hi im alex im wondering how manny vacs you have in your collection im guessing the motor bearings have dryed out or the self propell units dryed out use a convertible motor might cure it

Hello Bobby:
 
Since the headlight works, its not electrical.  With the vacuum off and the handle in the upright position, gently tip the handle grip of the vacuum onto the rug so the brush nozzle head is off the rug and the bottom of the vacuum is exposed to view.  Undue the bottom sole plate.  Disconnect the belt from the fan.  Try spinning the fan.  It should spin freely and easily without grinding and binding.  If it does spin freely, spin it several times.  Now, leaving the vacuum in the same position on the rug, plug it in and turn it on.  See if it runs and how it sounds.  
 
If it still just lights and doesn't run, with the vacuum turned on, spin the fan several times.  See if the motor tries to run.  Be careful.  Don't hurt your fingers or hand.  As soon as it starts, move your hand and fingers and let it run.  If the motor (armature) is shot (bad), it will begin to smoke after it runs awhile.  Then shut it off.  
 
If it runs fine, let it run for awhile.  Then reconnect the belt, sole plate, and start to vacuum.  
 
Carmine D.

Quote from Vacuumfreeeke on 12/04/06 at 6:19pm:

 
Very nice vacuum cleaner collection.
 
No, I don't believe it's the motor, armature, commutator segments.  I think you need new carbon brushes and/or there is dust between the carbon brushes and the armature causing a bad contact.  This is the reason for the sporadic, non-running motor.  
 
This is a repair job you can do.  You'll need a torx screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the rug adjustment dial.  Once that screw and the 2 spring clips that hold the hood cover are removed (near the front large wheels and on the underside of the vacuum), you will have access to the motor housing.  You can remove the 2 carbons, blow out the carbon brush holders, and lightly sand the surface of the carbons where they contact the armature's commutator segments.  Don't sand too much off.  Just a hair.  And wipe clean with a paper towel/cloth. This cleans and resurfaces the carbon brushes.  A good carbon brush should be about 3/4 inch/more in length, not counting the pig tail spring.  (If not, you'll have to buy new carbons.)  Making sure the old carbon brush surfaces are free of dust, oil, dirt, grease, etc reinstall the carbons and try running again.  I think the vacuum will run fine.  
 
Carmine D.