When using, smells like vacuum is burning. This is without the powerless attached. What do I need to do?

change belt or clean belt area

HI, it's Jim from Crucial Vacuum!

First thing is to be sure to unplug your vacuum. Once you begin smelling a burning smell it's essential to stop vacuuming immediately.

One of two things may be happing here:

1) Your brush roll may need replacing. It's possible that the sides where it attaches to the vacuum have been worn down with age. The bristles falling off is a clear indicator that it's time to replace the brush roll. Also, look for debris, or hair that's wrapped around the brush. Remove all of this with either a razor, or a scissor.

2) Check your vacuums belt. Is it wrapped around the brush roll at all, or is too loose? If so, this means there's no tension around your brush roll and it could be causing your vacuum to overwork the motor and overheat, hence the smell.

Clean this area out and then replace the brush roll and belt. You should be seeing a noticeable difference in both your vacuums suction, and a lack in the burning smell.

You can purchase replacement parts for your vacuum direct from Crucial Vacuum with free shipping and an exclusive 10% coupon for Fixya.com readers, use code: FIXYA10

http://www.crucialvacuum.com/

I hope this was helpful. If you would like further assistance, please feel free to give us a call at 877.750.9239. We have helpful and friendly customer care representatives on the line ready to assist you.

Jim Thompson
Crucial Vacuum Customer Care
http://www.crucialvacuum.com

Burning smell from a vacuum usually comes from the belt....check
for any objects caught between the belt and the brush roll. Is the
surface selector at the correct setting?

Here is the belt you need:

Kirby Ultimate G Belt

Most likely your belt is worn and it needs to be replaced. You can get replacement belts at www.vacbelts.com.

If you're observing sparks, then yes, just get a new one. With the low prices of good vaccuums its not worth starting a fire with your vaccuum. If it just smells like the motor is burning, check the belt and make sure its rotating freely and if you have an attachment, make sure the brush on the vaccuum is not being stopped while using the attachment. However, if you are seeing sparks,,,, definately time to junk it

I am having the same trouble. I bought the vacuum new in October 2007 when my wife and I purchased a newly constructed home. Since it is only two of us, she only has to vacuum once a month. I have taken it in three different times and get the same story. It needed a new belt. Mine has white smoke coming out of it and smells like burning rubber. I contacted Oreck and got no results. They refused to let me discuss this with Dave Oreck, stating that he nevers talks with customers! Gary Neeble

Usually when my vacuum smells like burning rubber, the belt needs to be changed and that is very easy to do. You just need to remove the the screws that hold in the rotator and put in a new belt. When the belt needs to be changed the vacuum will not pick up anything and this could make it seem like there is no suction. I hope this helps!

There are two reason you could be smelling a burning smell-
1. The belt is too stretched out and needs to be replaced. This causes it to slip when the vacuum is on and will create that type smell. You can avoid stretching and having to replace the belt to often by releasing the belt after each vacuum.

2. There may be hair or other debris stuck around the rod that the belt is attached to. Can be avoided by checking after vacuuming.

Hope this helps

Is the brush roll turning while on the carpet. If the belt is old, then it has stretched and will slip causing a rubber smell. But if it is an electrical smell, then your motor is failing and will need to be replaced.