Kenmore Whispertone quitting randomly

[quebecois]

My girlfriend gave to me her Kenmore Whispertone Special Edition because she got fed up of it. It has always acted that way for the last months: she begins to use the vac in her appartment, after 4-5 minutes the motor quits, then she lets it alone for 5 minutes and then it works again for a few minutes and then it quits again, and so on.

I experienced the same problem, actually the motor came to life itself at least one time because I accidentally left the switch ON.

HandyAndy at the vacuum store told me it happens when the motor gets too hot, and he added that it could be quite expensive to fix it.

That machine came with a power nozzle and a few tools, it is a complete kit (see picture)

What are your thoughts?

 

[kirbylux77]

Does the vacuum have full suction power when it is running? If it doesn't, that's the more obvious problem - clogged hose.

A couple other possibilities with these older Kenmore's is the machine end hose connector, or the relay inside the motor compartment. If you try wiggling the hose when it goes off, & that makes it turn back on, then you need a new hose connector. You can confirm for sure if it doesn't do the same thing with a second hose. The relay isn't so easy to diagnose, though. Most times when the relay does go out though, the vacuum usually stays ON all the time, you can't shut it off with the hose handle switch. I would also be inclined, just because it is a older vacuum, to take the motor out & check the condition of the carbon brushes. They could require replacement & contributing to or causing the problem as well.

Rob

 

[quebecois]

Rob wrote: If you try wiggling the hose when it goes off, & that makes it turn back on, then you need a new hose connector.

I gave it a try this morning after I read your answer. It actually cut after 6-7 minutes, then I tried moving the switch at the handle back and forth, doing that I heard a distinctive clic-cloc coming from the can with no effect on the motor, then I wiggled the hose close to the handle with no success, and then at the can connection a few times and it came alive after less than one minute!

It has worked without cutting for at least 30 minutes, I'll try dusting my stairway, I guess...

What could be the price of a new connection? Would I have to replace the connection on the can only, or also the one on the hose ?

Thanks

 

[quebecois]

Another question: how would I gain access inside the vacuum itself ? I need to fix a broken wheel , and I can't see how to open the case ...

 

[fan-of-fans]

It's been awhile since I had one apart, but here's how I remember. First remove the bag cover, open it all the way and lightly pull upwards and it should release from each hinge. There should be two screws on the motor cover at the bag compartment side. Then carefully remove the cord rewind pedal, there should be two small tabs at the rear to carefully pry out. Then you should see the screws under the pedal and then the top should come off. That should be it as far as I remember.

While you're in there, definitely clean the foam exhaust filter. I cleaned the one on mine and the airflow was MUCH improved and it ran much cooler. It fills up with dust and carbon from the brushes over the years.

The motor will be inside a plastic housing which is why it has the name Whispertone. If it's real dusty inside I would just clean the whole thing up while you're in there. The housings are easy to wash once the motor is removed.

Sorry I can't help with much else as far as the connections. I have had a few issues with the canister to hose connection but pushing the hose back down fixed it. My bigger issues have been the wand to hose power connection, and I was able to fix that if you ever need help there.

 

[quebecois]

THank you fan-of-fans

I'm struggling with the rewind pedal, I can't find exactly where I should pry it off. Could you please edit the pictures I posted and show where are these tabs you talked about?

 

[fan-of-fans]

The tabs should be on the hinge side of the pedal where it says cord retract. I think there is one on each end of the pedal. You should be able to put a small flat screwdriver in there and gently pop it out. Watch that the spring doesn't fly out. Again it's been awhile since I did it.

 

[quebecois]

All right, got it! MIne has four tabs, not easy to manage wit only two hands...

Is that red filter the one you talked about?

The motor looks very clean to me, is there something else I should look for while i'm in there?

Also, I included a picture of what the PO did to fix the broken wheel, problem is it screws in when I use the vac and the wheel eventually blocks. What are your suggestions to fix it a better way?

 

[fan-of-fans]

On the one I had apart there was another filter on the exhaust, I don't remember exactly where it was, but it was very dirty. Your motor looks clean to me. I don't know how to fix the wheel, hopefully someone will have an answer on fixisng that.

 

[quebecois]

Only other filter-like thing I found in there was that foam wrapped around the motor plastic case, but I supposed it is to absorb vibrations.

As can be seen on the motor picture, there is roughly one half of the width of every section of the "rotor" that shows a sort-of-black deposit, should I try to remove it and if so with what product?

 

[fan-of-fans]

Oh, yes that's the foam filter I remember. It may be to make it quieter, but I would definitely wash that, as it was very dirty on mine. I would rinse it with water until all of the black water goes clear and then let it dry. I'm not sure on the armature, someone else will have to comment as I've never messed with these kind of motors.

 

[quebecois]

fan-of-fans: thanks a lot for your help, I'll be fine from here to put it all together, as soon as I find a way to fix the wheel and a new relay if available, because I think it's what makes the motor cutting randomly.


Rob wrote: "The relay isn't so easy to diagnose, though."

Is that the relay you talked about on the picture I attached? Available? Price? Finally I'm not so sure the hose is faulty, the vac restarted itself last time I let it alone.

 

[quebecois]

I wanted to report that I had some success fixing the wheel with a partially threaded bolt as a new axis, blocked inside the vacuum case with a lock-nut and a large washer.

I also cleaned the electric connections of the switch at the handle, just to make sure there is no issue there.

I'm considering replacing the relay pictured in my last message, suggestions for a supplier anyone?

 

[quebecois]

Hurray ! My Kenmore doesn't cut anymore ! I went to a parts dealer and repair center today, the guy was kind enough to tell me the relay wasn't the problem, he rather pointed at a thermo-switch (not sure he called that exactly that way) attached too close to the motor.

WHen he mentioned it, I remembered seeing a weird little gismo wrapped on the copper wiring. He told me to just unwrap it and to bend it away from the motor so some air may flow around it to cool it down (see picture).

I've used the vac for 45 minutes and it has never cut.

Thanks everyone for the help and I hope this could be helpful for others.

 

[suckolux]

Great!

 

[texaskirbyguy]

An ideal move at this point would be to get a current draw measurement of the motor (use a kill-a-watt type tester) and compare it with the rating plate on the vacuum. If within spec, the thermo breaker is faulty and is opening too soon. Replace it for safety's sake. If higher than spec, the motor has a problem and is really overheating. Repair it before using any more.
The windings do have a bit of a burnt look, but it could be just the picture...

 

[quebecois]

Is there really a risk that the vacuum overheats at the point it catches fire when used for less than 45 minutes in light conditions (very small carpets)?

 

[texaskirbyguy]

It may or may not not actually catch fire, but it could self-destruct prematurely if it IS drawing too much current and the machine is still used. It is known that motor windings can short if the insulation is compromised by age, chemicals, or excess heat.

 

[quebecois]

I had the motor in my hands for a while and it looked like new to me, i doubt it has ever overheated, there is no part of it that shows evidence of overheating (see this picture).