Well if air is coming out from the normal exhaust exit then there is suction - it's just that air is getting in at the wrong place - not through the hose or cleaning head.
If no air is escaping - the motor will be running faster than normal - more high pitched - then no air is getting in due to a blockage - a sock in the pipe - that sort of thing.
My guess is that because you've been messing around inside and have opened it all up then it has not closed properly - a gap in the case is letting the air in somewhere.
Retrace your steps until you reach closure...
Good luck...
Peccavi
August 2013
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