Photo from SoundWorks & Security CT
How can you maintain your Fasco Central Vacuum? Tasks include emptying the debris, cleaning or changing the filtration, regularly maintaining the filter, motor maintenance, inlet and pipe system and more.
Filter
The maintenance of the Fasco Central Vacuum is similar to that of a regular portable vacuum—simply empty the dirt and change the bag. Shake the cloth filter that is center-weighted.
On the “top-emptying” vacuum models, open the top part and then remove the bag. On the “bottom-emptying” models that contain a cloth filter, remove the mesh filter and then clean the debris screen. Some models contain a foam filter that can be removed, washed and dried completely by air.
Always remember to dispose of your central vacuum debris. When you operate your Fasco Central Vacuum with a full filter, this could potentially reduce the suction abilities of your unit. This will eventually cause the unit to run hotter than normal and the cleaning functionalities will be less efficient.
Motor
All Fasco Central Vacuum models used have permanently sealed motors that are fitted in the main collection unit. These Fasco motors do not require oiling or any form of lubrication for them to function properly. There are a couple of routine maintenance activities that are supposed to be carried out for typical residential usage: - Checking the motor brushes every five years is part of this routine. - Make sure that the center motor shaft is completely solid and is not wobbling as you check the motor brushes. If the motor brushes are worn out and are reduced to about 3/16” long, you have to replace them with brand new ones.
If the unit does not contain paper or cloth bag type of filtration, that creates room for debris to accumulate on the motor’s internal fan blades. This debris deposit is hard to get rid of because the balance of the fans is offset in the process of cleaning. Causing an imbalance of the fans will lead to premature failure of the motor and on its bearings.
Usually, there are motor brushes that conduct electricity into the motor while touching the center shaft. Over time, these brushes can wear and tear down. If they wear down, they could potentially damage the Fasco motor.
How to Replace the Fasco Vacuum Motor
There are several options when it comes to replacing the motor that is on the Fasco Central Vacuum Model 851. This can be done as a DIY project.
The Fasco vacuums have several fasteners and wires that need to be unattached and then reattached to the new replacement motor. Changing a motor should take you about an hour or so to do it. The following are instructions on how to change your Fasco vacuum’s motor.
- First, identify the type of motor that your Fasco model uses. Take photos of your old motor to understand the wiring methods that it used.
- Turn off the circuit breaker or otherwise unplug the central vacuum unit.
- Release the outer housing of the unit to access the monitor. Remove the monitor and then unclip all the wires of the motor from the components.
Motor Brushes
The Fasco motors contain two carbon brushes that are prone to wear. The good thing is, these brushes can be replaced before they damage the entire motor. The Fasco motor brushes need to be replaced every five years, especially for those that are used in residential units. These carbon brushes should be replaced if the normal 3/4”-length is worn and reduced to 3/16” long.
Motors are the mechanisms that usually conduct electricity into the motor while they touch the center shaft.
The Fasco motor may be destroyed as a result of various reasons such as a bad bearing or dust and debris building up inside the motor. You may just have to buy a new motor altogether.
Inlet and Pipe System Maintenance for Fasco Vacuums
Several issues may affect the inlet systems for vacuums. This includes: - The vacuum is getting worn out altogether
- There may be loose contacts inside the hole
- The gasket or spring may be missing and leak air from the unit. This would mean that the inlet needs to be replaced with a brand new one. Replacing the Fasco vacuum inlet is quite easy to replace and it is also not expensive. Inlets come in different designs. Some are installed by opening up and others open down.
If installed properly, the pipes in your vacuum unit should be able to last for a lifetime. There may be black carbon dust collected overtime on outside areas of the pipes because of the static electricity. This dust can be easily removed by wiping it down using a clean, damp and soapy piece of cloth.
It is recommended that you clean the interior parts of the pipes at least once per year. The most effective cleaning method is known as the free flow central vacuum maintenance shift.
Pull the sheets through the interior of the pipe, as the sheet pushes along all the debris that is sitting inside the dead spots. This will clean the pipe system thoroughly while deodorizing the hose, pipes and the entire unit. Cleaning in this manner will result in better suction for the Fasco Central Vacuum.
Hose and Vacuum Head Maintenance for Fasco Central Vacuum
The Fasco vacuum hose should be stored on a hose hanger for it to last longer. The hose should not be attached to the vacuum wands as this will create stress fractures inside the hose at the point where it bends down from the wands. The proper way to hand the vacuum hose is to create the four to five loops on the floor and then hang them. Do not create more than the five loops since that may frustrate the hose while hanging it and it would eventually unwind.