Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Flo-Master Central Vac
All Products for Flo-Master
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 Flo-Master Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Model # Replacement Motor Filtration and Parts


M19
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117507
(replaces 116507, 116119, and 117478)		 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232


M19
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117157
 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231


M31
110-120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
119413

For more power use 116336 motors. They are a bit louder too. 		Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #235S
Transformer #232


M31
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116110 		Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #236S
Transformer #231


M32
110-120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
119413

For more power use 2 116336 motors. They are a bit louder too. 		Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #235M
Transformer #232


M32
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
116110		 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #236M
Transformer #231


M34
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
115334
(replaces 116465 and 117465)		 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232


M34
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
115684
(replaces 116717 and 117157)		 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231


M45
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116765

Buy Bags or
Closed Bag
Relay #242
or Circuit Board #235S
Transformer #232


M45
220-240 volt

 Price / Details /
Instructions
117123
Buy Bags or
Closed Bag
Relay #242
or Circuit Board #236S
Transformer #232

M60
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
119995
#723AS Buy


M64
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116764

Buy Bags or
Closed Bag
Relay #242 Transformer #232


M64
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116945

Buy Bags or
Closed Bag
Relay #242 Transformer #232


M72
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116472
 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #235S
Transformer #232


M72
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
116355
 Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242

or Circuit Board #236S
Transformer #231


M80
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
119995
#723MFS Buy or
Closed Bag Option
Circuit Board #235S


M85
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
119997

Buy Bags or
Closed Bag
Relay #242 Transformer #232
Circuit Board #235L


M92
220-240 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117123
#723MF-5 Buy or
Closed Bag Option
Circuit Board #236L
Basic Maintenance for Flo-Master Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Flo Master Vacuum Motor ReplacementMuch like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Flo-Master Central Vacuum System is changing the bag in the main unit. To do this, remove the top of the unit, remove the black gasket, if installed, then lift the paper bag and support bag out together, and place a paper bag into the trash can. Put a new paper filter into the support filter, wrapping the elastic over the edges. Set the filter into the vacuum putting it below the necks of the intakes. Some vacuums have a closed bag that slips off an elbow and a new bag is simply slid back on. Below the support filter is a mesh filter that keeps large debris out of the motors if there was an accident with the main filter. The Flo-Master Owner's Manual is available here and please note that over the years the color of the vacuum has changed.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the Flo-Master motor, Flo-Master vacuum motor unit, or Flo-Master vacuum cleaner. For the indoor vacuum brush, the fibers that get 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 cleaning out the hose and piping system at least once per year. 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. 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 Accessory Page).

Email Reminders to Empty Vacuum
Sign up for the Free Quarterly Email Reminders to dispose of your central vacuum debris. Let the trash build up can reduce suction, making the unit run hotter and clean less efficiently.

Replacement Motors and Parts for Flo-Master 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 Flo-Master vacuum have a few fasteners and wires that need to be unattached, the reattached on the new motor. It should take less than one 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 Flo-Master motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Flo-Master Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Prior to 8/2004, Flo-Master 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 single motor Flo-Master vacuums is the Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. For other models with different voltage and two motors the replacement circuit boards are here. These robust boards are made by an industry supplier. Here are relay and transformer wiring diagrams for past models:

Motor Carbon Brush
The Flo-Master motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Flo-Master motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Flo-Master motor brushes can be checked every few years and replaced if the 3/4-inch-long solid carbon is worn down. Definitely replace if one or both are down to 3/16 inch. Type the motor replacement number (not model number) in the search box and the motor brushes will come up along with instructions.
 
Note: Flo-Master Vacuum is a registered trademark of M.D. Manufacturing, Inc.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Flo-Master 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.