Ok...so I haven't used any of my vintage vacuums in about 3 months because I got myself worried that the motor brushes will run out while im using one. What happens when the motor brushes run out?...does the vacuum make a weird noise then just quit?...I want to use my vintage vacuums again...The motor brushes on my 115 are fine... but im not to sure about my dial-a-matic, model 63,model 700, etc.
This might sound strange....
- Thread starter decade80
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The only time I had carbon brushes wear all the way down, was a few years ago while using my Kirby Heritage II....I was using the hose and tools to vacuum the furniture when the motor started to slow down then speed back up, it did that a few times, then it cut out a few times, then it just quit. As I recall no damage was done....just had the brushes replaced and it ran like new.
Hope that helps....Happy Vacuuming!
Hope that helps....Happy Vacuuming!
Motor Brushes...
You'll get a lot of warning before the brushes wear out. First you'll start hearing a lot of whining coming from the commutator. Next you'll start smelling ozone when you're running the cleaner. Finally you'll start hearing the motor surging and slowing, or acting "intermittent". If the cleaner starts up and runs properly, I wouldn't really worry about it. If you're *REALLY* worried about it, pull the brushes and take a look at the length. If they're less than about 3/8" I'd have them replaced.
You'll get a lot of warning before the brushes wear out. First you'll start hearing a lot of whining coming from the commutator. Next you'll start smelling ozone when you're running the cleaner. Finally you'll start hearing the motor surging and slowing, or acting "intermittent". If the cleaner starts up and runs properly, I wouldn't really worry about it. If you're *REALLY* worried about it, pull the brushes and take a look at the length. If they're less than about 3/8" I'd have them replaced.
charles~richard
Well-known member
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- Aug 25, 2006
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Not to give you something else to worry about, but I'd say there'd be a greater likelihood of bearings going bad before carbon brushes wear down.
Bearings...
Charles brings up a good point. When the bearings sit for a long time, the grease tends to turn to goop or dry out. Running them from time to time at least helps distribute the lubricant back around the bearing.
Bronze bearings and bushings have yet another nasty habit: When sitting the shaft can come in contact with the bearing surface, so when you turn it on, it can wipe the surface ruining the bearing. Running a motor with a bronze bearing from time to time will redistribute the oil and pull a little more out of the bronze pores.
Charles brings up a good point. When the bearings sit for a long time, the grease tends to turn to goop or dry out. Running them from time to time at least helps distribute the lubricant back around the bearing.
Bronze bearings and bushings have yet another nasty habit: When sitting the shaft can come in contact with the bearing surface, so when you turn it on, it can wipe the surface ruining the bearing. Running a motor with a bronze bearing from time to time will redistribute the oil and pull a little more out of the bronze pores.
truckerx
New member
Always....
check the carbon brushes on a newly acquired used machine before putting it into service. Some used machines may look brand-new but could in fact have many hours of hard use such as commercial usage. If the brushes are getting short - replace them. Check the commutator for grooving and/or residue, while you're at it.
check the carbon brushes on a newly acquired used machine before putting it into service. Some used machines may look brand-new but could in fact have many hours of hard use such as commercial usage. If the brushes are getting short - replace them. Check the commutator for grooving and/or residue, while you're at it.
