FASCO Central Vacuum Units

Since I have had three Fasco units traded in recently (more than I've probably traded in in the previous five years), I'm taking this opportunity to look at this brand which was positioned to compete with Broan and NuTone in the 1980s and early 1990s. Fasco still exists today as a manufacturer of small motors mostly for HVAC applications, but at one time they were known as a consumer home products brand. These three units (Model 852SVDM) are from 1985, 1989, and 1995, and all use a permanent cloth filter and two peripheral discharge 5.7" motors in air series with a unique mounting arrangement that allowed them to be at the same height (similar to Broan's CV40, but unlike other series motor units of the time from Filtex or NuTone). The motors in these units are still made by Ametek-Lamb, but the permanent cloth filters are obsolete and nothing made for other brands fits. One workaround for this is to install an elbow and a disposable NuTone style bag on the intake pipe, but this should only be considered if you do not use the utility inlet valve on the opposite side of the canister.

[@performancevacuum]

Thanks for sharing your industry knowledge with the world!

[@WJCTechyman]

Interesting concept. I never understood why homes would really need more than one three stage tangential bypass motor in a unit but to each their own I guess. Also, if you have a large home, one could have multiple units, one on each end of the house and you are able to save quite a bit on electricity, and the units ultimately (on paper) last twice as long as one large unit. I guess the disadvantage is when you need to empty it, you may as well empty both.
I also don't understand why some central vacuum manufacturers recommend turbo tools for their units as I think you would be better off with buying even a basic power nozzle and mini electric nozzle like the StairPro or a Wessel Werk HEB160. That way you can go with a smaller single motor design and ultimately, like Rexair says about its mini electric nozzle, get the power of two. You don't have loss of airflow with even a basic power nozzle and that's what is ultimately cleaning your carpet, that's why Kirby vacuums work so well on unsealed carpeting.
Commercial systems that require two motors makes sense to me, especially when you are actually lifting water like in hot water extraction cleaning of carpets.

[@sparks869]

Thanks Owen for the history of this vacuum. My mom has a 35 year old Fasco Mastervac II, Model 852SVDM and it still works. Surprisingly powerful with 160" of water lift and 96 CFM considering it's from the 1980s. Will be interesting to see if the trend of failures increases over the next 10 years.
Question: Would you do the Nutone Bag mod even if the filter isn't damaged?

[@gregbushman319]

As always a great job Owen!

[@markfaryniak4474]

Hi Owen in my neighborhood the homes on the lake have these most are still running as no one used them. The plumbing job in the house leaves alot to be desired as one home in the living room had 3 outlets for the entire first floor. Basement area was finished, had no outlets but have beautiful stone fireplace and some had a 3rd car garage also in the garage no outlet.

[@KirstenBoehmer]

I have the 852SVDM listed as “Patton” from Fayetteville, NC. It came with the house when I bought it years ago. I realized recently I know nothing about maintenance of the filter and found your video. A bit disheartening to learn that it’s not stil in production. Should I carefully remove and wash the filter or do any basic maintenance to try to ensure longevity of the vacuum? I really like having it and want to maximize its lifespan. I’m kind of afraid to break it now!

[@alecmets2011]

Can you do a video on some of the Cyclo Vacs that you sell?

[@natej4230]

An old lady in my neighborhood has the late '70's Brown and tan colored Fasco unit. Not sure if she uses it.

[@dallasadams760]

If you still did have this power unit could you use the new MD tru-seal bags that have the multiple connection points?

[@VacMaster2020]

No because of the garage port not having a location on the empty bag and you can’t seal it

[@WJCTechyman]

@@VacMaster2020 You could buy large stickers to close off the unused port. I thought MD machines were those clunky behemoths mounted close to a floor where flooding would kill the machine with the overkill bags that technically top loaded. Since these machines are bottom loaded, smaller diameter and probably not as deep as an MD, it probably doesn't work.

[@listenstoflowers7277]

Can I buy that old filter from you?

[@alexanderjamieson7971]

Does MD use dual motors on their new units?

[@VacMaster2020]

Yes

[@williamdowns2244]

What are the 2 wire hanging out of 852svdm

[@owenperkins]

Those are the low voltage wires where you connect the wiring to the wall inlets around the house. Touch them together and the machine should start.