Kenmore Whispertone quitting randomly

[madman]

My first thought from your first post was a thermal switch. Definitely a good idea to check the current draw while using it. An ammeter/wattmeter is a good tool to have around anyhow. You can order all manner of cheap ones on ebay. Most run-of-the-mill multimeters will also do amps, but usually are fused for 10 amps or so, which should work for this.

If you want to replace the relay anyway, or to have a spare, it looks like the sticker on it is in good condition. Google/ebay the part number on it, and failing that, it should be a fairly ordinary setup, so a generic replacement should be no problem. It should say the ratings on it, but I'd assume a 220v coil, and, maybe 5A max? Something like that.

The commutator (that's the armature's group of brass contacts that the brushes ride on) looks just fine. I'd leave it be.

 

[kirbylux77]

Wow! Quebecois, interesting that it was the thermal overload protector that was the culprit here. On most motors, when a motor dies, the motor will turn on for a few seconds, turn off, try to turn on again, until it starts smoking & just dies. This is the first time, though, I have seen the thermal overload protector being too close to the field wires causing the thermal overload protector to over-react & cut out prematurely.

I would caution you that this might be a sign the motor could be showing signs it's near the end of it's life, especially if it's a single stage Ametek motor. Being this vacuum is from the late 90's, this would be the expected life expectancy for a motor to last. Just be careful, keep an eye on it, & be prepared to order a replacement if needed.

Rob

 

[quebecois]

I have a multimeter and I would be willing to make the test you're talking about but I don'T understand what I should do exactly.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Most common multimeters only test DC amps, where as the vacuum is AC.
Get yourself one of these plug-in testers - much easier, faster, and safer to use. You can find them all over.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kill-A-Watt-Electricity-Monitor-P4400/202196386

You will find many other uses for it down the road as well.

 

[quebecois]

Thanks for the link, I didn't know that type of tester, will buy one tomorrow. What is the correct procedure for the test ? What kind of reading should I expect if my vac is ok ? If it is not?

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Easy. Plug vac into tester, plug tester into wall. Turn vacuum on and record the volts, watts, and amps the tester displays.
Find the rating plate on your vacuum which will be in watts or amps. Also note what the voltage is.
Post this info back to this thread and I will let you the analysis. )

 

[quebecois]

Looks like these gismos are hard to source here in Quebec, not available in Canadian Tire, nor Home depot, nor Home Hardware, neither Rona. They all know what I'm talking about but they don't have them.

I'll phone electronic stores and boutiques.

 

[quebecois]

Finally had to order on amazon, will get it by April the 10th...

 

[quebecois]

Recent update: I got my current monitor before Easter holiday, just in time to bring it with me to test my girlfriend's Whispertone.

It draws too much current: 10.4 amps instead of 9.0 amps, way beyond the specs.

I told my girlfriend this is probably the reason why the thermo switch randomly cut the motor, it should be running a bit hotter than normal. I recommend her to stop using it if it makes a different sound like the motor is struggling.