Ambassador III making noise, engine slowing down

[aliris]

I have a grey Ambassador III that I think I bought around 1995. Recently it made a loud noise, then stopped working. I opened it up and fiddled the switches, didn't see anything terrible, put it together and it worked. Sort of. The engine still doesn't sound right and it actually starts to slow down after a minute or so running.

What should I look for in the engine if I open it up again? I didn't open the engine housing before but presume I must.

TIA.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

You mean the "Motor"

Not the "engine". A jet has a Engine, a vacuum cleaner has a Electric motor.

 

[aliris]

lol yes. So first thing to look for is a motor and not an engine; got it.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I wonder if your Carbon Brushes are close to the and of their life? It would be worth checking them.
Andy

 

[aliris]

Thank you, I'll check. Sounds like if that's the problem it won't be harmful to run it noisy?

 

[vacuumlad1650]

If your brushes are shot, then the motor is about to wear out. You can put new Carbon Brushes in, and bearings while your at it. It might be worth taking into your local Aerus service center. They know specifically how to work on those machines. I don't like to work on those plastic machines.
Andu

 

[vacuumlover]

1. Slowing down could be most likely the brushes are worn,

2. Noisey/loud could be bad/worn motor bearings

3. Noise could also be a worn fan.

(not sue if its an upright or not, sorry, don't have a lot of knowledge on American vacs)