Gave my Heritage a workout.

[human]

I can't believe it took me so long to do this but I finally actually vacuumed some carpets with my new Kirby Heritage 1HD that I acquired in late February and finally completed refurbishing a couple of weeks ago. My initial impression of it is it's just as much of a dirt sucking beast as any of my other Kirbys, although it's a workout without the G series machines' TechDrive. It also reminded me why I prefer using an Electrolux canister with a PN2 or PN4 attached in my bedroom. Its lower profile is just better suited for those close quarters. That aside, I was quite pleased with its performance. My only gripe is the headlight only works intermittently, usually just a second or two when I first turn it on. I don't feel like tearing it down today but I will do that at some point and try to trace down the loose connection.

I don't know how much use it will actually get but I'm generally pleased. It's a keeper.

 

[kirbyklekter]

I'm so glad

that you like the Kirby enough to keep it. I tend to grab a Kenmore canister with PowerMate more than others on the day to day, so I can relate. I hope your light flickering is as simple as a loose lamp (bulb) socket or possibly a worn filament inside the lamp. An easy fix that can be done at your leisure for sure. Stay well.

 

[human]

Yeah, I'm happy to have that Heritage. I tend to get kind of attached to machines I put that much effort into. I'm not sure what's going on with the headlight. I'll check the socket for sure. When I had it apart, I also noticed a crack at the rear of the foot switch, right where the white wire from the light fixture attaches. I think the crack was caused by an improperly secured screw.

I'm sure it would do great in my living room, which desperately needs vacuuming. It's too cluttered since it's also been the hub of operations for my eBay selling for the past couple of years. It would take me several days to clear up the clutter enough to get the floor open enough to vacuum but who knows what lost treasures I might find in the process?

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

The heritages are bulky but solid vacuums.
The light is easy to fix. I'd offer advice but I know you are tech savvy and the 5 screws for outer body find problem fix it. Im glad you got to get it done and enjoy it.
Les

 

[human]

Let There Be Light!

The headlight tuned out to be a pretty easy fix. I took the headlight carrier out (two screws) and then removed the bulb to check the condition of the contacts. They looked very clean so I put a dab of dielectric grease on the base of the bulb and the electrical contacts on the carrier that fit up into the hood of the vacuum cleaner, then carefully reassembled everything, making sure there was absolutely no play between the carrier and the hood.

I then plugged the machine in and turned it on. At first, there was no light, so I turned it off and back on and the light worked. I cycled the power switch about five more times, letting the machine run about 10-15 seconds each time, and the light came on and stayed on each time. I'll call it provisionally fixed at this point. We'll see how it does in actual use.

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

Sweet. I knew you would get it fixed glad to hear!
It's refreshing to see the heritage ensemble is back together again.
Les

 

[jo]

Light problems

Having a similar issue with my Electrolux power nozzle’s headlight. Sometimes it’s on, sometimes not. Very odd. Thought the bulb was dying then finally died after it was solidly off for the last several uses, but just used it again this past Saturday when I cleaned the house and the light was back on this time. Haven’t ventured to open up the power nozzle yet but will be soon I’m sure as more boredom sets in with this covid mess.

I know what you mean about getting attached to machines you work on and restore. After I do work on my machines and make them all nice I really hesitate to turn them over to those who may not be so careful with them. You should keep and enjoy the fruits of your labor for some time at least. Glad you are enjoying your Kirby restoration.

Jon

 

[human]

Headlight connections

Don't be afraid to take things apart. An Electrolux power nozzle may be a bit more complex than a Kirby headlight assembly but isn't that hard to disassemble. Just pay attention to what you're doing so you can reverse the process to get it back together. Once you get in there, make note of the condition of the contacts on the light bulb and the socket. If there is dirt and/or corrosion, give it a good cleaning. Buff it with fine sandpaper if necessary so the base of the bulb and the socket are clean and shiny. Give the socket a little squeeze before replacing the bulb to make sure it fits snugly.

Although it may not have been completely necessary, I used a little dielectric grease on my Kirby's headlight to help seal out moisture, dust and dirt, which can interfere with electrical connections over time. This is common practice with electrical connections under the hoods of cars (e.g., spark plug wires and headlights). Because the grease is fairly thick and sticky, about the consistency of petroleum jelly, I think it also can help dampen the effects of vibration.

You can get dielectric grease at any auto parts store. They sell little packets of it, about the size of a fast food ketchup packet, up by the counter for around a dollar each. Larger tubes are also available. A little goes a very long way. For instance, one packet is plenty for all 16 contacts when replacing the spark plug wires on a V8 engine.

 

[vaclab]

Edgar, Both Of My H2L's Headlights Drove Me Nuts

Until I had the chance to completely refurbish them and tightened up the headlight connections. In the past, the light might flicker for a few seconds then stop and return 10 minutes later. Anyhow, both are fixed now and I've run both for several hours (non-stop 20 minute sessions). No more intermittent flicker. Money spent = zero.

Bill

 

[kirbyklekter]

Down on my list of

things 'ta do' is replacing the stock headlamp with LED. I will check with Les before buying as there are a plethora of choices and he says some are good and some not so good. Question is... who's the lucky Kirby?

 

[jo]

Yes, I’m not afraid to take apart the power nozzle to fix the light...I’ve taken them apart before and so I’m usually very careful to make sure it fits all back together correctly being careful when I take it apart to observe how the parts are fit together. In fact Using one’s cell phone camera is a great way to take pictures of each step before undoing that step so you can reference them later in case you forget how it all is supposed to be correctly in place, I hate reassembling things incorrectly. It’s just a matter of taking some time out to do it so I can complete it in one session. I don’t like to take things apart and leave them...more likely to lose parts and more importantly forget how it all came apart!

I’m guessing there’s a buildup of dust in there making a loose connection of some sort. I may just order an LED replacement bulb first...and upgrade it so it’s brighter as well if I’m going to go through the trouble of opening it all up.

Anyone have good luck doing LED headlight bulb upgrades?

Jon

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I gave my 1984 Heritage II a workout today!

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

That's a nice heritage 2 84 Ben.
505-cr1, probably the electrolux, royal, eureka sanitaire, riccar supralite and riccar 8995
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CT23FX2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_qvOHEbGA9G0FZ
Cb1 to legend 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D82TDJP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_HxOHEb7TMWXZG