Sears Kenmore Whispertone Vacuum Problem:

Which specific model in the WhisperTone line do you have? The manual may be available from Sears Parts Direct. Start here: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals .

The manual for the Kenmore 116.27512790 canister vacuum is available here: http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/pd_download/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0807641.pdf . This may be useful if the vacuum is similar to yours.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Yes, powerheads are quite expensive. That sounds about right.
You can check Ebay for better prices, but check the shipping rates before ordering.

if you took the hose out of the wand assembly then it may not turn on as the hose handle has a power button on it and must be connected to turn on the unit.Also check the powerhead for a reset button (small red / or black button on the back of the head){back of head not the bottom}

• The motor / cord compartment cover must be removed to access the cord reel. There are four screws that hold the cover to the chassis. Two of the screws are found under the cord-retractor-foot-pedal on the top back of the canister. To access these screws the pedal must be removed. To do this, press the pedal down and look (from the top) for the four plastic clips that attach/hold the pedal hinges to the cover. There are two at the end corners and two in the middle. Using a long, thin flat-head screw driver (or similar instrument) press each clip to unhook/popout the hinges. Note: the foot pedal spring will also come out when the pedal is removed.
  
  The other two screws are found under the curved hinges of the vaccum bag compartment cover. To access these, lift the cover as if accessing the vacuum bag. Keep pulling the cover back until the hinges release from the motor cover. Don't worry, it is disigned to do this and will not break but it may require a little force. A long phillip-head screw driver will be needed to access and remove each screw

All Kenmore parts are easily ordered at Searsparts.com

get a panasonic C6 bag, or sears 3055

if it's the one in the picture then pop off the light cover by gently pushing in and prying on both sides . Remove the bulb by pushing and twisting , OK?, now see the 2 screws? take them out. now flip over the powerhead and gently pry at both sides toward the rear wheels.
Ta Daa!

Use a flat blade, it just prys off, a new on will press on.

Some of these has a reset button to push on the powerhead. Check the plug at the end of the hose handle, is it pushed in, if you push on it and it goes further in, then the tube in the handle will have to be replaced, the holding tab broke off of the tube. Pull the wand off and look at the prongs to see if they are burnt. it they are, then that power cord will have to replace as well as the want.

check belt not broken - could have happened when you caught tassle in head