1983 Hoover Turbopower motor issue

[vacuumlover]

Was servicing this turbopower and gave the motor a test run before I went rebuilding anything else (motor sounded awful before I even started work so wasn’t holding out much hope)

Just looking for a second opinion on this motor, In my opinion I think it’s burning out (have never actually experienced one doing so in my 25 years of life so am unsure)

I know for sure that the brushes are sparking/arcing waaay too much and it sounds slow to me. Brushes still have life in them, so don’t think it’s those? Bearings have been replaced as well. Brushroll hasn’t got a belt on it either so would be spinning a bit faster than normal.

I didn’t hang around long enough to smell if anything was actually burning either….and I was hidden behind a door haha.

Thanks in advance.
View attachment IMG_1761.mov

 

[centralsweeper63]

Maybe it is a shorted winding? Good luck whatever it is.

 

[huskyvacs]

Were all bearings in the motor replaced? And how about the shaft? A motor can have several lubrication points for the shaft. The commutator needs polishing for sure, check for any foreign bodies or debris inside the motor armature and magnets. If you did not put in the carbon brushes back the exact same way and same position they were removed, they will need to re-hone in again, and will spark and make the motor sound rough because of bad electrical connection. Make sure to clean out the mica gaps with a pick and make sure those are all clean.

Try putting a belt on it and see if it changes. An unloaded motor will always have a higher RPM than a motor with resistance because its spinning at the limits of its manufacture. Often a motor will just sound the way it sounds because it was made cheaply or is a small motor. It sounds like a Dustbuster motor to me.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Those are good points.

 

[vacuumlover]

Were all bearings in the motor replaced? And how about the shaft? A motor can have several lubrication points for the shaft. The commutator needs polishing for sure, check for any foreign bodies or debris inside the motor armature and magnets. If you did not put in the carbon brushes back the exact same way and same position they were removed, they will need to re-hone in again, and will spark and make the motor sound rough because of bad electrical connection. Make sure to clean out the mica gaps with a pick and make sure those are all clean.

Try putting a belt on it and see if it changes. An unloaded motor will always have a higher RPM than a motor with resistance because its spinning at the limits of its manufacture. Often a motor will just sound the way it sounds because it was made cheaply or is a small motor. It sounds like a Dustbuster motor to me.

Yes both bearings were replaced, top one was worn other was seized completely I always make it a point to replace both. Motor was completely stripped so definitely nothing in all washers etc are placed exactly as they should. I took a reference photo of brushes as they came out so definitely in the right order. Ah never thought to add the belt, I’ll make sure I do that when re-testing thank you. Our UK turbopowers definitely shouldn’t sound like this, just the first time I’ve ever had one do this. Thank you for your advice.

I’ll be testing the armature with a multi meter to see if it’s shortening out if not I’ll replace the brushes, one is making a clicking noise even though it isn’t in the wrong way so I’m leaning to that’s the problem.

 

[centralsweeper63]

If it isn't the fan or windings, I have no clue.

 

[vacuumlover]

only just noticed the original video I listed didn’t actually show the issue (I really hate YouTube at times!) Here’s a video that actually shows the issue if anyone has any more suggestions.
View attachment IMG_1761.mov

 

[cheesewonton]

Since the bearings are new at this point the only other thing I can think of is to replace the brushes and clean the commutator with a commutator stone. Also make sure there is nothing built up in the grooves between the commutator segments that might be shorting across segments.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Is there ANY dirt?

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

I would try also cleaning the armature for carbon buildup.

 

[centralsweeper63]

That is also important.

 

[vacuumlover]

Since the bearings are new at this point the only other thing I can think of is to replace the brushes and clean the commutator with a commutator stone. Also make sure there is nothing built up in the grooves between the commutator segments that might be shorting across segments.

Good point thank you. I used to do this every time but with it being years since I’ve last worked on any motors it slipped my mind. I’ve done this and just need to test it out will let you know if it sorts the issue.

 

[vacuumlover]

Is there ANY dirt?

No all motor casing etc has been thoroughly cleaned and dried it was filthy before I worked on it. Any none washable parts got a quick wipe with a cloth.

 

[vacuumlover]

I’ve took everyone’s advice, just need to reseat the brushes some more and will do another test run in the next few days and let everyone know. Hopefully it just a brush issue.

 

[cheesewonton]

Even a perfect running one is loud and kind of crude sounding, at least to my ears that grew up with canister vacuums with thru flow motors. But there shouldn't be sparks inside.

 

[huskyvacs]

I found this motor sparking guide that might help;



Looks like the good news is your sparks are orange. If they were blue and chased the commutator around its rotation, that means the motor has a short in it. Orange sparks are good, it just means brushes arent contacting the commutator properly, or the commutator is dirty.

Another possibility is check if these vacuums had motor insulation on them, some Hoovers of the period had a cardboard or foam insert around the motor that was meant to muffle the sound slightly.

 

[vacuumlover]

I found this motor sparking guide that might help;



Looks like the good news is your sparks are orange. If they were blue and chased the commutator around its rotation, that means the motor has a short in it. Orange sparks are good, it just means brushes arent contacting the commutator properly, or the commutator is dirty.

Another possibility is check if these vacuums had motor insulation on them, some Hoovers of the period had a cardboard or foam insert around the motor that was meant to muffle the sound slightly.

Awesome thank you. Think I’m going to get some new brushes at this point even reseating the originals I can feel one is loose and moving the motor by hand can feel it’s rough.

 

[centralsweeper63]

You will have one nice Turbopower after all this!

 

[vacuumlover]

You will have one nice Turbopower after all this!

Especially after all this effort I’m going through it’s one of the very first turbopowers that has colour matched bellows and bag door latch so want to keep it all original if possible.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Nice. What model is it?