Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

If you`re smelling rubber, the belt has either burned out and snapped or the belt has become so stretched out that the roller is not moving and the vacuum belt is getting super heated from the motors RPM.
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.

Shop vacs fill up and get clogged quickly, particularly in dust heavy locations. Once they start to fill with dust they stop providing as much suction, and can overheat quickly.
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.
White vinegar or baking soda are great options to get rid of burnt smells in your house. Place bowls or jars filled with vinegar or baking soda near the burn site and around the home to absorb nasty smells. Another reliable option to neutralize burnt smells is coffee.
Thiophenol: you`ve smelled it, if you`ve smelled burning rubber. But imagine the pure essence of burning rubber, distilled and bottle for your pleasure. Very long-lasting, too.
If there is something that has become caught in the hose in another part of the system, the airflow will be reduced and can cause overheating and a shut down. Clear out hoses, attachments, and brushes of any hair, dirt, and debris. This will allow for restored airflow and should get things going again.
When a thermal cut off activates, it shuts the motor down. This prevents the motor from overheating to a point where it will no longer function and will need replacing.
1.1 Duty Cycle

As a rule, most of the smaller canister or shop-type vacs use high-speed vacuum producers. These tend to run at a very high rpm, which can reduce the vacuum`s lifespan to as little as 800 hours — or about 18 months, assuming you use your vacuum for about three hours each day.

Even though you may be diligent about keeping the air inside your home clean when the air is smoky outside, particles from smoke can still enter your home. When you use a vacuum cleaner without a HEPA filter, these particles are stirred up and put back out into the air through your vacuum`s exhaust.
If you notice a burning rubber smell from cars, it is often a sign that you have overheated the brakes or tires. Overheating usually occurs when your car`s clutch is slipping or not working properly. If you experience this smell and were using your clutch at the time, let the car cool down, and try again.
– G.E. Dr. Roach: Natural rubber causes allergic reactions in some people, but if he is having no symptoms, the consensus of the sources I read is that there is likely no health impact from the odors of natural rubber.
Inhaling burning rubber or plastic is harmful as it may contain chemicals and poisons, such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. Inhaling harmful smoke from rubber can irritate the lungs and airway, causing them to become swollen and blocked.
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.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Can’t install a bag for my Craftsman 16 gallon shop-vac
ANSWER : Well, good news, you don’t need a bag! The trash just settles to the bottom of the bucket and you just dump it out.
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.I own one of these — it has many little operational anoyances — like wheels falling off, lid popping off, etc. If you run into these scenarios and want help on fixes, drop me a line.
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.Would you please rate my response. I think you’ll see some icons at the bottom of the post to enter a rating.
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.thanks…
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.Charlie

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Hello, I have a problem with my Eureka Powerline bagged upright vacuum. It has a 12 amp motor and is model #4352, Type D. It was probably bought new in 1998. My problem is, while vacuuming today the motor seemed to slow down all of the sudden and then began smelling like burning rubber. I shut the vacuum off to check for blockages but could not find anything blocked. When I then turned it on again it runs but seems to only be running at 1/2 the motor speed and still has the rubber buring smell.
ANSWER : It sounds like a rubber sealing in the motor has come loose and is being constantly rubbed against the walls of the motor with would cause the smell and loss of motor speed caused by the fricton of rubber against the rod so if you can get to the motor try to open it and see if you can get it if not take it to a small engine repair service hope this was helpful:)

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Smells like burning rubber when I turn on my G6 Kirby vacuum.
ANSWER : You must take of the plastic ends from the wood beater bar and make sure the metal axels are not wound up with hair. I did this monthly with 4daughters

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I heard that a class action lawsuit against Oreck Vacuum is being started because of all the problems customers are having with their vacuums. Does anyone know about this? My Oreck is only a couple of years old and keeps burning up belts. I took it in after only one week of usage when I started to notice white smoke coming out of it and the smell of burning rubber. I feel like I got the old run-around, when the service tech told me he couldn’t find anything wrong (but replaced the burned up belt
ANSWER : You are correct about the fact that legal action has been taken. Go to this link to read more
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.http://www.google.com/search?q=oreck+class+action+suit&hl=en&sourceid=gd&rlz=1D1DLUS_enUS358US358&aq=t

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Motor is sparking and smells like burning rubber. When it first happened I thought the vacuum had something jamming the beater bar. That was the smell it had, like when the belt gets burned. But when we turned it over, it wasn’t jamming. Took off the base plate and turned it on. The motor area is sparking and it makes a weird noise (I assume that is because the motor fails and restarts). I looked for loose wires, can’t find any. I believe I need some sort of part replaced, maybe even a n
ANSWER : From sound and description most possible is motor is burnt up sparks usually mean metal on metal either bearing or bushings went on motor if u can jiggle the shaft thats bearing if u rotate the shaft by hand and feel and or hear rough grinding the brushes are damaged and the (windings)are also would need to replace motor oreck has a costumer service 800 989 3535 number give them a call not always but some times they will ship a replacement part for free

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Hoover F6025900 Steam Vac Widepath LS, I own this steam vac and I found bits of rubber under the machine when I turned it on, smelled like burned rubber from a belt? Can you please tell me if there is a belt on this carpet cleaner and if so, how to access the belt? I have taken out some screws and still cant get to the belt?

Thanks

ANSWER : Well there is no belt, and not sure what the rubber would be from, everything is plastic or metal. Unless it is really an electrical smell, which means the motor is going bad.
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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.

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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.

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