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VIDEO: How to Replace a Vanguard/Voyager/Van-I-Vac Motor and Brushes

The Vanguard Series dust collectors were designed for the dental industry to collect material created from model trimming, grinding, and polishing such as porcelain dust, gypsum dust, abrasives, and mental filings. These units are extremely low maintenance, remain quiet at 55 decibels, have powerful suction, and filter particles as small as 1 micron. A secondary HEPA filter is available to remove odors and charcoal as well.

The Voyager and Van-I-Vac dust collectors are similar to the Vanguard Series dust collectors but they are used for collecting materials from deburing, trimming, deflashing, and metal refining. Most of the time these dust collectors are paired with an Accumulator to pre-filter dust and extend the life of the unit.


Diagnosing a Bad Motor

Typically, there are two signs that distinguish between bad brushes or a bad motor.

1. If the motor stops working and you have not replaced the brushes yet then more than likely you need to replace the brushes.

2. If you have replaced the brushes three times then generally the motor needs to be replaced.

It’s as simple as that, but of course there are other rare situations that could cause the motor to stop working. If you want us to diagnosed your motor then please call us at:

(800) VAN-IMAN

 


Vanguard/Voyager/Van-I-Vac – Motor and Brush Installation

Things you will need:

WITH a drill

  • Phillips head screw bit
  • 5/16″ nut driver

 WITHOUT a drill

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Large Flathead screwdriver

Instructions:

1. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

2. Turn the vacuum unit on its face so that it rests on the cover plate knobs and using a #2 Phillips screwdriver or a Phillips screw bit and drill, remove the (12) screws from the back cover plate.

3. Stand the unit up and loosen the band clamp around the motor with a large Flathead screw driver or a 5/16″ nut driver and drill.

4. Remove the motor by sliding the band clamp all the way off, lifting the motor and pulling it toward you. Place the motor on the table and replace the foam rubber gasket under the motor with the new one provided. This gasket is located where the motor resides.

 

For brush replacement instructions click on the appropriate unit and watch the video or follow the instructions.

Generally, if you have a Vanguard series dust collector you will have a Blue Dot Motor with Blue Dot Brushes and will need to watch this video or follow these directions.

  1. Remove the plastic fan housing cover from the top of the motor which is held on by plastic hooks over the motor brush cases. While applying an upward force on one side of the fan housing, use a screwdriver to unhook the two plastic hooks over the motor brush case. Repeat on the other side of the fan housing.
  2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screws from the brass metal strap that holds the brush. It is not necessary to remove the strap. Raise the brush housing slightly until it will slide out from under the strap.
  3. Replace with a new brush noting that the tab on the case goes down. Slide the brush case back and forth until the tab “locks” into place. Tighten the Phillips screws that retain the metal strap. Repeat this process for the other brush.
  4. Replace the fan housing by pushing down firmly so that it “locks” onto the motor.

 

If you have a Voyager or a Van-I-Vac you will need to check to look for a blue dot sticker on your unit to determine if you have a Blue Dot Motor or not. If you do not have a Blue Dot Motor then watch this video or follow these directions.

  1. Remove the plastic fan housing from the top of the motor which is held on by both metal and plastic hooks over the motor brush cases. Using a screwdriver, bend the metal hook back one side of the motor so that the plastic fan housing has clearance to be removed. While using upward pressure on one side of the fan housing, use a screwdriver to unhook the two plastic hooks over the motor brush case. Repeat on the other side of the fan housing. Turn the armature and check for roughness and motor bearings for looseness before proceeding. If either is bad then the motor must be replaced.
  2. Locate the plastic brush cases on top of the motor. Complete the replacement procedure one brush at a time so that the other brush may serve as an example. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws from the metal strap that holds the brush. Remove the metal strap and raise the plastic case slightly so that you can work on it. Be careful not to break the wire where it connects to the wire contact. 
  3. The wire contact must be carefully slid out from between the plastic case and brass case (see the diagrams on page). First, try sliding the contact out by gently prying, with a flat blade screwdriver, between the wire and plastic case (see TOP VIEW). Do not force. If the contact does not readily slide out, the “barb” on the wire contact may be caught in the plastic case. Second, slide a small screwdriver (1/8” wide blade) between the plastic case and the wire contact as shown. Pry up, working the contact out. This action lifts the plastic case to help disengage the barb.
  4. Replace with a new brush noting that the tab on the case goes down. Slide the wire contact into the brush case between the brass case and plastic case. Gently push the carbon brush back into the case against the spring pressure. Set the brush case onto the motor directing the tab into the groove in the mounting base. Then slide the brush case back and forth until the tab “locks” into place. Replace the metal strap and fasten in place with the Phillips screws.
  5. Carefully, put the plastic fan housing back onto the motor without disrupting the wires. The plastic hooks should lock into place, then bend both of the metal hooks back to their original location.

5. Disconnect the three wire nuts and set aside the old motor. Connect the new motor by matching the wires together, green to green and white to white.

6. Put the new motor back into the vacuum by moving the motor clamp out of the way and placing it between the three motor clamps. Make sure all the clamps are facing the center and lift the band clamp up to the black part of the motor. Tighten the band clamp and make sure all the motor clamps latch onto the motor properly. Tuck the wires above the motor.

7. Lay the motor on its front and screw all 12 screws back into the unit.

 


Additional Filtration

The most common additional filtration added to the Voyager, Van-I-Vac, or Vanguard series is the Accumulator. These cyclone pre-filters remove up to 95% of the dust before being filtered by the dust collector. This is a great choice to extend the life of your units and reduce the amount you will pay in filter bags. The Accumulator is a must buy for heavy dust collection.

Air, dust particles, and debris enter the swirling vortex inside the Accumulator causing the heavy particles to collect in the bowl. The bowl is easily detached and emptied. The cleaned air then flows up through the Accumulator with 95% of the dust and debris removed and travels to the dust collector for primary filtration.

 

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