Loss of Suction

[greenMonster]

So my CT mini doesn't seem to be doing as a good job as it used to collecting dust.
New filter, new bag. Everything looks sparkling clean in the box so I'm assuming nothing is  wrong with the motor.

My guess is that I have a lot of gunk that has harden along the inside of the hose. (plus a few pinholes? plus the end connectors seem leaky)
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this short of buying another hose? Or ideas on how to clean the inside of a gunk filled hose? And how to tighten up the seal along the end connector?
Thanks  [thumbs up]

 

[semenza]

If you have access to another vac hose ( as opposed to buying one) you could use that to test the CT. Pretty much any shop vac hose will fit.

Seth

 

[gkaiseril]

How old is the Mini?

Have you tried a new bag?

Check the filter and see if it is clean.

Check the suction control setting.

 

[Gary in Texas]

First, you should be able to verify the suction and motor simply by running the vac without the hose, and put your hand across the intake.  If powerful and sucking, then the hose is suspect.

Try to dislodge the blockage by reversing the suction other direction of your hose.  Just wrap your fist around the smaller connector,  place your fist/hose over the suction port of the vac, and see if the reverse suction thru the hose dislodges the obstruction.  Or if you have an air compressor you can try to force air thru the hose in the reverse direction.  Just don't have any persons or body parts in a direct line of the other end of the hose.

 

[greenMonster]

Good point, forgot normal hoses fit.
As far as just sticking my hand over opening, seems strong I guess? *shrug

Any ideas on how to remove hardened gunk? I'm pretty sure there aren't full in blockages, more like arterial plaque  [blink]

If you have access to another vac hose ( as opposed to buying one) you could use that to test the CT. Pretty much any shop vac hose will fit.

Seth

 

[tbellemare]

If you have a leaking hose connection, take it apart and tighten the threaded collar real tight. It has left-hand thread onto the hose rib.

One way I dislodge plugs in hoses is to swing them over my head in a circle holding the CT end. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It usually depends on what's plugging them.

Another way to unplug and clean a hose at the same time is to jam a garden hose down it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The Festool hoses tend to be so long that the old broomstick trick usually doesn't work.

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

You've said a couple of times that you have "gunk" in the hose. Can you define "gunk" and maybe we can offer some ideas to help you out. I would assume it's not wood dust. Is it latex paint or something?