We inherited the shopvac 16 gallon. I bought the required filter (foam) but the dust blows back from the blow hole. Am I missing a part?

Check the ball is free in the centre of the head. Check the seal on the canister. Although yours is Craftsman, they all work the same.

https://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/power-tools/power-tool-discussion-forum/40103-shop-vac-will-blow-but-won-t-suck

https://www.google.com/search?q=16+gallon+Craftsman+shopvac+has+suddenly+stopped+vaccuuming+and+started+blowing

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Check the leak (where the dust come from); maybe you need to tighten or reseat one or more part in that area.

click this link for video help
http://www.ehow.co.uk/videos-on_4811_care-portable-shop-vac.html

http://www.shopvac.com/shopvac-accessories/Products/420-63-96.aspx
1" Dual Wheel Caster (Set of 4 6774200 casters with retainers) Catalog No. 420-63-96

Four (4) casters. Set of 4 Replacement Caster Wheels with retainers. This item is the replacement for the plastic, non-hooded casters shown. These casters you will receive are an upgraded dual hooded caster that are a perfect replacement but offer superior performance.

Four (4) casters. Discontinued. Order this item and we will send you an upgraded, superior dual hooded set of casters. A = 1-12/16" B = 1/4" C = 1-9/16" D = 3-7/16"


You can also look at your local Lowe's who sometimes carry a generic wheel.

If you need paper filters, you can easily use a bag filter cut in half, and have less dust clouds than the original filter. Remember to use the lock ring. Generic ShopVac mini's have the same filter in foam.

the filter tube is clogged , I know it takes time but use either damp rag over filter holes or try blowing into holes I find gently tapping and blowing help also swifter dusting cloth helps unclog it

Yes you should remove the filter for liquids. If the filter is not removed the internal float stop will not operate correctly. This will lead to the liquid being drawn up into the impeller and around the motor.
However I still like to have something in place because in most instances the liquid you vacuum up will not be without some solids. So I like to use a foam insert. Places like Home Depot carries a universal insert that works great.
Hope that helps.

yes, the foam filter is what you should use, also make sure you remove any bag, or paper filter, the water would make it fall apart.

You need to check the filter and make sure it's on all the way. To do this take the top off the vac, make sure the filter is all the way up and in place. There should be a plastic nut to hold it in place. If you are using it for fine dust particles such as drywall dust, you need a special filter for small particles. The filter that comes with the vac just won't do it!

http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=0&thid=765231
Generic problem for all Vacuums
I have a 6 gallon
Posted by tsfroggy on Jul 10, 2008
I have a 6 gallon shop wet or dry vac. The dust and dirt comes out around the base of the motor fin, not around the tank top. Now what? Oh I lost the filter around the drum that holds the ball, so I wrapped a rag around it and made it secure. Respectively: TOM

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. The bag is not going to do the job as well as the filter around the drum that hold the ball. The filter that goes under the motor does a lot of the filtering or you would have to do some type of cage filter then a foam filter and then a paper bag, I f you have a cartridge filter then the paper bag can go over the cartridge filter , B4 you do anything – id you have some type of compressor – use it to blow out the dust and dirt out of the motor, then buy a cartridge filter and then a paper bad with a rubber band to hold it on. This will do the best filtering . Check with your local vacuum cleaner dealer and bring in the top of your shop vac so that they can fix a proper cartridge / paper bag filter – or the cage frame with a foam filter with a paper bag. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
http://shopvac.com/contact.asp
Customer Service 570-326-0502 Phone #
Customer Service 570-326-7185 Fax #
Shop-Vac Corporation
2323 Reach Road
P.O. Box 3307
Williamsport, PA 17701
Hours are: Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
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