Kenmore 23313 Whispertone Bagged Canister Vacuum\015 Hello. I have a Whispertone Kenmore 23313. Wheneve I use it, it smells really bad – like burning rubber. Do you think the belt needs replacing or is there something wrong with the motor. It seems to have a vacuum, but I hate to use it because it smells up the house so badly!\015

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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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.

Several things cause a burning smell, such as a motor part is that broken or worn out, the motor is running too hot, you suck up a burning cigarette, or the rubber belt has snapped. The belt helps turn the brush roller that helps guide dirt and debris into the vacuum.
Odors from dust, dirt, and pet dander can make the bag start to smell. Some exterior bags are machine washable; but if yours isn`t, simply wipe down the bag with a damp cloth using warm water. Tip #2: If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, wash out the plastic dirt canister with dish soap and warm water.
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.
A strong odor from the shellac that coats the copper coil windings is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out. If the motor is still running, even if it turns on and off by itself as it is heating and cooling, you can still run the motor until it gives up for good.
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.
If the smell coming from the dryer smells like burning rubber, it`s possible that a drum roller has worn out and the friction of the drum rubbing against the roller is producing the smell. Inspect the drum roller for wear and confirm the roller can spin freely.
The control board provides power to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.
Unwanted moisture particles may be found in vacuum bags and filters, which thrive on humidity and any moisture you picked up while vacuuming. This will create a mix that takes the smell up a notch.
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.
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.
A thermal cut off is a heat-sensitive device that automatically disconnects the power to a vacuum`s motor when the operating temperature exceeds a safe value.
Generally overheating is caused by overworking the pump. If your vacuum pump isn`t working as it should, you`re having to run it for longer, or at higher speeds, making the pump overheat and potentially seize.
Once all of the checks have been done allow the cleaner to cool down which is usually around 45 minutes. Once its cooled down and plugged back in it should start to work again as the cut out is designed to automatically reset.
If the vacuum system runs hotter than 200˚F, it is usually caused by high ambient air temperature, lack of airflow across the heat exchanger (air-cooled units only), lack of water flow across the heat exchanger (water-cooled units only) or lack of oil flow.
One of the most common reasons for that dryer burning smell is a build-up of lint in your lint trap. We`re often surprised to discover how many homeowners aren`t aware that the lint trap on a dryer should be emptied after every use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

I had used Dyson DC08 to **** out a wet car carpet. A few days later when using the V/C, there was a burning smell. Subsequently I washed the flexible hose, changed the pre-filter and post filter , but I wrongly put the pre-filter in the spot for the post filter. When the V/C was next used, there was again a burning smell and sparks. The filters were switched, but the V/C would not re-start.
What shall I do?
ANSWER : Hi there,

We’d strongly recommend against using your Dyson to pick up water. If you haven’t already got in contact with us directly, I’d encourage you to do so. One of our experts will be happy to recommend the best course of action. You can call us free on 08002980298 – our Helpline is open from 7am until 10pm, 7 days a week. We’ll look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support

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.

Smells like it is burning up when I use it!
ANSWER : You should unplug the machine, then remove the plate that covers the beater bar. Remove all debris from the beater bar, (strings, hair, etc.) and insure the belt is in proper position. If you have run it very long out of proper position, it may require replacement. Next before you put it back together remove any debis that may have collected in the intake behind the bar. You can also lubricate the bar with machine oil or WD-40.

Rainbow Vacuum smells like something is burning.
ANSWER : Your belt is worn and that is why there is a burnt rubber smell. You need to change your belt. You can find a replacement belt and instructions here:

Rainbow Replacement Belts

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.

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

Smells hot My Eureka Atlantis has been used for only my home cleaning use and today i went to use it and it is NOT suctioning like it should and it smells very hot and need assistance.
ANSWER : Sounds like you may have a bad motor. It is probably trying to work, that is why the suction is low and it gets warm. It will have to be replaced.