Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Star Central Vacuum
All Products for Star
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 Star Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
STAR and BRUTE Replacement Motor Filtration
Power Performer 99026
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117507 (replaces 116507)		 Power Performer
CompatibleBag #720H-5
Power Star II and III
99175
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117465 (replaces 116465)		 PowerStar II and III has a cloth bag.
Power Twin
99226
110-120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116336		 PowerTwin
Compatible Bag #720H-5
Power Mini
99116
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
116472
 Paper Bag
Replacement
#723EB (also see #723HP below)
Hi-Performance
99025
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117507 (replaces 116507)		 HiPerformance
Compatible Bag #720H-5
Compact
99115
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
116764
 Paper Bag
Replacement
#723EB (also see #723HP below)
Cyclonic
99150
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117507 (replaces 116507)		 Cloth Filter.
Twin Motor
99225
110-120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
116336		 TwinMotor
Compatible Bag #722
Optima Power Star
(all bag models such as 975)		 Not available from MD Vac Paper Bag
Replacement #723HP
(Replaces bag 4467 Envornmental Care Technology)
Genesis Power Star
99190
110-120 volt		 Not available from MD Vac  
Optima Power Star
99193
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
117123
 Cloth Filter.
Optima Power Star
99191
110-120 volt		 Not available from MD Vac Cloth Filter.
Utopia Power Star
99194
220-240 volt		 Not available from MD Vac Cloth Filter.
Brute Power Systems XB12119 Price / Details /
Instructions
116119
 Brute X812119
Compatible Bag #722
Brute Power Systems XD12334 Not available from MD Vac Call for information
Basic Maintenance for Star Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Star Central Vacuum System is changing the bag. Also beat out the support filter and secondary filter. On some units empty 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 further clean the filter, wash it and thoroughly air dry it before installing.

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

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Separate transformers, relays, and minibreakers are not available here for Star. However, when a circuit board is installed, the most common board replacement for Star 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 Star motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Star motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Star 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: Star Vacuum is a registered trademark of Star, not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from Star Vacuum but are designed to complement a Star Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not Star Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by Star Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Star 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.