Electrolux Centralux Burned Out Motor??

[sweeperboy]

I think the motor burned out in our Centralux central vacuum. This afternoon, I was vacuuming in the room which shares a wall with the garage where the vacuum unit is located. I heard a grinding noise, then a whine, and after that the vacuum shut off. I couldn't get it to turn on again. I went into the garage and noticed a burning smell. I tried pushing the reset button and operating the vacuum, but only hear a clicking sound. I've not opened up the unit yet, but I will be doing so tomorrow. The unit has been in operation about 10 years. Any thoughts as to the source of the problem? I would appreciate any direction. Thanks

 

[electroluxxxx]

Could be one of 2 things, bearings, or brushes

 

[sbakerde]

Sounds like it's a goner

With the grinding sound that makes me think that bearings have gone out and damaged other items on the way. The click your hearing is the relay so that is working the only other possibility is the motor. In my personally and professional experience it's not worth trying to repair the motor when a brand new one can be had for around $150. The only thing I will replace anymore on a central motor is carbon brushes. Anything beyond that and I replace the whole motor.

 

[kirbylux77]

Yes, Seth is right here. Sounds like the motor is cooked. On Electrolux motors, if this is an older machine from the 80's or 90's, the carbon brushes weren't meant to be replaced. However, if it is a newer motor after 1998, made by Electro Motor (former Electrolux motor manufacturer), they do design motors now for carbon brush replacement.

On a more practical thought, if it IS the bearings in the motor, they can be a lot of trouble to get out & change, & require specialized tools such as a bearing puller. Best to leave it to a repair shop....BUT by the time you pay the repair bill, it's going to be so close to the cost of a new motor, it's not worth it. Unless you have an extremely rare motor that can't be so easily replaced by a generic motor.

Below is a link to Lighthouse Enterprises. Their Lighthouse brand motors are manufactured by Electro Motor, & I have dealt with them before & they seem like nice honest people.

Rob

http://www.centralvacuummotor.com/vacuums/electrolux.htm

 

[ultralux88]

In a ventral vac like this, I'd just invest in a new motor, should be a 5" 2 fan motor, not terribly expensive and very easy to install yourself. The page in the link should give you an idea of what you need.

http://builtinvacuum.com/help/electrolux/motor.html

 

[tolivac]

Funny-Got a blown motor 'Lux central vac from the vac shop trade in pile here.Thinking of replacing the motor as well.Sniffed the motor vent grate on the top of the machine--yes blown motor smell.The vac place can order a motor when I want to replace it.The vac shop replaced that machine with an MD one.