Air-Way Twin-Motor lubrication points

[truckerx]

To Air-Way experts: I noticed that on the 1920's suction uprights, the motor lubrication points specify "grease." It's stamped on the motor housing. That, to me, would indicate ball bearings.

Here's the problem: I also have a later model Twin-Motor Air-Way. I took it upon myself to also grease the main motor bearings and the brush-roll motor bearings. This machine does not specify, and I don't have a manual. I assumed that both main motor and brush-roll motors use the same lubricant. After greasing both motors, the machine seemed to labor, got very warm and then began losing RPM's. Just wondering if I did the right thing?
I used standard motor bearing grease purchased from a vacuum repair shop.

I do know better than to grease brass sleeve bearings, as they require oil.

I am wondering if the brush-roll motor and the main motor require the same type of lube or if one should have been oiled - the other greased?

If any of this makes sense to you Air-Way gurus, I'd appreciate some advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Bernie,
I discovered that my model 35 needed grease after Marty Kaplan pointed out it seemed kind of whiney at one of the conventions. I had completely forgotten about the grease points on both motors.

We used something that someone had at the convention for the greasing. I don't remember what it was but after we did it, you could hear the motors begin to run faster and quieter. It was amazing.

When I acquired the model 40, it came with all the attachments in the boxes. Included was a tube of grease for the motors. I have used that since for both vacuums with success.

It is odd that your vacuum motor slowed down. I would think it would have acted like mine. I believe that someone told me sometime in the past that sewing machine oil can be used for both motors. Your vac does have the cloth wick that absorbs the grease/lubricant and it attached to the removable screw--correct?

Is it possible that any of the stuff you were using got on the armature? What if you let it run for just a while? Only the vacuum motor with the swivel indicator either pointed down or at the handle. It is lined up properly to allow for full air intake, right? Just checking.

 

[truckerx]

Charlie

Thanks for the response. Figured I'd better start a new Air-Way thread as the previous Air-Way beater-bar topic somehow morphed into Mixmasters and Butta!
I'm glad to know that both motors on the 35 take grease. That's what I had put in them. It's possible I used too much grease or it got on the commutator. What I did to temporarily remedy the problem was to remove as much grease as possible from the the lubrication ports, and squirt some WD-40 in there. Both motors immediately began to run much better and faster - then added a few drops of 3 in 1 oil and Voila!
So I glean from what you're telling me that both motors have ball or roller bearings that require grease?
In retrospect I may have used too much grease. The directions on the tube of grease warn not to use too much and to fill the port no more than 1/3 full.
I think it's ok for now. It's running pretty well with the mixture of grease WD-40 and 3in1 oil. It's back in the closet for now, so I had to move out.
Thanks for all the advice you're a damned jewel.
BTW - what do you think of the new bumper I fashioned for her?