Fan housing replacement on Riccar Supralites

Greetings, I’m Josh, representing Vacuums R Us and Sewing Too, located in the beautiful state of Colorado. Today, we’re delving into the world of cleaning with a close look at a Clean Max Ultralight commercial vacuum cleaner. Our journey begins with a diagnosis, where my technician’s notes point towards a necessary replacement of the left-hand fan cover. However, I must admit some skepticism regarding the accuracy of this diagnosis. But rest assured, we’re here to thoroughly investigate.

This video is tailored to those who possess a more contemporary Riccar, Simplicity, or Clean Max Ultralight upright vacuum cleaner. You’ll easily identify if your machine falls into this category by the presence of a high-filtration bag housed in a soft case, complete with a distinctive green clip. Furthermore, this information may also be valuable to Aerus vacuum owners, as they source their ultralight models from Riccar/Tacony. Additionally, there’s a possibility that Power Flight may have a similar version, and Sanitaire offers a cordless variant, although our focus today remains on a distinct fan housing.

Our exploration commences with a quick inspection, during which we plug in the vacuum to listen to its operational sounds. While my initial doubts surround the fan housing diagnosis, it becomes evident that there is indeed a visible crack on the left-hand fan housing, confirming the technician’s assessment.

However, our journey doesn’t end here. In addition to addressing the fan cover replacement, we also take a closer look at the fan itself, making this video valuable for those dealing with fan-related issues. To ensure you get a detailed view, I’ll get in closer to the machine.

For efficiency and convenience, my workbenches are at waist height. This allows us to flip the machine with ease, making repairs more accessible. We initiate the process by removing two screws with the help of a Phillips head screwdriver. When using an electric screw gun, I always recommend adjusting the clutch settings to their lowest to avoid damaging the delicate plastic parts, commonly found on the back and center housings. These two screws secure the base plate, which we also remove, as I intend to take a look at the brush roller, and an interesting discovery awaits us.

Inside the machine, we stumble upon an unexpected metal object, whose origin remains a mystery. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t appear to be a component of the vacuum cleaner, and we’ll assume it’s a piece of random debris.

Returning the machine to its upright position, we continue our exploration. To access the inner components, we detach the air intake dock, a task requiring the removal of three screws. Next, we deal with the two motor shoes located at the back, enabling the assembly to pop out easily. We also encounter a retainer ring, a gasket, and another retainer ring, which might require the assistance of a screwdriver for removal.

This leads us to the primary concern: the left-hand housing. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the crack is severe. We proceed to remove the housing with four screws, which exposes the fan in seemingly good condition. Cracked fans are a common issue, especially in commercial use, where users may inadvertently subject the vacuum to challenging materials like drywall screws.

For those dealing with fan replacements, remember that this involves a reverse-threaded bolt. To remove the fan, some isopropyl alcohol is sprayed onto it to dissolve any sticky debris securing it in place. This makes the process much simpler.

A pro tip I’d like to share is the use of silicone sealant. Given the absence of gaskets in these components, silicone prevents potential leaks. It’s essential to apply silicone generously along the groove on the fan housing to ensure a secure seal.

Reflecting on our journey, I’d like to share a fascinating insight from my visit to the factory. The workers expressed concerns about debris seepage into the motor chamber, and there was a consensus that using sealant to combat this issue was a feasible solution. Thus, I always use silicone to seal these components when reassembling them.

With the fan and housing securely in place, we move on to seal around the intake. Although I have just enough silicone left for this task, it doesn’t require much, thanks to the snug fit of the components.

Following reassembly, it’s essential to test the machine to ensure everything functions correctly. However, in this case, I’ll let the silicone set for a few minutes before conducting a final test. Once that’s done, we can rest assured that the Clean Max Ultralight is ready to return to service.

This video showcases our meticulous process when dealing with commercial vacuum cleaners, offering a stark contrast to the thorough cleaning and beautification often seen in residential settings. We understand that commercial customers prioritize utility, longevity, and cost-effective repairs, and we’re here to deliver exactly that.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the intricacies of vacuum cleaner maintenance and repair. Stay tuned for more informative content from Vacuums R Us and Sewing Too!