Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Sequoia Central Vacuum
All Products for Sequoia
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 Sequoia Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Model # Replacement Motor Filtration

Sequoia
SV-350
120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
119413
(Made by MD)		 Bag #720-5
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Sequoia
SV-400
120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
115330 (NOTE: Motor is sealed on. Send unit to Sequioa for motor replacement.)		 Not Available Here

Sequoia
SV-500
120 volt		 Not available from MD Vac

Sequoia
SV-700
120 volt

Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
115330

or (please measure and compare with motor)

sequoia vacuum motorPrice / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)

Basic Maintenance for Sequoia Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Sequoia 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.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the Sequoia motor, Sequoia vacuum motor unit, or Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Sequoia Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Separate transformers, relays, and minibreakers are not available here for Sequoia. However, when a circuit board is installed, the most common board replacement for Sequoia vacuums is the Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. The board is strong, yet generic and may need to be retrofitted. There are other Generic Circuit Boards here for units with different voltage and two motors. These robust generic boards are made by the leading industry supplier. An electrician will be able to replace the circuit board, or replace the relay, transformer, and minibreakers with a circuit board quite easily. Print and use the large photograph of the board as the wiring guide.

Motor Carbon Brush
The Sequoia motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Sequoia motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Sequoia 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: Sequoia Vacuum is a registered trademark of Sequoia, not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from Sequoia Vacuum but are designed to complement a Sequoia Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not Sequoia Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by Sequoia Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Sequoia 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.