder as I vacuum. I unscrewed the rug beater part and checked the belt, it seems to be fine, it looks brand new. Then I ran the vacuum with the belt showing and it looked normal. I did notice a blue light (flame?) coming from where the motor is at the base of the trunk of the vacuum, from right above where the stair handle is. Does this mean the motor is burning up? I can’t afford a new vacuum at this point, help! It’s worrying me and I’m up to my elbows in dust. . . I appreciate any help you could give me, thank you!\015

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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The main reason why a vacuum may be emitting a smell of burning rubber is a broken belt or an object is suck. Excess hair or fur caught around the roller brush can also cause this issue. Turn off your vacuum and let it cool before doing anything.
Overheating due to clogged exhaust filter

The exhaust filter can also get clogged, causing a problem with the motor cooling. Therefore, you should also check the exhaust filter if the vacuum cleaner smells burnt. It is usually located on the top or back of the unit, right where the exhaust air comes out.

As the cleaner head and filter fills with dirt and debris over time, all the built-up debris begins to emit a burnt-smelling odour. You may need to remove and clean out the vacuum`s filter. We need to advise you to stop using your machine and request that you contact your local customer support team.
Carpet cleaner smells like burning and may be caused by overheating debris in the machine or a malfunctioning motor. To resolve the issue, unplug the cleaner, inspect for blockages, clean the filters, and check for damaged components. If the problem persists, contact a professional or the manufacturer for assistance.
Full Dust Cup

If the dust cup is full, empty and clean it. If the smell remains, remove filter cup and wash foam pads. Additionally, the dust cup may need to be replaced, for proper replacement,click here.

If for some reason the vacuum cleaner should overheat, the thermostat will automatically turn the unit off. Should this occur, unplug the vacuum cleaner from the wall outlet and turn off switch.
Problems can occur when overused or clogged filters cause the vacuum motor to overheat. This not only shortens the motor life but causes a loss of suction. In some cases, total motor burn out can occur.
A burnt plastic odor or burnt oil smell

This friction produces a burning smell. If the problem isn`t addressed, it can cause further friction with the car`s internal wiring. Constant friction over time leads to more serious problems and could even result in an engine fire or explosion.

If there is a strong burning smell coming from the motor area of your Dyson DC14 or DC07 then it is most likely that your motor has burnt out.
Check the LED light to determine the battery level. A solid blue light indicates that the machine is in normal operating mode. A flashing blue light indicates that there is no power, and the battery needs to be charged for a minimum of 3.5 hours.
In many cases, the smoke you see is actually mechanical pump oil vapor. Many people tend to think that whenever there is smoke emitting from the pump, it means there is something wrong with the machine. But, oil vapor or oil mist is a natural by-product of creating vacuum in an oil sealed mechanical pump.
Vacuums cleaners can smell from for various reasons; pet dander, moisture was sucked up… The most common cause is old dirt sitting stagnant in the collection chamber, bags, or filters. Vacuum bags should be changed every four to six weeks or once full.
Overheating usually occurs because the dust bag has not been emptied, filter has not been cleaned or there is a blockage in the floor tool, wand or bent hand piece. If your vacuum shuts down unexpectedly, make sure you turn the vacuum off and unplug it from the wall socket.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Burning Smell coming from the moter
ANSWER : This could be a motor problem. There is always a slight blue arcing that occurs when an electrical motor runs and can be visible through the exhaust vent, but any excessive arcing indicates a problem. If the carbon brushes are sticking, this will cause excessive arcing and can be corrected by an experience service person, but if there is any electrical failure, the motor would have to be replaced. There are no parts available for these motors and the expense of replacing an armature (the likely culprit) would be more than the motor. This could also be as simple as a worn belt, but usually, belts will not produce the smell your describing. When a motor is burning out, it will produce an acrid odor that will linger for a long time.

Burning Smell Hi, I have a Rainbow E series that when I run the vacuum there is a burning smell. I have cleaned the entire unit and filter but still have the smell? I am afraid that the motor will burn out?
ANSWER : Check the carbon motor brushes, there might be arcing on the armature. New brushes may help if the armature is ok.

Burning smell There is a burning smell when I run my Kirby Ultimate G.  The smell seems to be coming from the belt.  I looked at the brushes and they are spinning so the belt is working.  the Post on the vacuum is getting very hot not sure if that is normal.  What is causing this?
ANSWER : Unlock the sweeper brushes and take them out. on each end is a cup bearing and should be free of debris.
then check around and under the belt and likely there is debris wrapped around it.
the post is getting hot as your pulling too much of a load.
though if it continues the motor may have a bad set of motor brushes (inside the motor) or bad wiring (kinda unlikely).

My numatic Hoover is brilliant but it smells what part needs changing? It’s not a burning smell, but a musky almost cabbage smell?
ANSWER : It could be the sponge filters or the dust partition that need replacing. But it might also be coming from the motor, best bet is to get it checked out.

Sewing machine Guru needed 😉

Elna Grasshopper (new to me) circa 1950

The light works, but there was no hummm when knee pedal engaged.

I have the motor out, and it is very stiff to turn. I’m at a total loss when it comes to motors and electricity. It doesn’t smell burned, doesn’t smell at all beyond normal machine smells. (Yes, I made detailed notes and diagrams as I took said motor out!)

One other note. The long thing which my husband said might be a capacitor — it looks like

ANSWER : I just purchased a fairly tidy Elna ‘Grasshopper’ sewing machine (1951) with the same leaking capacitor problem. I carefully removed the capacitor for examination. It is actually three capacitors in one – no chance of a direct modern replacement, but anyone with those three capacitors, a couple bits of insulated wire, and a small soldering iron should be able to shoehorn them into the same space. There is a circuit diagram printed on the side of the original capacitor, showing one 0,2 micro-Farad capacitor between the two mains power buses (the two wires from the top of the original capacitor which are soldered to the top of the two outer brass bars where all the wires attach), and following on from each of those a 0,0025 micro-Farad capacitor (so, two of those), the other side of both of those joined together and going to the chassis – representing the one cable from bottom of the original capacitor, which is screwed down. Easier than it sounds – I just have to find those capacitors. They must be NON-polarised capacitors, rated for 250 Volts, and I plan to use radial (rather than axial) style, aluminium type ones – very common. From what I can gather, I believe they are needed for that lovely little motor to run properly – to have torque (‘oomph’) at start-up.....
.As to the motor not wanting to turn… difficult to say from a distance. Could it be that the ‘brushes’ are sticking – or even worn out? There are two, top and bottom, that ride on the commutator – the ring of bronze-colored squares on one end of the motor, behind the wiring. They are made of carbon, are what power the motor, and are held with hidden springs. With much use they wear down, but I would not expect them to be completely gone. The upper one is easiest to reach – there is a brass screw above it – careful the spring doesn’t get away. Only other thing would be fouling of the bushings that allow the axis of the motor to turn. A little penetrating oil could help there. The motor should turn very freely.

Burned smell hi, I have used my hoover 4 times and is starting to smell as something burned, I checked the troobleshouting part of the owner manual and it says that check the belt, I already did that and everything is ok I used the hoover again and still smelling bad and start to work very slow I better shut off it.. what could I do??
ANSWER : If the motor slowed down this would indicate a bad motor. not cost effective on this model to replace unless under warranty. it is not uncommon these days to see a motor go bad every now and then.
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.What are the first 4 digits of your serial number? this would be the month and year of mfr. even without a receipt, a warranty service shop should be able to assist you.

Burning smell When i start up my vaccuum it gives off a burning smell, it still picks up & operates
like it should just leaves the house smelling like ive had a fire. Any advice on how to fix will be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER : Replace the belt. It is probably stretched and is slipping. This will produce the smell your describing. These belts should be changed at least once a year.

Vorwerk ET 340 – been great but now noticing strong burning smell after vacuuming some hair from the bathroom. Bag is nearly empty. Gave it a rest then unscrewed the cover housing the motor and all looks clean (dust is sucked up the pipe and doesn’t appear to get near the motor). When I restarted it, burning smell still there. Are there any filters that might need changing? What could be causing the smell? Could the hair have gotten caught somewhere? Thanks.
ANSWER : Jessica,.
.Try changing the dirt bag..Check if the motor gets hot after operation. You can come to check it by touching outside the motor housing. If it is hot or just warm..Is the smell of burning hair or something else? May be rubber or plastic???.Please check and confirm.