Kirby 516 problem

[northwesty]

Well, this 516 was working fine but then the front head started to “ride up” and on closer inspection I see that for some reason an earlier owner had modified it I think. There is some metal missing here. Now, I was thinking I might try to tap a screw in the end and file it down to fit, but I wanted to put this problem out there to someone who might have had a similar experience and has a suggestion. Or do I just bag it and find another part in better condition. I haven’t put too much time into this one, do I bag it?

 

[twocvbloke]

Are you sure it's not the latch or the lip that the latch presses against? I had a similar problem on my ClassicIII, and it turned out to be the lip was worn out, so the tension fromt he belt lifted the nozzle and wouldn't press the safety switch, and hence wouldn't work...

I used a bent penny to wedge it together, not an ideal solution really, but it made it all work so I could test it...

 

[twocvbloke]

And the bent penny solution:

 

[eurekastar]

It looks to me like you may have two problems: 1) a piece of metal IS missing from the nozzle mount, making it unstable. 2) It looks like the mounting pin isn't tapped in far enough and the nozzle mount doesn't have enough of the pin to hang on or "ride" on. The pin should be exactly in the middle. You can try David's solution. But the best solution is to get another nozzle. I have an extra one and you can have it if you want it.

 

[eurekastar]

Now that I look at the photo more carefully, I don't there's anything missing. You might just try David's fix. I bet that will work.

 

[djtaylor]

Replace the nozzle

If it helps, there is a 519-519 nozzle listed on ebay for $25 plus shipping. It looks pretty good, too.
Justin

 

[northwesty]

Thanks for the suggestions. Some more information would be that there is a circular casting information area in this part that has a "64" in the middle. When I looked at the same place in my 513 it had an "H" there, so I don't know if this means the date or not. In other words the nozzel on this 516 might be all wrong so rather than shine it up I would be interested in finding the right one. Another thing, this belt lifter on this 516 is wrong, it is the larger more triangular one with a golden Kirby logo. It does match the electic button under the nozzel though (I can't remember what that is called though I bought one for my Omega) Anyway I am thinking that this whole nozzel is from a later machine, but if they are identical that is okay.

Now I can see file marks where the "c" shape of the latch has been filed down. The 513 definitely has more metal on it and can grab onto it's pin better. Still, I will try that penny, just have to find one from 1956.

 

[northwesty]

In fact, in my photo, you can see a shiney area in back of the nozzle "c" shape on the body of the machine. That more closely matches the missing metal and mirrors the shape that is on the 513 nozzle