Fantom suddenly will not run

[loganvac]

I have a Fantom Thunder style vacuum that has a white hose so I think that it may be an original. Anyway, while I was vacuuming, it suddenly turned off. I thought that it just overheated at first I tried using it the following day and it still wouldn't run. I have seen a vacuum cleaner smoke because of bad brushes, but I haven't had one just quit on me. What should I do?

 

[fantomfan]

If it has a white hose, bumper and handle grip..

It is probably one of the earlier Fantoms. If the motor itself was bad, you would hear the motor slowing down, likely with smoking. That is what happened with my Cyclone XT.
Maybe a carbon brush got stuck in the holder, or there is a shortage. I'm not yet an expert, I just though this might give you an idea of what is wrong with it-Mitchell.

 

[loganvac]

Thanks Mitchell, I appreciate the help. Being a fantom fan myself, I would hate to see the downfall of my fantom. I absolutely love how it sounded, how it cleaned, and its probably one of the only true cyclonic vacuums, as even if there's alot of dirt in the canister, the dirt is always spinning at very high speeds. I'll see what I can do before i take it to my local VAC shop.

 

[dysonman1]

That model should have a reset button near the fluff trap (make sure the fluff trap is clean as well). Be sure to press the button before taking it to a vacuum shop.

 

[man114]

It it's an early 11 amp the power switch could also be the problem. The power switch used is only rated to 10 amps, it eventually wears out the contact inside. You kind of have to rig it to use a different switch because the large switch is no longer made and the plastic is cast specifically to use that switch. Later models used small switches like the Fury. I've had this problem with a few, wither it stays running and won't turn off, or it won't run period. You can test this by taking the top portion off where the switch is (fairly easy, it just snaps in place) and making a jumper to bridge the switch.

 

[centralvacs1928]

Large switch

I believe that's the same as a Hoover Conquest switch, which should still be available.

If it stopped in the middle of using it, the reset button is most likely. Cords, switches and motors usually don't go from working great to dead...there's an intermittent period.

Of course, there's the possibility that the carbon brushes have just worn down to nothing. Being a Lamb motor means you should still be able to get them.

 

[loganvac]

Yes, it's an eleven amp. I haven't looked but later today I will click the reset button. It also has the weird, rubber circular power switch so that seems like a very logical explanation for it quitting. I was absolutely clueless. those two thing didn't pop up in my mind. The switch clicked but no power. I'll do what you all said so I can save the Fantom, and thanks a lot!

 

[fantomfan]

Is the Conquest switch really the same?

Let me know. I have an 11 AMP Fantom that needs a new switch. - Mitchell