Classic III getting a new kevlar fan

[gj3476]

So I’m in the process of getting the old metal fan out of my Classic III and the new kevlar fan is on its way today. And I’m having trouble getting one screw out so I can get the front plate removed. It’s stripped so any other way to get it off easy? Thanks!

 

[bnsd60m9200]

unless the metal fan is broken

i wouldn't replace it.

 

[gj3476]

bnsd60m9200, the metal fan is a bit rusty.

 

[gj3476]

And also a little loud.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Gj3476

Gabriel,

What you will need to have is a special fan locking tool (or ice pick) to guard the armature from damage while you attempt to remove the fan. The fan is screwed on in reverse, so to remove it you will have to do it in a clockwise motion. As you said it was rusty, I do understand it will be a bit difficult.

Good luck!

~Ben

 

[gj3476]

KirbyClassicIII, the pulley on the fan is rusty looking. Plus I did saw that kevlar is a lot stronger and long lasting than the metal and lexan.

 

[gj3476]

KirbyClassicIII, didn’t you have a problem with a striped screw from a Kirby vacuum before?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Gj3476

Gabriel,

I did, yes, but it was on my 1974 Classic Omega. And what happened was that I stripped the screw openings in one of the three spots on the motor shell housing when I removed that one screw. The exact location was the side of the motor by where the bag is.

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I can't see where the screw is located. If it's on front casing taking off all the other screws and prying up a little might get separation enough to use a sawsall oscillating blade or a dremmel grinding/cutting disk.
If it makes you feel any better my cr1 has a stripped out screw holding the field coil. I cut top of the screw off but bottom of the screw attached to carbon brush housing. It's rather difficult to cut going through small vent holes. The coil is toast but I have to be careful or the housing could get ruined. I used a small dremmel bit on my flex shaft tool. It's about 3/4through I need a bigger disk but disk won't fit through housing. I have an oscillating tool from harbor freight might work other wise I'm going to have to get a small file and do it by hand.
But if you can get the housing rotated and raised a hair you may be able to cut screw off. If that works use vice grips to pull out cut off screw. That way you just have to put a different screw in when you put it back together.
Led

 

[gj3476]

Lesinutah, here’s where the screw is.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Gj3476

Gabriel,

I too have had trouble removing those screws you mention that secure the fan case to the motor bell housing!

For badly stripped screw heads, drill a pilot hole, then use the appropriate size of EZ-Out bit to remove the remainder of the screw.

~Ben

 

[gj3476]

Great news! Got the metal fan out and installed the new kevlar fan plus my stepdad helped me get the screw out.

 

[kirbyklekter]

Gabriel,

I'm glad you got that screw out. I was going to suggest that you try using an impact wrench. About 8 out of 10 times it works for me. The wrench on one end looks like a drill head where you put in a bit and then you tap or hit the butt end with a hammer and the bit will usually turn about 1/16 or 1/32 in either direction, forcing the screw to break loose,which is usually all you need to get it started. I've had to drill a couple out also. A drop of liquid wrench helps too. Bill

 

[huskyvacs]

That metal fan is in perfect condition, not a single nick on the blades at all!

 

[gj3476]

Huskyvacs, would you like to have the metal fan?

 

[KirbyCollector01]

One of the best metal fans I’ve seen. Very good shape.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

That rust will clean right up. Blades are in excellent condition so please do not chunk it. Many collectors look for them for originality, myself included.

If it sounds noisy and the bearings are original, then the bearings may be worn and/or dry. Since you had it down that far, you were in a good position to replace at least the front bearing. I know this is late notice but I just saw this thread...
The metal fan does create some ringing harmonics due to vibration and the plastic fan will eliminate those.

Moving to Prosper? Welcome to the metroplex! I am in Plano, same city as a great Kirby service center!

 

[gj3476]

TexasKirbyGuy, the Classic III sounds kinda quiet and a little high pitch too. Plus the metal fan isn’t going to the trash hopefully someone around here wants it. And yes we’re hoping to move to Prosper.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

If nobody else wants it
I am interested in that metal fan