Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Beam Central Vacuum
All Products for Beam
Only hear a "click" when trying to start the system? Does it shut off and start back up in a few minutes? These are common signs of a dead motor which only leaves two options. Replace the motor or the replace unit. If you liked the amount of suction it originally had, then replace the motor. If you'd like stronger suction or if you'd like a cleaner disposal system consider a different unit or alternative brand.

How is a central vacuum maintained? Generally, the only thing required is emptying the main unit. Beyond that there are some upkeep and preventative options given below.
Replacement Chart for Beam Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Model# Replacement Motor Filtration and Parts
Beam Models:
153 All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
115334		  
Beam Models:
167, 167C, 177, 178
All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116472
Bag #723EB
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Beam Model:
178
All Models
220-240 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116213		  
Beam Model:
100, 189
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116472
Cloth Filter #710B
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Beam Models:
193, 199
110-120 volt
(Do a visual check on your motor. Total height of top motor to the right is 7.25", bottom motor is 8". Top motor is over 7" wide, lower is less than 6")		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117465		 Cloth Filter #710B
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116765
Beam Models:
204, 294 All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116119		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam Models:
287, 287C, 287S All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117465
(replaces 116467)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Beam Models:
297, 297C, 297D, 297F, 297S
All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117507
(replaces 116507)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Beam Models:
677 All Models except S
220-240 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116355		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Relay #242
Transformer #231L
Beam Models:
677S
220-240 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116296
(replaces 116354)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Relay #242
Transformer #231L
Beam Models:
168C All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116763

Bag #723EB
Beam Models:
197C, 199C, 199D, 261, 371, 377, 2100, 2150, 2220, 90, 197S, PE371, 225A, 275A
All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116765
(replaces 116565)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam 2220 is 7-gallon
Beam 90 is portable
Beam Models:
190, 253, 284, 259
All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
115334

Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
(259 not available)
Beam Models:
199ED, 697B, 697C, 697G, 2500 All Models
220-240 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117123
(takes 2 motors)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam Models:
387, 875, 2875 All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117478		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
875, 2875 have Gortex Filter
Beam Models:
397, 2250 All Models
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117500		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam Models:
2240
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117507
(replaces 116507)		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam Models:
2089, 353
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116472		 Cloth Filter - Compare your diameter with these cloth filters.
Beam Models:
725, 2725
110-120 volt		 Buy Now / Details & Instructions
119512


(2725 may take 119708 which is replaced by the stronger 119631 below)		 Gortex Filter
Beam Models:
750, 775, 2775
110-120 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
119631
Does Not Replace 6600-7		 Gortex Filter
Beam Models:
750A, 775A, 2900A		 Not available from MD Vac  
Basic Maintenance for Beam Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Beam central vacuum is changing the bag, or in most cases, emptying the dirt receptacle on the main unit. To do this, remove the base of the unit with a twist or by unlatching, then dump the debris. Place a plastic trash bag over the bottom of the unit. Reach up and grab the center weighted cloth filter and shake it. This filter can be further cleaned or replaced. To remove the filter, grab a side of it and pull toward the center. The outer stiff rim of the filter bends in and the filter drops out. To test filter efficiency, remove it, install the base back on the unit and test the suction. If the suction if significantly better without the filter then replace the filter. To further clean the filter wash it and thoroughly air dry before installing.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the Beam motor, Beam vacuum motor unit, or Beam vacuum cleaner. For the indoor vacuum brush, the fibers wrapped around the brush roll of the vacuum cleaner head should be cut out and removed on a regular basis.

Pipe and Hose Maintenance
We recommend the hose and piping system gets cleaned out yearly or more. The best way to do that is with Tornado Central Vacuum Maintenance Cloths. They do a couple of things. First, they push through the pipes bringing along stalled out debris, and second, they deodorize the hose, pipes, and unit. Some amazing results can come from this product. The vacuum hose will last longer if it is stored on a hanger, always being detached from the vacuum after each use. See if any of these Storage Items can help your situation (scroll to the bottom of the new page).

Email Reminders to Empty Vacuum
Sign up for the Free Quarterly Email Reminders to dispose of your central vacuum debris. Don't let the trash build up, it cuts down on suction, making the unit hotter and the cleaning less efficient.

Replacement Motors and Parts for Beam Vacuums

Troubleshooting
Self diagnose your system using this Interactive Troubleshooting Guide and Solutions.

Motor Replacement
Contact a local dealer for service, or consider doing it yourself. Motors on the Beam vacuum have a few fasteners and wires that need to be undone, then redone on the new motor. It should take under an hour. First, turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the central vacuum unit. Then, access the motor by releasing the outer housing. Use the chart to find the right replacement motor for your Beam motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Prior to 1996 Beam units used a separate transformer, relay, and minibreaker. Since then a circuit board is installed which houses all these electronics. The most common circuit board replacement for Beam vacuums is the MD Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. The board is strong, yet generic but will not work with units that have an electronic readout display on the front. There are other Generic Circuit Boards for units with different voltage and two motors. These robust generic boards are made by an industry supplier for all brands.

Motor Carbon Brush
The Beam motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However the Beam motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Beam motor brushes can be checked every few years and replaced if the 3/4" long solid carbon is worn down. Definitely replace if one or both are down to 3/16". Type the motor replacement number (not model number) in the search box and the motor brushes will come up along with instructions.
 
Note: Beam Vacuum is a registered trademark of Electrolux Home Care Products Ltd., not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from Beam Vacuum but are designed to complement a Beam Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not Beam Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by Beam Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Beam Vacuum Questions and Answers or give us a call at 1-800-997-2278 M-Th 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.