Kirby 2C Armature Problem

[kirbyklekter]

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.

 

[kirbylux77]

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.

 

[lesinutah]

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.

 

[kirbyklekter]

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?

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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

 

[kirbyklekter]

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.

 

[huskyvacs]

I posted above there are 2 shops right where you live that do electric motor repair.

 

[a007kirbyman]

"...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 <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff00ff;">they do not repair and rewind parts for small electric motors</span>..."

 

[huskyvacs]

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 ).

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


 


There's was just a Kirby Model C on eBay, listed this morning. It was listed at *GASP* $750.00!! "Best Offer Accepted."



https://www.ebay.com/itm/325594222847

 

[huskyvacs]

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.

 

[hoover300]

Hmmm.. $25 shipping... Sounds like a postage due bill in the making

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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:

http://www.aawva.com/

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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

 

[kirbyklekter]

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.

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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

 

[vacuumheaven05]

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

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


Why don't you just call Kirby? "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

 

[lesinutah]

Liam

Call kirby. If anybody would know it might be the people who made it.