I have an old Shop Vac model 3331.5. This is a 12 gallon 1.5 hight peak shop vac with a detachable blower. After many years I decided to use the blower feature, but have lost the lost the manual. Question; how do I attach the hoses to the blower? The motor has that cap on it the direct the flow of air in one direction and the wide hoses do not fit over it. I may be missing a part, but I would think the directional cap would have to come off anyway.

hardware stores or anyplace that sells shop-vacs

Have a look at this page and if it matches your product, you can click "user manual" on the right hand side to download a PDF version of the manual.
Shop Vac 1 5 Gallon 2 0 Peak HP All Around EZ Wet Dry Vac

From what I have heard, the switch on these units can sometimes be defective. Also, looking closely at the the AC cord may help determine if there is damage to it that should be repaired.

The filter will be blocked solid
the lack of airflow may of overheated the motor

I cannot find a 1-800 # but here is some of the contact info from their website. Hope this helps.

https://www.shopvac.com/contact.asp

United States Customer Service
Phone: (570) 326-0502
Fax: (570) 326-7185
Web: Send Email
Regular Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

Hello,

I was unable to find the model WD16500 instruction manual anywhere online. In fact I did even find a link to that products owners manual, but when I clicked through the page no longer exists on Ridgid's site. I was able to find the parts diagram for the WD16500, and the instruction manual for the WD16600 which is also a 16 Gallon Detach Wet/Dry Vac, also with a detachable blower, and the model that even replaced the WD16500.

I also left you the number to Ridgid if you'd like to contact them, they may be able to mail you a paper copy of the instruction booklet.

I hope this helps you:

Instruction Manual:
http://www.ridgidparts.com/pdf/WD16600.pdf

Parts Diagram:
http://www.ridgidparts.com/cgi-bin/etcTable?showTable=1&table=WD16500-Figure1&image=Vac

Phone Number for the Ridgid Company:
1-800-4-RIDGID

If this was helpful, please be so kind to rate my answer as helpful, this is what keeps me coming back to Fixya to help people with their vacuum related questions. Thanks alot, I really do appreciate it.

Chris J.
GoVacuum

Hi, I know on my Craftsman shop vac 2 different sizes of vacs that I use, I try and stick to the craftsman filters, but you can use other brands if they are not available or you want to save some ( $ ) ? As far as a manual for this vac, more then likely you will have to go to the maker and distributor as Sears, O.C.Hardware also sell there products. You may have to go with a manual that is the same peak H.P.and gallons that covers all different makes and models. Filter wise, make sure you have the right ones on or off when using the wet or dry pick-up settings.
Sincerely,
Shastalaker7

true value hardware stores have books to order these parts , piar of brushes are between $3 -$7 ,also most vaccume sweeper shop

Some models have a fuse that blows but it is not replacable.

IT SOUND LIKE THE MOTOR WENT BAD OR IN SIDE THE PANLE A WIRE CAME LOSE