Hover Concept One burning smell

[MarcSchroeder]

Hello,

I have a quick question regarding my Hoover Concept One (model U3225). I purchased the machine in 2009 from a vacuum shop in Houston and have restored it. I'm guessing this machine is from the early 80s (has the two speed motor and pointy handle).

The issue I'm experiencing is a very foul burning smell. Shortly after turning it on (I use it on high speed 95% of the time), the motor will slow down, almost like it's struggling. After a few seconds, the motor will speed back up to normal speed. After this, we smell a foul burning smell. The process will repeat a few more times during use.

Today, I decided to take off the bottom plate right after use and discovered the metal ends of the quadraflex agitator were very hot; too hot to touch. I've also noticed the brush roll takes some effort to spin manually. I'm posting this thread so I can get recommendations on what the issue is before I sink money into the machine.
I'm hoping it's just the brush roll and not the motor.

Parts that have been replaced:
-Power drive: 2009 - new condition
-Quadraflex agitator: pulled from 1988 Concept One - new brush inserts 2006
-New outer cloth bag: 2009
-Handle release petal retention springs: pulled from 1988 Concept One
-Belts routinely replaced every six months to a year

Any ideas? Thanks for your assistance.

Marc

 

[suckolux]

sounds like dirty or bad brushroll bearings

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I'd start with taking the brushroll apart, cleaning out any hair and possibly replacing the brushroll bearings; and see where that gets you.  That's good to do every year or so, especially if the brushroll is difficult to spin freely by hand.  That could also be the source of your burning smell. 


 


The motor speeding up and slowing down likely wouldn't be caused by the brushroll.  If you disconnect the belts and let the motor run with no load on it, does the motor still speed up and slow down?  I would try that and take note.  If the problem still persists then you may have a problem with the carbon brushes in the motor, either being stuck or worn down.

 

[MarcSchroeder]

Thanks so much for the suggestions!

I ran the Concept for about five minutes with both belts disconnected and the motor ran perfectly fine the whole time. No burning smells at all. I reckon I'll try fixing up the brush roll.

Any recommendations on where to get the appropriate bearings?

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Here they are on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hoover-Vac-...191193059678?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item2c83fe915e