D-D Roommate

[fan-of-fans]

A few days ago I saw a Dirt Devil Roommate in the trash, so I picked it up. I have always thought these were kind of a neat design since I saw them in the ads in the 90s.

Anyhow, it looked alright, so I plugged it in. But when I turned it on, it sounded like something was binding and gave off a terrible burning smell. I quickly switched it off and the smell went away.

Is it likely that the motor is shot or could it be the belt? When I turn the brushroll, it turns but not very freely.

 

[durango159]

I've never worked on one, but I belt it has something to do with the belt and brush roll. If it were me I'd take it apart and investigate further. Best of luck getting with it!!!

 

[dustin]

Probably the belt/brushroll. Take off the bottom plate and belt, then switch it on and see if the smell is gone. If it was a burning rubber odor, most likely the belt.

 

[suckolux]

Tight brush-roll or stretched belt my best guess

 

[vacuumman206]

It is also possible you have the same problem mine did, in which the motor "mounting bracket" snaped and fused to the fan. Motor shouldn't sound binding if the belt or brush is jammed/bad, it would just burn the belt.
What I found the reason for what happened to mine was the motor got hot enough (from trying to power a jammed brushroll) that the mount expanded, fused to the fan and snapped off the motor base. 10/10 people would tell you at this point to throw that vac out, but I never give up and after messing with it I actually fixed mine with some sanding and rivets.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Bah, well I took the bottom plate off and the belt and agitator actually looked fine. When I took off the exhaust filter cover on top, I could smell the burned smell strongly. So I think the motor must be worn out. Too bad, looks like a fun and unusual machine.

 

[rugsucker]

RoomMate

Number one problem with these is brush bearings.Just looking does not prove condition.Did you remove belt and turn on as from above advice?If you do have one with bad motor and good brush the brush should be of value to other Room Mate owners.(There was also an oversize version of these with hose & atts.)