Help please - Hoover Turbopower 1000 bit the dust...

[jmurray01]

I decided to use the 1994 Hoover Turbopower 1000 today as it had been sitting for a couple of weeks. I did all the upstairs carpets which took about 15 minutes and it worked perfectly, adjusting up and down on Autosense as required, no problems.

I shut it off, unplugged it and went downstairs then plugged it in and proceeded to vacuum the carpet in the hall way. Again, no issues.

Once I'd done that, I put it in the upright position (still running on low Autosense), moved the height adjustment to Shag/Tools, pulled the hose out and attached the extension tubes then all of a sudden the pitch changed from the quiet smooth hum to a really dull noise and it sounded like the motor had slowed down to about half the speed it was running at and a smell of burnt rubber was apparent. I immediately thought I'd caught a bit of thread in the brush roll and it wasn't spinning so I turned it off and checked the brush roll, which was fine and spinning freely...

I took the base plate off just to make sure and everything was fine.

I thought maybe there WAS a bit of thread stuck but it sorted itself out just as I turned it off - that was possible.

So I turned it back on again and it sounded even worse than before, sort of like a cat being strangled, plus the burning rubber smell was even stronger. It smelled like the belt was burning up but it couldn't be because the brush roll was rotating FINE.

I then checked the hose for suction and there was hardly any, despite the Bag Full/Blockage light not illuminating. I turned it off again and checked for a blockage, which there was none, I even replaced the bag just to be sure, but when restarted it still had pessimal suction, probably due to the motor running VERY slow.

Please tell me my old faithful Hoover hasn't died a horrible death ?

I'll give you a link to a video I'm uploading at the moment when it uploads so you can hear it, but perhaps you can help even without it. I really don't know, all I know is I'm very sad that my favourite vacuum has let me down.

 

[turbo500]

Sounds like the motor has burnt out Jamie

 

[jmurray01]

That's what I thought Chris... To say I am disappointed doesn't touch the surface.

As The Big O would say, it's over...

 

[singingrainbow]

Jamie

I am so sorry that this has happened, I know what it is like to lose a beloved vac.


But to me, it sounds like Chris is right.


I did check ebay uk for replacements but unfortunately, I found nothing.


I would take it apart and try to find out what happened, or if there is a vac shop near you I would take it there.


Sorry I could not be more help.


Scott

 

[Scaniabebe]

Agh, bad luck mate...
Maybe you could buy a cheap one of eBay, and extange the motors?
Or, just buy a good condition used unit, and get rid of the old?

Still, Rest in Piece, Turbopower....

 

[jmurray01]

OK, a bit more information.

When I rotate the brush roll by hand now it makes a "click click click" noise quietly, like spinning the fan on a Hoover Senior in the wrong direction.

 

[singingrainbow]

Sounds like possibly the carbons have gone.

 

[jmurray01]

So it could just need new brushes ?

 

[Scaniabebe]

So, it might not be such a big job as first thought. When they break. There's often that kind of sound. That's maybe because the springs are toutching the motor or what's left of the Brushes might have moved out of position...

 

[singingrainbow]

Well, not exactly, since you ran it with this problem, there might be dammage to the motor itself.


Sorry.


Scott

 

[jmurray01]

Yes, probably scraping the commutator and thus the clicking noise.

 

[singingrainbow]

I would try keeping your eye out for a donor on ebay, or other local listings and use it for parts.


Scott

 

[jmurray01]

Will do Scott.

 

[jmurray01]

Here is the video:

 

[thevacuumlover1]

another one bites da fluff

and another one gone, and another one gone another one bites the fluff.

 

[super-sweeper]

Jamie,

I agree with the inteligence above,The carbons sound like they've "Bit the dust".
Compare your vacuum's sound witht his vacuum's sound (Just don't run your vacuum to hear the sound,Use your video to not cause the cleaner more harm!).

-Alex.

 

[jmurray01]

So do you think it is worth replacing the brushes Scott ?

 

[ryry_87]

sounds like its completely burnt out to me. sorry mate

 

[singingrainbow]

I supose its worth a try. But I would inspect the commutator first and if it is damaged, then you will need to find a new one, if you replace the brushes and the commutator is not to bad off, then I would burnish it to smooth it back out.
But don't expect miracles.
Hope this helps.
Scott

 

[jmurray01]

Well I'll try and remove the motor cover and take a look.

How exactly would I burnish the commutator ?

 

[suctionselector]

Jamie

For such an advanced machine, yes, it is worth it!

Hopefully I can get one of these so I can have something over those low sucking Dysons I am trying to get rid of!

Good luck!

Best Wishes

Jacob =]

 

[ryry_87]

to clean the commutator up Jamie you'll need a comm stick, however if its not too bad, it can be done with a bit of wet & dry. If the commutator does appear black and charred, its probably a goner and cleaning it won't do much good. You're better off trying to find another motor.

 

[jmurray01]

Thanks Ryan, I'll check if I can get the motor casing off, hopefully it won't be too difficult!

 

[ryry_87]

when you've got it out obviously check to see if the carbon(s) have completely gone, if not post a clear pic of the commutator to show how bad it is. check for any charred sections or heavy scoring

 

[singingrainbow]

You will need to get a carbon brush seater stone and while the motor is running with new brushes in it, touch the stone to the commutator a little at a time and the stone will wear down. and it will basicly clean and smooth the commutator, Of course you will want to wear safety gogles for this.
Someone else might be able to explain it better.
Scott

 

[Scaniabebe]

2 Vacuums Not Working in 1 Day, mine & Jamie's....

Jamie, I know how you feel about it. Hopefully, it's just the Carbon Brushes, but as Ryan said, it could be the motor.

I feel your pain. For all who don't know, I was using my Numatic James JPV180A today. I went to unplug, and it had jammed in the socket. Had to get an electricion out to put a new socket in, but, he couldn't even get the plug out. So, at the moment, my James has it's very own Socket! Got to order a new whole new cable for it, now! Annoying, as I use this vac almost everyday in the garage (I also use my HVR200A for around the house), and as I use this vac almost everyday, and the new Cable won't be here until about Monday (at least). It's not gone well at all!

 

[ryry_87]

A comm stick….

http://www.candmdomesticappliances.co.uk/carbon-brush-commutator-stick

 

[ryry_87]

going back to what Scott said, there is an easier way of doing it. once the new carbons are in, rather than comming it in while its running, just get a powerful cylinder, put the hose over the fan inlet to get it spinning and comm it in that way. Its less scary than trying to do it while the motors running lol

 

[jmurray01]

OK, update, I've tried to get to the motor but have hit a problem!

I got the floor head off OK and have taken the two screws out that hold the motor casing on but it won't move more than about a centimeter. It is like there is something else holding it on but I can't see anything else!

Help!