how do i remove the motor cover on my kenmore 116 vacuum?

The guys that put this thing together were evil. There are 4, #2 headed Phillips screws. Two are located under the cord retract plate, which if you pull up firmly will snap up and off. Be prepared to catch the spring as it flies out. To get to the other 2, raise the dust bag top all the way and slip a narrow case knife under the curved slide hinges and pry upwards gently. You may have to do this on both sides. The top will now swing all the way off. The other two screws are under the arms. Took me and a photo optic lighted tube about an hour to get the top off. It can be done in less than ten minutes with this info. Good luck.

Larry McNeill, fixit@texoma.net
March 2007