Another problem with my Ridgid Vac. :(

[Wild Weasel]

As you guys know, I got the power/blower part of my 16 gallon blower/vac replaced just recently because the switch broke.

Now, on the new one, if I run it for more than a minute or so big blue sparks start jumping around inside it and then it stops and smells like an electrical fire.

Any suggestions or should I just bring it back... again?

[Woussko]

My bet is there's a few shorted turns of the wiring in the armature. If you can get HD to swap it, YEA. If not you are more of less SOL and USC. In that case be rid of it and buy something else. Can you say exactly what you were using it for before it started acting up? It might also be that the carbon brushes cracked or hang up in the brush holders. Again, that would be where if HD will swap it go for it. Someone that can and does work on small electric motors could check it out. If the armature is bad, then into the trash it needs to go. They do not come cheap.

WW

Are you giving your vac any long and heavy duty use? If yes, it's time for you to get a serious machine made for commercial users. You won't find such at HD or Lowes, but they are made and once you have one, there's no going back to the lesser machines.

[Woussko]

WW

If you let the motor cool for say 1/2 hour or longer and then turn it on, does it spark right away or must it run a few minutes first? The BIG STINK has me thinking you really would do well to try to get HD to swap it for another if they will.

[Wild Weasel]

Nothing caused this one. It was like this out of the box.

I've used it twice since bringing it home and both times it's happened. I'll bring it back again and see what they say.

I'm really not using it for anything heavy duty. It's just for my house and to use in my garage.

Just checked the receipt... I'm now out of the 90 day return period so it looks like I've gotta go the repair route.

Anyone know if there are authorized repair shops around Toronto or do I have to go through HD?

[Woussko]

WW

Crazy comment removed by me. --->

This may help some with finding a service center.
http://www.ridgid.com/MenuDriver.asp...enters&Code=WD

This is making me that that maybe Ridgid needs to change the design and maybe recall them. I hope others with this model will post what kind of luck they've had with them.

[Wild Weasel]

Excellent. There's a service center not more than 5 mins away from my house!

Thanks Woussko!

[Woussko]

Sure WW
Glad to help. (Comment removed after thinking about it)

[oldslowchevy]

what model do you have? i have a ridgid 16 gal vac and i love it i treat it very harsh too (leaving it out side, tossing it in the back of my truck ect) and it has never had a problem ever.

[Woussko]

I think it's the WD1665 where you can detatch the power head and use it as a hand held blower. http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/16-Gallo...ower/index.htm

The WD1850 16 gallon ProVac might well be (I'm about 95% sure it is) a better made machine and what he should be looking at. http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/16-Gallon-WD-Vac/index.htm

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, the WD1665 is the one I've got.

And I really shouldn't need a pro vac. Generally speaking, I'll be using it to vacuum out my car now and then and just for general cleanup around the garage. I just need one that's been put together right to begin with.