roller bar works…. but no suction – what might the problem be?
thanks,
Shelley
Sanyo Permax SC-A102 Bagged Upright Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

Loose connections will cause your vacuum cleaner to lose suction. Make sure that the dust container, the hose, the tube and the brush are all attached properly. If the problem continues, your vacuum cleaner might have a technical problem. If you suspect this to be the case, contact an authorised service agent.
Check that the vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that fuses and breakers don`t need resetting. An activated thermal cut-out due to a blockage is the next most likely cause of the problem. Check for blockages in the hose and filters, and remove any obstructions that you find.
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to empty the dust bag or container. Dust containers need to have enough space for airflow, otherwise, they could get clogged and have less suction power. Regularly check your dust compartment and empty or change it when it`s already 70-80% full.
Vacuum means the absence of all matter including air. As there is no air in the vacuum, air pressure will be zero.
We have two possible ways of adjusting the pressure in a vacuum system: first, by changing the pumping speed (altering the speed of the pump or throttling by closing a valve); second, through admission of gas (opening a valve).
If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.
The most common problems found in vacuum cleaners are low suction force, excessive noise, burning smell, vacuum not turn on, and overheating. These issues can be fixed by either cleaning the device or replacing some parts of the device. At times, it is best to seek a professional to fix the cleaner effectively.
The average life expectancy of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. You can fix or replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses, worn-out stick vac batteries and broken accessories yourself.
All vacuum cleaners operate based on air flowing from the opening at the cleaning head or tool, through the vacuum cleaner and the bag and/or filter system and then out the exhaust port. This airflow is created by the vacuum motor, which also may be referred to as the suction motor.
The two main indicators to determine vacuum power performance are water lift and airflow. The water lift is measured in mmH2O, mbar or kPa. It represents the suction force and is the reference parameter for vacuuming liquids and heavy materials. The airflow is measured in m3/h or in l/s.
Check for a plugged hose:

Plugged vacuum hoses are sometimes the reason for a loss in suction. Hoses can get clogged with hair, dust bunnies, string, or anything else that can`t pass through the other end of the hose. Airways inside the machine should be looked at as well. Wherever there is an air passage, check it.

Use Some Water

A little bit of water can do wonders for boosting a suction cup`s grip. Using warm water, rinse the whole cup so it softens it up. Shake the drops of water off the cup quickly and then put it up on the wall. That can often do the trick.

If there is a clog in the vacuum, you won`t have good suction and the vacuum won`t work. The clog can be in the vacuum head, the hose or where the hose meets the actual vacuum.
The most common problem with a vacuum cleaner is also the easiest to remedy: clogs in the hose or attachments. Also the electrical cord, motor, switch, fan, brushes, and motor bearings can all need repair or replacement. The drive belt may need replacing; and the attachments, hoses, and filters may need unclogging.
Gravity and friction are the two main forces that make vacuum suction work. While gravity pulls molecules in the air toward the earth, creating an atmospheric pressure, the suction cup and vacuum pump cause a pressure difference, attaching both surfaces.
Gravity and friction are the two main forces that make vacuum suction work. While gravity pulls molecules in the air toward the earth, creating an atmospheric pressure, the suction cup and vacuum pump cause a pressure difference, attaching both surfaces.
Clog located in the vacuum hose

Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.

Clog located in the vacuum hose

Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have 2 Hoover Wind Tunnel-self propelled bagged vacuums-U6433-900 model.The roller bar does not agitate, the self propelled feature does not work and, in general, the vacuum is not performing well. I have replaced the roller bar, the v belt and the wide belt. The filters have been replaced and it has a new bag. I have had both of these since 2004 and they were fairly expensive $200 each) but if the repairs are prohibitive, I might as well get new vacuums. Suggestions? I just spent $100 for bel
ANSWER : The Hoover WindTunnel self propelled is a machine that we see in our retail stores (Vacuums Unlimited) constantly. The benefit of having a supposed “self-propelled” machine wears of quickly after the numerous time you will need to take this machine in for repair.

It’s unfortunate you’ve had to spend so much money already on repairing this machine. I know you’ve said you’ve already replace the belts and filters, but if you want you can check out a video we made on repairing the Hoover Windtunnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meX8lgZo7DY

If you are looking for a reliable upright, at GoVacuum we’d recommend the Sebo X4 upright (http://www.govacuum.com/seauxseupvac.html). The machine is incredibly reliable and easy to maintain. Thus far, we haven’t had one warranty repairs come through our doors. The machine itself has a lifelong warranty on the belt because the machine automatically shuts off the motor if an obstruction is detected, preventing any undue stress on the motor or belt.

Read Full Q/A … : Sanyo Permax SC-A102 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Electrolux Epic 6500SR Full Bag sensor working, Does not Reset properly
ANSWER : The problem was a sticking switch that was not being reset. The vacuum on/off switch mechanism is comprised of two switches. One is the main switch that turns the vacuum on and off. The second is a shut off switch that gets tripped when the full bag sensor is engaged. This second switch is supposed to get reset when you push the on/off switch on the outside of the machine. The full bag shutoff switch was stiff and it, therefore, was taking a couple of presses of the on/off switch to move the shutoff switch back into the running position.

Read Full Q/A … : Sanyo Permax SC-A102 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Lost suction my DCO7 lost suction in the hose I started taking it apart and cleaning it and looking for clogs (probably more than I should have) and when I put it back together it has awesome suction in the hose but no suction in the base. It just pulls the pine needles up (christmas tree) but they never appear in the “bag” compartment and when I look they are just all gathered in a clump in the bottom by the brush.
ANSWER : Hi.
.
.Remove the sole plate turn the 3 plastic screws to unlock & lift off.
.
.Now remove the blockages that have accumilated from the oppening of short clear hose.
.Check you can turn brush roller & check belt.
.
.Now reassemble switch on pull handle back & look under machine is brush spinning ?
.
.If not check the knob on side of machine is in drive (D) position.
.
.http://dysonmanuals.llc.nu
.
.Chris..

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I have a Kirby G series diamond edition. There seems to be no suction when I turn on the vaccum. The bag inflates, but the roller does not turn. It has a new belt and the roller brush is clean. Any suggestion on what I might do to increase the suction and get the roller bar moving?
ANSWER : THE IMPELLER LOOKS SHOT.. 25 QUID FOR NEW ONE,,LIFT THE LID AND TURN THE ROUND PIN AND CHECK FOR RIDGES ROUND THE WHITE IMPELLER,,IF NONE THERE THATS IT,, HAPPEND TO ME TEN MINS TO FIX GEORGE

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No Suction I get great suction in the hose, but when I plug the hose back into the unit, there is no suction and the air flow indicator line goes completely red. I've changed the bag and filters. I took the small panel off the back and made sure there is no clog, and took the hose off to make sure there was no clog there. Still no suction. Please help.
ANSWER : I about to say that’s always a clog of some sort that causes that

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Burning smell took everything apart suction is working throughout hose and bag, replaced bag and belt, roller is turning seems to be missing the suction from the main floor section into the roller?
ANSWER : I had burning smell and some visible smoke which I tracked down to the handle area. The mains socket at the bottom of the handle had burned out. When I pulled the plug out I noticed that the prongs were blackened and scorched. I will replace the socket.

Read Full Q/A … : Sanyo Permax SC-A102 Bagged Upright Vacuum

No suction Hello – any help with this would be much appreciated!

I just changed the bag and filters. The machine runs, seems normal, but there is no suction. There is no blockage of the hose, as indicated by the fact that that little viewer window above where the hose connects to the unit is not showing the red portion that it shows when there is something blocking the hose (god, this is hard to describe!).

If I disconnect the hose and put my hand over the hole, I feel some suction. But

ANSWER : Well, it actually sounds like there is a blockage. Try removing your hose and dropping something through it, like a quqrter. If it comes through, no clog. If it is clogged, I believe that machine has a blower on the upper part of the cleaner (maybe in the bag compartment towards the top. You can take out the filter holder and plug the hose in there and run the unit . Does the blockage come out? If not, Try shaking the hose, or you can put a stiff wire in it to try to free it. Do not run water through it. If there is no blockage at all, then you will probably need to take it to a service center. But I am pretty confident that we are looking at a clog situation. Let me know if this fixesya! Thanks, Rene (vacuum Doctor)

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No Suction The suction of the vaccuum has stopped. We haven’t had the vaccuum for very long and the bag has been recently changed. Both the floor vaccuum and the hose are not picking anything up. I’m not sure what the problem could be.
ANSWER : Your Power head is blocked with hair or dirt,,or the hose which connects the Upright with the power head is blocked.
Try taking a steel coat hanger apart (straighten it out) and then push it into the pickup hose to remove blockage.

Read Full Q/A … : Sanyo Permax SC-A102 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Hi, my name is Mea Archer, owner of the vacuum cleaner blog, the niche website that I have developed to provide the most up-to-date news, reviews and the latest advice and information for all things vacuum cleaner related.