Kirby 2C Armature Problem


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Thread Number: 44359 / Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Kirby 2C Armature Problem

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Post# 461740 3/25/2023 at 19:49 (396 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes Hello again, I think the reason the entire time, why my Kirby 2C motor ran so slow was because of a shot armature. The armature got shot when I disassembled my 2C for cleaning and polishing, in the fact that the electrical clearance was damaged, the windings and or the wiring that goes to the commutator in the armature, broke in connection or got damaged. I took a look at it and sure enough the wiring to the commutator was damaged, some of it had broke in connection, which caused all the wiring to the commutator, to melt the lacquer insulating the wiring. That's why I smelled that burning electrical smell and the motor ran so slow, when I turned the motor on. From Liam

Post# 461742 , Reply# 1 3/25/2023 at 20:01 (396 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *kirby note* I think armatures are more likely to become damaged or shot if disturbed, compared to fields. If taken out of a vacuum motor, the electrical clearance and or the windings can get shot, damaged if disturbed. So that means I will need to replace the armature in my Kirby 2C. The question is does anyone out there have an armature for a Kirby 1C or 2C in good functional condition? I will need it to replace the one in my 2C and to make my vacuum run properly. From Liam

Post# 461748 , Reply# 2 3/25/2023 at 23:41 (395 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Vacuum* Shop. Take them to z vacuum shop they can tell you what's bad. If you don't have diagnosing equipment don't trust your assumptions. Take it to a vacuum shop and he could test bkth of them. .

Post# 461750 , Reply# 3 3/26/2023 at 07:02 (395 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* I have dealt with this situation before and I managed to fix it by replacing the armature for another antique vacuum. I did notice with a volt meter I got recently, that there's a lack of voltage going around in the motor of my 2C. That armature did look damaged with the wiring connections to the commutator. I don't know if it can be rewound or not? I will send pictures of the armature to here, it will show the condition of the original 2C armature and what's wrong with it. I'll do it as soon as I can. From Liam

Post# 461756 , Reply# 4 3/26/2023 at 14:58 (395 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *The armature got shot* With a bullet? You must live in a rough neighborhood

Post# 461767 , Reply# 5 3/26/2023 at 18:34 (395 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* What I meant was that the armature's windings got damaged when I disassembled my 2C motor for polishing or the electrical clearance got damaged. The problem is that the windings in the armature are bad, the armature itself is bad, as I mentioned earlier, which caused my motor to run so slow and the burning smell to occur. So it will need to be replaced. That must be what the problem is because I've dealt with this problem before, with another antique vacuum. From Liam

Post# 461768 , Reply# 6 3/26/2023 at 18:35 (395 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)
Checkrate/Likes *VacuumHeaven05* Liam, You will need to take it to a specialty motor shop and have them rewind the coils for you, if possible. Kirby had not produced armatures for machines this old since the 1950s. ~Ben

Post# 461769 , Reply# 7 3/26/2023 at 18:51 (395 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)
Checkrate/Likes Kirby discontinued the Sanitation System, 1C and 2C about 1960. The ONLY way to get an Armature or Field is to have it rewound, and Kirby states that in the earlier service manuals. 3C is compatible with the 500 series as per the service manual but not sure what year they discontinued those.

Post# 461771 , Reply# 8 3/26/2023 at 21:15 (395 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes 1 You are lucky to have two motor repair shops right there in Frederick. Might stop by and see if they can give the motor a look over and give an estimate if they can fix it. Roberts Electric Motors, Inc. 4507 Metropolitan Ct Frederick, MD 21704 M & M Electric Motor Repair 205 Bucheimer Rd Frederick, MD 21701 Both of them have nearly 5 star reviews and reviewers mention they fixed their power tools motors, so I can presume that they take single job small motor repair.

Post# 461776 , Reply# 9 3/27/2023 at 09:31 (394 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *question* How would one rewind an old Kirby vacuum armature exactly? I want to learn how and be able to rewind the armature of my Kirby 2C, I want to be successful at it. If someone knows how to rewind a small electric motor armature, that would be great, as they can give me information about how to do the job myself. I would love to know how to rewind my Kirby 2C armature exactly, as I would achieve much greatness and be very happy with myself. From Liam

Post# 461777 , Reply# 10 3/27/2023 at 10:31 (394 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH)
Checkrate/Likes 2 Liam, motor rewinding is something you cannot teach yourself. that requires years of specific training and highly precise skill and tools to do properly. you cannot do that at home. take it to a motor shop.

Post# 461779 , Reply# 11 3/27/2023 at 12:17 (394 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* Could I take it to My local vacuum store and my friend who works there? His name is Scott, by the way. Maybe he can help me rewind the armature of my Kirby 2C. He's been repairing and rebuilding vacuum cleaners for a very long time. I'll go to him and ask him if he can help. As a side note, I am doing research and watching tutorial videos on how to correctly rewind an armature for a small electric motor. I'll go to him and I'll learn how to rewind the 2C armature, Under His Supervision and Teachings. From Liam

Post# 461780 , Reply# 12 3/27/2023 at 13:08 (394 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes 2 I highly doubt a local vacuum store is able to rewind motors. Most just replace the motor in any vac if it is bad. Tutorial videos are NOT a be all-end all, as Will said you need years of practice, the right tools, and the correct wire gauge. Doing this as a first try on such a rare and old motor you cannot get spares for will not end well and you may end up damaging the armature itself beyond the coils.

Post# 461782 , Reply# 13 3/27/2023 at 13:57 (394 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* Does anyone know the wire gauge, the specific size of wire that is used on an old Kirby armature or any Kirby armature? Just curious. I talked to the people at those motor repair places, that huskyvacs mentioned, but they said that they only repair larger industrial motors and induction motors. They said they do not repair and rewind parts for small electric motors, ex. an old Kirby vacuum armature and or field. What should I do next and where should I go next to get my Kirby 2C armature and or field rewound? From Liam

Post# 461783 , Reply# 14 3/27/2023 at 14:03 (394 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes Honestly just look for a parts motor unit for one of these. This thing sounds like a money pit. Or you might be able to swap in the motor assembly from a 3 amp 500 series but do not quote me on that.

Post# 461790 , Reply# 15 3/27/2023 at 17:12 (394 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)
Checkrate/Likes 2 The Sanitation System, 1C and 2C have an entirely different motor then the later models. The 3C started a different motor that they carried thru the 500 series. If he had a 3C you could swap in a motor from a later series like a 505 - 519. Does anyone ever read any of the service manuals ???????

Post# 461795 , Reply# 16 3/27/2023 at 19:40 (394 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes *Just for you Liam,* I went online to see if I could find something that would give me an over view of what is involved in rewinding an electric motor. What I found should give you an idea of what is involved. The motor is not the same as yours but because it's larger, it's easier for you to see what he is doing. It's a job that took over two days for this instructor to do and is shown in 45 steps in full color. Some steps may not apply,like sandblasting the cement off the housing, lol. Starting with chapter 10 you will see what is involved with removing the burned coils, taking measurements of the wire, you need to burn the old wire insulation off to make accurate measurements and you need to make a winding diagram so I would take pictures before removing any coils and from the rotor etc. His diagrams are very good as you'll see. I don't have a link (still learning) so just google: autodesk instructables and when there type Rewinding and renovation of electric motors/Niko96. I hope this helps, it gave me good insight on the process. It took him 2 days just to do the rewinding and he's experienced! Good luck and best wishes. Billy

Post# 461796 , Reply# 17 3/27/2023 at 19:51 (394 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes *Coil* 1930 field coil off vacuette electric 1961 505-515 armature. The armature is too big to fit in a 2c. I've gotten a kirby with weights or pieces added to the coil. They don't have to be rewound but I have seen more than a few have been fixed. View Full Size

Post# 461804 , Reply# 18 3/28/2023 at 08:14 (393 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* I will take a picture or two of the 2C armature, the one that had bad windings and post it here as soon as I can. One Question, kirbyklekter mentioned that I should burn the old wire insulation and lacquer off of my 2C armature, before the rewinding process. Does that mean setting the armature of my Kirby 2C on Fire? With a controlled burn, A Controlled Fire? From Liam

Post# 461813 , Reply# 19 3/28/2023 at 09:56 (393 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes *Liam* No don't set the place afire! The instructor said he uses a small torch to remove the varnish before measuring the wire for replacement. You may or not need to do that. I mostly just wanted you to see how involved repairing an armature can be. I wouldn't even try this rebuild myself, I'm not experienced enough. If you go back to the instructable, scroll down to step 10. Very interesting the way they install the wire coils. If you can get the motor rewound for a reasonable price and can't find a donor from another vac. that's what I'd do. You might even get a warranty on the work done. If you go to the sight I mentioned, it will help you decide whether you want to try this or leave it to the pros.

Post# 461817 , Reply# 20 3/28/2023 at 10:35 (393 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Liam, I agree with some of the other posters here - don't attempt to do your Kirby 2C armature rewinding job yourself. This is something that takes A LOT of training and practice to do, and not easily done by a amateur. If Bikerray is correct with how rare these early Kirby armatures are to find, this is something you will seriously regret if you do it wrong and ruin your Kirby motor. What I would suggest you do is to contact The Kirby Company, and see if they even do this anymore themselves. Even if they don't, they may be able to point you in the right direction to a shop that does. If that doesn't work out, start contacting old-time vac shops that you know still carry parts for older machines - chances are, either they will know how to do it, or know of a company that does armature rewinding for small motors.

Post# 461834 , Reply# 21 3/28/2023 at 21:31 (392 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *How* In the heck do you know the windings are bad? Is this something you self diagnosed? Your far from an expert so diagnosing isn't something you can do.

Post# 461841 , Reply# 22 3/29/2023 at 05:47 (392 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Liam* This is a paraphrase of a saying that my dad told me and it applies here: "The more you learn about something the more you realize how little you knew." It looks like finding another armature that will fit and run will come from another 2C or 1C, which could take a while. If it was me, I would take kirbylux's advise and call Kirby factory and see what they say. Ask them what they would do if the original owner of a 2C sent their machine in for a refurbish, specifically with a cooked motor. Checking with older vacuum shops for an opinion and possible fix,replace or referral is good advice. I'd bring it in with the armature in my left hand and the rest of the motor in my right and politely ask him what he thinks. I'm saying that because some shops will charge you labor to take it apart to inspect, and maybe by seeing what you have he can say whether he can help you or not on the spot. Worth a try. What did you mean saying the electrical clearance was damaged?

Post# 461847 , Reply# 23 3/29/2023 at 08:31 (392 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *reply* I meant to say that the armature's windings may have gotten damaged, when I took apart my 2C motor for the first time. Quick Question, I researched a place, shop that rewinds electric motors, called Alexandria Armature Works, in Alexandria, VA. Do they repair and rewind small electric motors, like to old vacuum cleaners, Just Wondering? I may need to go there to get my 2C armature rewound. From Liam

Post# 461854 , Reply# 24 3/29/2023 at 12:04 (392 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *side note* Does anyone know if there is a place, a shop in the MD, VA, PA area that repairs and rewinds specifically small electric motors, like for old vacuum cleaners. I'm trying to do research and find ideas about where to go to get my Kirby 2C armature rewound. From Liam

Post# 461861 , Reply# 25 3/29/2023 at 14:37 (392 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Hang in there Liam* As more people from VL see this, odds get better you'll resolve this.If you find a place you can ship the armature to I'd insure it. Be sure to check the condition of your bearings and carbon brushes when you put it all back together. Call Kirby first for advise.

Post# 461874 , Reply# 26 3/30/2023 at 03:27 (391 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes I posted above there are 2 shops right where you live that do electric motor repair.

Post# 461888 , Reply# 27 3/30/2023 at 14:09 (391 days old) by a007kirbyman (--->> Originally My Mom <<--- (now Wisconsin))
Checkrate/Likes 2 "...I posted above there are 2 shops right where you live that do electric motor repair..." "...talked to the people at those motor repair places, that huskyvacs mentioned, but they said that they only repair larger industrial motors and induction motors. They said they do not repair and rewind parts for small electric motors..."

Post# 461892 , Reply# 28 3/30/2023 at 17:36 (391 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes 2 Well that's weird because the reviews say otherwise. Also their own website says they do for both shops. They likely just did not want the business and did not want to make money ( a lot of companies are like this now ). Photos... < > Photo 1 of 4 View Full Size

Post# 461894 , Reply# 29 3/30/2023 at 18:06 (391 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes *There's was just a Kirby Model C on eBay, listed this morning. It was listed at GASP* $750.00!! "Best Offer Accepted."** CLICK HERE TO GO TO electrolux137's LINK on eBay

Post# 461895 , Reply# 30 3/30/2023 at 18:11 (391 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes Yep that's what people are paying now. The more that get thrown away the little are left to buy. There was a collector here some years ago that had just the base unit for one (no handle or bag). It sold for $50 or maybe it was $80 - something like that. It was sold within a day.

Post# 461901 , Reply# 31 3/31/2023 at 01:14 (390 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes Hmmm.. $25 shipping... Sounds like a postage due bill in the making

Post# 461904 , Reply# 32 3/31/2023 at 08:15 (390 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *note* I think I'll go ahead and call a motor repair shop in Alexandria, VA. It's called Alexandria Armature Works. I did research and found out on their website that they repair and rewind all sizes of electric motors, maybe even small electric motors, so I think? Don't know for sure but I will give them a call today at some time later on and see if they repair, rewind armatures and fields for small electric motors, like for old vacuum cleaners. Note, My Kirby 2C runs on 110 volts AC or DC and I will tell them that. Here is a Link to their website: CLICK HERE TO GO TO VacuumHeaven05's LINK

Post# 461907 , Reply# 33 3/31/2023 at 08:47 (390 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *another side note* Does anyone think that another potential reason, or maybe the reason the entire time, as to why my Kirby 2C motor is running so slow is because of bad front and rear bearings? If so, then Which bearing could be causing the problem, the front bearing, the rear bearing or both? I'm Not sure? From Liam

Post# 461921 , Reply# 34 3/31/2023 at 17:13 (390 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes *LiAM* if the bearings are bad enough to slow the motor down, the motor will draw more amperage than usual trying to get up to speed. This will cause the motor to heat up and eventually get so hot things start burning up like the wiring. You can develop shorts when the insulation is damaged on the wiring like on your armature/field harness. I think you can open up the bearings on those older Kirby's and inspect their condition, they can be cleaned and repacked if in good shape. If you have removed the carbon brushes, they need to go back the same way they came out. They have a wear grain on the end that rides against the armature in the direction it rotates. With the Kirby UNPLUGGED and the brushes pulled back off the armature you can rotate the armature by hand and listen for scratchy grumbly noises from the bearings. If it spins freely and coasts to a stop your good. Check the tension on the carbon brushes, they need to make good even contact with the armature. Hope this helps some. Have it looked at first by a pro before trying to run it again.

Post# 461990 , Reply# 35 4/3/2023 at 08:51 (387 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* Hello again, Quick Question. Is there any Kirby vacuum service center in the MD, PA, VA or the Ohio area that has parts to pre war Kirby Vacuums? I'm not sure and would love to know. Also, Is there a vacuum store in these areas that I mentioned, that may have parts for pre-war Kirby Vacuums. I Am Desperate To Find a Kirby Model 2C Armature! From Liam

Post# 461991 , Reply# 36 4/3/2023 at 08:58 (387 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *another note* Another Question, I would also love to know If there is a place that rewinds armatures and fields for specifically vacuum cleaners? Does the Kirby Company rebuild and rewind Kirby armatures and fields? I Am Not Sure? If Someone says yes, I will call them. From Liam

Post# 462003 , Reply# 37 4/3/2023 at 12:30 (387 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Why don't you just call Kirby? "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Post# 462015 , Reply# 38 4/3/2023 at 19:46 (387 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Liam* Call kirby. If anybody would know it might be the people who made it.

Post# 462019 , Reply# 39 4/3/2023 at 21:53 (386 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Just do it!* Please call Kirby, they don't bite. Amen.

Post# 462208 , Reply# 40 4/11/2023 at 13:07 (379 days old) by myvacsrock (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *Not to revive this beast..* But I do have an extra commutator and rotator for a Model 4C if this will help... I'm not a Kirby Head who knows all the ins and out of all the early machines...so I don't know if they will work for you or not, but if they will, I will gladly sell them to you. Someone here with more knowledge may know! Kyle

Post# 462226 , Reply# 41 4/11/2023 at 20:49 (379 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes *The* 4hy is very similar to 505. The vacuette, sanitation system, 1c 2c have smaller motor housings and small emtors. I'd be interested in the armature if possible. I posted a vacuette electric armature with the coil like the one the 4c has.

Post# 462235 , Reply# 42 4/12/2023 at 07:45 (378 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* To Lesinutah, Did you actually use a 4C armature in a vacuette electric? If so Then will a 4C armature actually fit and work in my Kirby Model 2C? If not Does anyone out there have a 2C or 1C Armature and Field that they be willing to sell to me? The thing is I tried to fit a 510 armature in my 2C but the main body of the armature was too big. 510 armatures only fit and will work in the Kirby model 3C and 4C through the Kirby model 512. The reason, different motor housing and field for 3C through 512, though they still run at 3 amps of electricity. From Liam

Post# 462236 , Reply# 43 4/12/2023 at 07:58 (378 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* To Lesinutah, Do you have a 1C or 2C armature available for me? If so I will use it in my 2C. To Kyle, You say you have a 4C armature and field available for me. I would love for you to sell those parts to me for a fair price. Ebay will work for me. I plan on getting a 505 one day soon. Also, Do you Have factory original headlight hood trim and a bumper for a Kirby model 505 or 4C? That will work perfectly and look perfectly on my Kirby model 2C. I will take any early Kirby motor parts etc. because you never know when I will need to use them. Early prewar Kirby parts are becoming more and more rare to find and I would love to have them. Thanks From Liam

Post# 462243 , Reply# 44 4/12/2023 at 12:16 (378 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes *Liam* Read reply 17 to this thread. I'm finishing up my 505 with the armature pictured which fits 3c to 515 kirbys. The coil is from my vacuette electric which I am polishing up. The parts are for those vacuums. I was showing you that the 3c to 5165 armature and the vacuette thru 2c coil weren't compatible.

Post# 462245 , Reply# 45 4/12/2023 at 14:03 (378 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* Does anyone out there have a spare Kirby model 1C motor unit, which runs good. If so, I would like to buy it so I can use its parts to repair my Kirby 2C, which needs its armature replaced and possibly its field replaced. Any answers, please let me know some time soon. Thanks From Liam:)

Post# 462263 , Reply# 46 4/12/2023 at 19:23 (378 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Suggestion:* CALL KIRBY CALL KIRBY CALL KIRBY CALL KIRBY CALL KIRBY or CALL KIRBY CALL KIRBY....

Post# 462398 , Reply# 47 4/18/2023 at 17:42 (372 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* Does Jim The VacMadMan have a spare Kirby 2C armature? If he does, that would be great. I need one badly. From Liam

Post# 462399 , Reply# 48 4/18/2023 at 17:48 (372 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *note* I called a Kirby service center in Pasadena MD and two people there said they would need to look for me. They don't know if they have parts that old, but they will certainly look for me. One guy, goes by Jerimiah Johnson, you may have heard of him, he's now a new friend of mine, said he will need to look in an old barn of his, that filled to the brim with vintage and antique vacuum cleaners. Hope all goes well. From Liam

Post# 462620 , Reply# 49 4/25/2023 at 09:14 (365 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *question* Does anyone out there have a Kirby model 1C motor unit? I would really like to use an armature from a Kirby 1C motor unit for my Kirby Model 2C, so that I can get it repaired and running good again. That would solve this whole problem once and for all. Thanks From Liam:)

Post# 462631 , Reply# 50 4/25/2023 at 13:17 (365 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Theres a nearly all original 2c on ebay right now but priced pretty high

Post# 462669 , Reply# 51 4/28/2023 at 01:49 (362 days old) by Vaclover (Freestate, Virginia, South Africa)
Checkrate/Likes *Swopped field coil connections maybe?* I once had the same problem with a Model 508 that i opened up and cleaned. I swopped the connections of the brushes around and the motor was spinning the wrong way around. It also slowed down the motor.

Post# 462670 , Reply# 52 4/28/2023 at 07:49 (362 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* To Vaclover. Which way should the field wiring to the carbon brush holders go? Which Field wire goes to what carbon brush holder? I want to know. All I can say is that I had the carbon brush wiring connected like this, The top field coil wire goes to the left carbon brush holder and the bottom field coil wire goes to the right carbon brush holder. Even though I had the wiring connected like that, the Motor still ran very slow when I tested the vacuum. Maybe I should switch the connections to the carbon brush holders around, instead of having them connected like that. I'll go ahead and try it, see if that fixes the problem. From Liam

Post# 462678 , Reply# 53 4/28/2023 at 11:20 (362 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes But, you said the armature windings were damaged too?? If so then the field coil is no longer the main issue

Post# 462680 , Reply# 54 4/28/2023 at 14:03 (362 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *reply* I did take a look at the armature just now and the windings to the commutator seem to look ok, just a little blackened, I hope the armature is still in perfect working condition. I also did switch the carbon brush wiring connections around, I'll see if that fixes the problem. If someone can give me a clear answer as to why my Kirby 2C motor is running so slow, that would be great. Is it the wiring to the carbon brush holders or is it directly the armatures fault? Vaclover mentioned that he had a 508 where he connected the wiring to the carbon brush holders in the wrong way and when he tested the motor, when he reassembled it, it ran very slow. From Liam

Post# 462689 , Reply# 55 4/28/2023 at 15:07 (362 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I think the only way to get a clear answer would be to take it someone with the equipment to properly test the parts, or to contact the Kirby company. They will still rebuild that machine, I've even seen factory rebuilt 1Cs.

Post# 462694 , Reply# 56 4/28/2023 at 17:17 (362 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes *Hoover300* I agree, yes sending the vacuum off to Kirby to be rebuilt would certainly be a option. But, Liam would still have to gather all the correct trim & parts to make it look factory original afterwards. Plus, since Kirby has recently started discontinuing certain electrical parts for the Classic/Heritage series Kirby's, the question remains how long will the rebuild department still be able to work on & rebuild these older Kirby's? I am actually surprised that Right Lane Industries hasn't scrapped it. It's definitelyonly a matter of time though :(

Post# 462695 , Reply# 57 4/28/2023 at 17:29 (362 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Correct. My thought was, like a few members have done before, he could take the original trim off before sending it in and reattach afterward. It'd be worth a shot just to call and see if they will accept such an old machine into the rebuild program nowadays.

Post# 462700 , Reply# 58 4/28/2023 at 21:00 (362 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Or You could test the armature with a growler. That should provide entertainment for a while.

Post# 462703 , Reply# 59 4/29/2023 at 00:30 (361 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes bikerray, if you know how to fix it, please let us know, otherwise don't comment.

Post# 463052 , Reply# 60 5/9/2023 at 12:02 (351 days old) by VacuumHeaven05 (Frederick, MD)
Checkrate/Likes *side note* Quick Question, Does anyone out there have a spare Kirby model 1C motor unit that they be willing to sell to me? I desperately need a Kirby 1C motor unit so that I can use its armature to repair my Kirby model 2C, which needs its armature replaced. Hope someone can help me please:) From Liam

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