A Tip on Using Kirby 301291 Belts w/Older Machines

[kirbyclassiciii]

For those of you who have to replace an old belt with a new one regarding any Kirby from 1979 on back (this is especially true for those of you who own a machine older than the 516), have you ever tried to soak the knurled belt (301291) into warm water to make it more pliable for these older machines?

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

It

Doesn't help much. It'll spin your bearings.

 

[hoover706]

What about people that have a Kirby C?

My kirby model C needs new bearings and a new brushroll, but when I get it working, what type of belt should I use in it?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Hoover706

Christian,

I would imagine doing the same thing, and good luck to you.

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Use

The belts for older machines.
If you have a pre dds 80 belt broke in I'd use something like that.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Warm water will soften it until it cooled, then it would probably go back to the way it was.

If you replace the brush roll with the one with ball bearings, the thicker belts can be used, EXCEPT for units with plastic belt lifters - the thicker belt can cause you to break the belt lifter.

I prefer just buying the older softer belts for machines with sleeve bearings in the brush rolls and/or with plastic belt lifters .

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

texaskirbyguy

Rob,

Yes, although if I do a break-in of it by running the cleaner for a few minutes, it might fit better?

Also, would you happen to have any 159056 belts (which was intended for these older machines) in your current stocks?

~Ben

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Ben,
Sorry for the delay.
I checked my stock and only have a couple softies left as I only bought a 6 pack 5+ years ago from Kent Oyler's place.
I should have got the 25 pack!
Are they getting hard to find now? I have not looked lately.

Once a new thick belt gets worn and starts slipping on a new machine, save it for an older machine with metal belt lifter and sleeve bush bearings.
When that starts slipping, save for a unit with plastic lifter!
I do this and it gets my $$ worth...

I have not bought belts for years (but do not vacuum much due to joint pain and a cleaner than average home).

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

texaskirbyguy

Hi Rob,

Yes.

I got a message yesterday from EZ Vacuum saying Kirby did indeed discontinue the old 159056 belt. So I will have to do the warm water tip now.

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Ben

Do you have any royal belts?
I know kirby, eureka power nozzles, royal upright, rainbow power nozzle pre e2 black, and filter queen all take if not the same there close.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

LesinUtah

Les,

I may have some... but good luck finding any new ones.

~Ben