Thread Number: 17357
Trash find G3 - questions about fixing it up
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 186925   6/23/2012 at 17:19 (4,295 days old) by friendlynerd ()        

Hi everyone - I'm kind of a lurker and this is my first time posting. I'm not exactly a collector but I love vacuums and have for as long as I can remember. I do have a Hoover 115 and a much older one (though I forget the model) - but it's old enough to have the straight wooden handle and no beaters on the brushroll.

I was lucky enough to get a trash-find Kirby G3 in pretty decent condition, but it does need some help. I'm fixing it up for a friend who has plush carpet in her apartment and just got a dog, so I thought a Kirby would be just the thing!

By my estimation it needed a new brushroll and belt (easy, already done.) It needs a new fan because the current one has multiple cracks with a bunch of pet hair caught in them. That's on order and I've watched the videos on how to fix it, so that doesn't seem too hard.

The tech drive definitely works, and I'm no Kirby expert but it doesn't sound bad to me (though it's hard to hear over the vibrating cracked fan.)

The main problem is the seatbelt-type thingie where the handle connects to the base. The spring is broken so the handle just drops. I can live with that, but it's all very loose. The handle sways a bit side to side and front to back. When it's in the upright position it looks to me like it tilts too far toward the front of the machine.

I've seen the whole replacement unit for sale for around $40, but I don't want to go throwing parts at it if it won't fix the problem. Do you all think the buckle assembly will solve this problem, or is there some cheaper fix like a missing gasket or washer perhaps?

Also, I've noticed when I put the attachments on and it ramps up to high speed, there is a bit of a burning smell. I don't think it's the motor carbons because I took the top case off and I can see that they are in good shape. Also, I don't see sparking when it's running. I hope it's just something rubbing in the fan case since I know the fan is in bad shape. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!


Post# 186927 , Reply# 1   6/23/2012 at 18:26 (4,295 days old) by ncovert (Grove City, PA)        

I think replacing the handle assembly would help, but I don't know. The spring on the handle seems to be the first thing to break.

Post# 186948 , Reply# 2   6/23/2012 at 23:05 (4,295 days old) by codyf ()        

If I am not mistaken, Kirby's do run faster when the hose is attached! Dont know about the burning smell though.


Post# 186963 , Reply# 3   6/24/2012 at 04:23 (4,295 days old) by Wolffie ()        

Hmm, the Kirby G3 I had ofted had a burning smell after picking up large debris or the belt breaking (The g3 goes through a lot of belts), but other than that I have no idea. Perhaps it might be wise to take it to a professional if your knowledge is limited.

Post# 186987 , Reply# 4   6/24/2012 at 11:14 (4,294 days old) by kc_kirby (Kansas City, MO)        

Welcome to the forum! Yes, the Kirby is a two speed machine. It runs in low speed when used as an upright and high speed when used as a canister. I am not sure what the burning smell is, I would have to see it in person. I don't know of any common problem like you describe. And a new handle spring would fix your handle issue. Hope this helps.

Chad



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy