Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Modern Day Central Vac
All Products for Modern Day
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 Modern Day Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Model (Blue/Grey) Replacement Motor Filtration and Parts
A
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117507 (replaces 116507, 116119, and 117478)
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232
A
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117743
(replaces 116743 and 117507)
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231


B
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
115334
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #236M
Transformer #232


B
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117157
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235M
Transformer #231
B2
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
Transformer #232

Circuit Board #235M
B2
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 116110
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231

Circuit Board #235M
E
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
115334 (replaces 116465, can also use 117465)
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232
E
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
115519 (replaces 116717, can also use 117157)
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231
E2
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 #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235M
Transformer #232
E2
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 116110
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #236M
Transformer #231
QE2
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 #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232
QE2
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors)116110
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231
E3
110-120 volt
116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions

(takes 3 motors)
119413

Remove screen on unit for taller motor.

For more power use 3 116336 motors. They are a bit louder too.
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232
E3
220-240 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 3 motors)
116110
Remove screen on unit for taller motor.
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231L
QE3
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 3 motors) 119413
(replaces 116757 and 116336)
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #232
QE3
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 3 motors) 116110
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231L
G23
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 116765
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235L
Transformer #232
G23
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117123
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #236L
Transformer #231L


J
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
116765
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235S
Transformer #232


J
220-240 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
117123
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #236S
Transformer #231
SR
110-120 volt

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
121003
Bag #720H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #230
SV
110-120 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117465
(replaces 116465)
(Bolt flange(s) removed with hacksaw).
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235L
Transformer #232

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors)115334
SV
220-240 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117157
(replaces 116717 and 115684, can also use 117157) (Bolt flange(s) removed with hacksaw).
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231L

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 115519
SVT
110-120 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117507
(replaces 116507, 116119, and 117478) (Bolt flange(s) removed with hacksaw).
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242


or Circuit Board #235L
Transformer #232

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 116119
SVT
220-240 volt
Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117743 (replaces 117743 and 116743) (Bolt flange(s) removed with hacksaw).
Bag #721H-5 or
Closed Bag Option
Relay #242
Transformer #231L

Buy Now / Details & Instructions
(takes 2 motors) 117502
Basic Maintenance for Modern Day Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Modern Day Vacuum Motor ReplacementMuch like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Modern Day 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 Modern Day 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 Modern Day motor, Modern Day vacuum motor unit, or Modern Day 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 Modern Day 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 Modern Day 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 Modern Day motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Modern Day Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Prior to 8/2004, Modern Day 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 Modern Day 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 Modern Day motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Modern Day motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Modern Day 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: Modern Day Vacuum is a registered trademark of M.D. Manufacturing, Inc.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Modern Day 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.