
Shop-Vac MC150A Motor Replacement
- Unlatch the power unit assembly. Before you begin, make sure to switch off the device and unplug it from the outlet. ...
- Remove the top cover. Use a 3.5 mm hex key to remove the three screws securing the top cover. Remove the top cover.
- Use a 3.5 mm hex key to remove the four screws securing the power unit assembly.
- Separate the power unit assembly from the cover.
- Disconnect the switch. Pull out and disconnect the four spade connectors from the switch module. ...
- Unscrew the motor bracket. Use a Torx T15 driver to unscrew the two screws securing the metal motor bracket.
- During reassembly, be sure to reattach the green ground wire clip to the bracket.
- Separate the clip from the green wire and transfer it to the replacement motor.
- Motor. Remove the motor bracket.
- Turn the part over to the other side. Use the socket wrench remove the bolt securing the aluminum plate.
- Unscrew the two Phillips head screws holding the cover to the motor. After removing the cover to the motor, you can replace the motor.
What to do if your shop vac is not working?
If your shop vac is properly plugged into a functioning socket with the switch turned on, and still, it’s not responding, the switch could be faulty or damaged. To be sure that the problem is coming from the switch, get a multimeter or any other continuity checker and check if the current is flowing through, and the motor is getting power.
Why is my shop vac motor overheating?
Thermal fuses are hard to replace, so if your shop vac motor is still under warranty, return it and get a new one. 2- Apart from a full bag, a clogged filter can also be responsible for overheating. If you notice a burning smell coming from your shop vac motor, that’s a dead giveaway.
Where is the reset button on a shop vac?
Some shop vac models come with reset buttons. Sometimes the buttons aren’t seen on the outside. Check your shop vac manual to see if your vac has a reset button and where it is located. When your shop vac stops working, press this reset button. Sometimes this corrects minor internal issues with your shop vac and brings it to life again.
Why does my shop vac keep cutting off?
This happens when the electrical wires in the cord cut or break loose. Often it’s a result of carelessness; pulling the shop vac and stretching the cord while vacuuming, jerking the cord to remove it from the socket, etc.

What would cause a Shop-Vac to stop working?
Troubleshooting a Shop-Vac is straightforward. If it doesn't turn on, check for incoming power from the socket and the circuit breaker. If it won't start, the switch or motor is likely faulty. When dust leaks out where it shouldn't, the cause is typically a damaged filter or hose.
How do you clean a Shop-Vac motor?
To clean your shop vac, fill the canister basin with water and bleach to kill germs and bacteria. Rinse out the hose with water and run it through until the water comes out clean. Use a power washer or a high-pressure hose to rinse out the filters. Dry the unit entirely with a clean rag so it is ready for its next use.
How do you fix a loud Shop-Vac?
3:384:51Easy Shop Vac Fix for noisy bearings (WnW #43) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if it's really fixed or just fixed for a while either way I come out ahead and you know I canMoreSo if it's really fixed or just fixed for a while either way I come out ahead and you know I can always take it apart again if I need to lubricate it some more.
How do you lubricate a vacuum motor?
2:466:17Oiling noisy shop-vac bearings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd those typically are impregnated with oil and there's a little thing around it that's also soakedMoreAnd those typically are impregnated with oil and there's a little thing around it that's also soaked with oil. So I'm just going to soak everything on here with oil.
How long should a shop vac last?
According to Consumer Reports, vacuum cleaners last a median of eight years.
Can you oil a shop vac?
0:010:53Life Hack: How to use a shop vac to neatly change your oil. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this particular vehicle holds 15 quarts of oil and you'll notice that when I take the drain plugMoreNow this particular vehicle holds 15 quarts of oil and you'll notice that when I take the drain plug out nothing comes out until I turn off the shop vac. Then I have a nice easy.
Why is my vacuum motor so loud?
Broken Fan The fan in the motor of your vacuum may be broken, causing the vacuum to run louder than normal. When dirt runs through the motor of the vacuum, it can collect on the fan, causing it to break. If the fan in your vacuum motor is broken, it will need to be replaced. Again, you can do this repair yourself.
Why is my shop vac motor so loud?
When you use something as powerful as a shop vacuum, the air is sucked and pushed out of the vacuum violently and it produces additional levels of noise. Most of the noises coming from a vacuum cleaner are actually sounds of a vacuum's fan.
Why does my shop vac make a high pitched noise?
A high-pitched noise from a vacuum cleaner usually indicates an airflow obstruction. When most vacuum cleaners are in operation, the device will emit a steady, low-pitched noise. This noise may change in tone or volume as dirt or debris is suctioned into the vacuum cleaner but remains fairly constant during use.
What is the best lubricant for an electric motor?
areas to be lubricated. A NLGI 2 grade grease is the most commonly used in electric motor applications.
Can you lubricate electric motor?
Expert advice: When oiling an electric motor, be sure to use oil that's specifically designed for motors. When oiling an electric motor be sure to use special oil for lubricating electric motors. Other oils could cause excess wear and premature failure.
How do you lubricate a DC motor?
Grease. Grease is the best type of lubricant to use for smaller AC or DC gear motors that are ¼ horsepower or less. While grease doesn't offer as much consistent lubrication as oil, it doesn't leak as much, is simple to apply and doesn't require visual lubrication level inspections.
Should you oil a vacuum belt?
This should be done every time you change belts, and at least annually for models with “permanent” belts. The bearings need to spin freely, be free of dirt & hair build-up, etc. Although some do-it-yourself websites mention lubricating the bearing in the brushroll, you really should not.
Why does my shop vac smell like it's burning?
A Clogged, Dirty or Damaged Filter If the filter in your shop vac is dirty or damaged, air won't be able to circulate through it properly. This can cause it to overheat, resulting in the loss of suction and a burning or smoky smell.
How can I make my vacuum work better?
Ways to Increase Suction PowerCheck for Hose Clogs. The first thing to do is check for potential clogs in your vacuum, specifically in the hose. ... Replace Dirty Filters. Making sure that your filters are clean and clear goes a long way in increasing suction power. ... Look for Air Leaks. ... Clean Your Vacuum.
How can I make my vacuum cleaner stronger?
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to replace or empty the dust collection bag. As the collection bag fills, less air is able to pass through, which reduces suction power and pressure. By emptying or replacing this bag, users will enjoy a natural improvement in suction power.
Why does my vacuum stop working?
Some of the problems that do cause the vacuum motor to stop functioning include power failure, wire damage, blown fuse, or overheating. Check if the home has power by turning on the lights or any other electrical appliance. Make sure that the plug is connected to a power outlet. Inspect the wire for any type of damage.
What to do if your vacuum brush is broken?
In other cases, if the brush and the fan are broken, replace the entire motor.
What is an ohmmeter?
Ohmmeter. The vacuum motor is what keeps the device going. Although the motor doesn't easily get broken, there are a few possibilities that may need to be checked in order to get the machine going again. Here are some common repair solutions.
What to do if fan is damaged?
If the fan is damaged, remove it from the motor and buy a replacement. Another common problem is the brush itself, or more specifically, a broken bearing in the brush roller. When such damage is spotted, remove the entire brush and replace it with a new one. If the brush cannot be removed from the vacuum, then it is time to buy a new vacuum instead.
How to tell if a motor fan is damaged?
The most common way to detect damage in the motor fans and brushes is by listening to the sound and vibration. An uncommonly loud sound coming from the motor can be a warning that the fan is damaged and needs replacing. To check, remove the screws securing the motor to the body of the machine.
Caution!
When troubleshooting or repairing your Shop Vac, be sure to disconnect the unit from its power source. That will prevent the danger of electrocution and protect your fingers from being injured by moving parts.
Dust Is Coming Out From The Hose Or Exhaust
When a Shop Vac is in good working order, it will have no problems trapping wet and dry waste inside the bin (sometimes called the ‘tank assembly’). However, a tell-tale sign of a problem is when the dust comes out from the hose or exhaust.
Weak or No Suction
A Shop-Vac with weak suction can be very frustrating, and one without any suction at all is useless. If you’re facing this problem, there are three possible reasons:
Static Shock
When it comes to using a Shop-Vac, a common occurrence is when you receive static shocks from the unit. This issue can be very annoying, especially when you’re trying to get work done. However, you can rest assured that it is entirely harmless.
Shop Vac Stopped Working (Causes & Solutions!)
First, let us look at the possible causes of shop vacs stopping to work. And, then we’ll see the solutions to these problems.
Final Thoughts!
There are several reasons your shop vac may stop working and we have listed and explained some of them to guide you. We have also given probable solutions based on the causes of this problem.
