505 belt cap

[lesinutah]

Hey
I was trying to put on 512 nozzle that has belt lifter of 513 to 515 on my 505 belt cap model. I was trying to get belt on it seems like the shaft the fan was maybe 1/16 of an inch from belt lifter assembly. It seemed like not enough clearance for the belt.
My 505 has belt cap I was wondering if shaft from fan stuck out further than 1947 1948 505 models with first issue of belt lifter

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Are you suggesting your fan shaft might be too long?
I think I remembering you having a new plastic fan on yours...
If so, then the wrong fan kit was put on when the plastic fan was installed. The self propelled ones have a shaft about 1/4" longer than the older models.
See my Tradition resto thread for more details - I had that issue. My Kirby shop guy gave me a proper shorter shaft and it worked great.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

It's the original 6 blade metal fan. I have not opened body up I'll have to check my 508 and 510 have 10 blade metal fan not the 6 blade. The only 6 blade I've seen is on my 505.

 

[lesinutah]

I just checked the fan and it's 1/4 inch longer than 508. That means either bearings are loose on bottom of Armiture or bearings on fan plate. It might also have a spacer on it that needs to come off.
I'll look at your tradition thread. Thanks for the input.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Since you have the original 6 blader then my theory is out. For some reason I thought yours had been replaced but it must have been someone else's.

Now I do remember hearing that some of those very old fans are different and hopefully someone more knowledgeable will step in and confirm or not, and if so, how.

Worn bearings would not cause the shaft to stick out more. Only severe abuse or negligent assembly could cause something like that.

 

[lesinutah]

Texas kirby guy

Mine has a belt cap so I'm wondering maybe shafts from 3c which were also belt caps had longer shafts since no belt lifter which could be 1/4 inch clearance. So if I use 508 head on 505 have to take off belt lifter.

 

[pr-21]

When I sent my Kirby 505 into Kirby for a rebuild several years back, it can back in the tan color,


which they told me it would and it also came back with a belt lifter instead of the cap. So I am


assuming they probably changed the shaft as well.


 


 


PR-21


Bud

 

[lesinutah]

Pr-21

Thanks for the info. I want to keep original so if bearings are good and everything is seated right I'll leave it on. I just may have to get an extra nozzle with no lifter when starting her up.
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Bud, most likely they replaced your original metal fan with a new plastic fan, and if so it means the shaft was changed, too.

 

[lesinutah]

Texas kirby guy

But why would 6 blade metal fan be in it. The guy parents died who sold it to me. He said vacuum had been sitting at least 30 years until the cabin was went through. I'm not saying no but 30 years ago no plastic fan. The original 6 blade in the vacuum. Idk haven't been well enough to do much but it's a Riddle that will be solved hopefully soon. Thanks for all imput and not trying to be defensive. I will find out and let everyone know. Thanks again
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Les, my comment above was for Bud (PR-21), who had his 505 rebuilt by Kirby. They are known to change fans as part of the rebuild process.

 

[lesinutah]

Texas kirby guy

Apologies your very kind person. But I read your tradition and either heritage or omega and you sir are very good and detailed. I am almost done with 508 and your 505 thread Is amazing. So sorry I apologize and thanks for your restore threads there better than looking at kirby diagram. Such detail that even manuals don't cover.
Question when you use volt meter where do you hook up black and red testers to get amp readings and rpms. Thanks again.
Les 9

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Les, no problem, thank you, and glad I can help. DO be thankful you still have the original 6 blade fan, as those are becoming quite rare.
To measure current I use one of those plug-in 'kill-a-watt' meters. It is accurate enough for my intentions.
For RPM measurement I use a non-contact optical tachometer. It is very accurate when you hold it steady.

 

[lesinutah]

Texas kirby guy

Thanks
I have voltmeter and a kilowatt meter. I haven't seen optical tachometer before. I'll get one of those.
Where do you get rpm ratings for motors.
Thanks again.
Les

 

[pr-21]

Rob,


 


Yes they did change the fan and spindle as well when I had my 505 rebuilt by Kirby.


 


 


PR-21


Bud