Kirby DS 50 Safety Switch

[paul]

My Kirby 1967 DS50 is on the blink. When I turn it on the light illuminates but there is no power to the motor. I read in another thread that the safety switch needs to be engaged by attaching either the rug nozzle or hose (which was not the issue). So, I depressed both mechanisms of the safety switch at different times and the motor turned on and sounded fine and ran on both speeds. I tried it again and nothing happens.

Does the safety switch need replacing, or is it something else?

I'm also wondering if it is more advisable to have the bristles replaced or the entire brush roll replaced.

 

[chicagomike]

1. "I tried it again and nothing happens" What did you try again and nothing happened? When you tried it the first time, you depressed both buttons at the same time and it worked? I ask as DS = dual speed, so attachment engages on safety button and you get one motor speed, and when floor nozzle attaches it depresses different switch and you get a different speed. So only one button needs depressed to turn the motor on.

2. "Does the safety switch need replacing, or is it something else?" Need to know more information from #1 above.

3. "I'm also wondering if it is more advisable to have the bristles replaced or the entire brush roll replaced" - buy a new brush roll and a new smooth belt (non-knurled belt).

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50 Safety Switch

Check the motor brushes Do not push both buttons at same time on the safety switch

 

[paul]

Thanks for responding. To reiterate ... (new information put in ( ) and emphasis in CAPS on original wording

"So, I depressed both mechanisms of the safety switch at DIFFERENT times and the motor turned on and sounded fine and RAN ON BOTH SPEEDS. I tried it again (depressing the switches one at a time) and nothing happens (the motor does not run but the light turns on)."

I don't think it's even possible to depress both buttons at the same time.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul,

If you do need to replace your speed switch, order part no. 134365.

~Ben

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50 S S

Check motor brushes first------3 screws

 

[paul]

Thanks, Ben and oldkirbyman.

I tried to remove the cover to get at the motor but it seemed to be hung up on something (I think it was 4 or 5 screws). I am a total novice when it comes to Kirbys.

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50 take apart. get to motor brushes

Sorry-- I for got to tell you---pull foot switch button up and out. There are 3 screws that hold back housing on. You are going in the wrong end. You don't have to take the motor apart to check motor brushes. Maybe with your experience you should take it to a shop. But if you gat to the M-B unscrew the black caps-- pull out brush--- which is apiece of carbon with a spring on it. Look at the end of the carbon it should be shiney. The carbons should be about 3/4" long ---if less then 1/2" or not shiney replace both brushes. Now when you take the brush out look at it , if ok put it back in exactly the way it came out, If you do put in a new set of brushes they should be seated. Run vac on low speed----rug--not hose for 4-5 hours to break them in.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Replacement carbon brushes are part no. 118067.

~Ben

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50

Use genuine Kirby parts---if at all possible---

 

[paul]

I did manage to get the motor cover off--it was sealed before, so I had to persuade it.

Anyway, I do need new brushes so will replace them. Thanks for the part #, Ben. Would the worn brushes cause the motor not to run at all? There's about one-eighth of an inch left on both.

I saw that my safety switch has a 1967 stamp on it, so I'm going to keep it even if it needs to be replaced.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul,

Maybe.

~Ben

 

[oldkirbyman]

D50 safety switch

your switch is fine put in the brushes.

 

[paul]

Thanks for the information, Ben and oldkirbyman. I'll definitely replace the brushes and wait on the safety switch.

 

[paul]

Ben,

Please give me the part # for the brush roll.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul,

It's #1525 for the single-bristle type, and #500505 for the double-bristle type.

~Ben

 

[oldkirbyman]

D 50

Use the single brush roll. The machine was made with that brush roll. It was engineered and designed to last the way it was made. 48yrs not to bad. The double row brush puts more drag on that old motor & belt---not good--even if it was new. Motor wasn't designed for it.

 

[paul]

Thank you again, Ben and oldkirbyman. I appreciate the information and tips. I definitely don't want to over-stress the motor so will plan on getting a single row brush roll.

Would either of you recommend putting a mini-emptor on it and converting it to a disposable bag set-up? I do have the original filter bag but it has a couple thin spots, so I want to preserve it and get a replacement for actual use. I wouldn't be opposed to a tan replacement Kirby filter bag either but was just curious to know what you think in terms of performance. I'd also like to know if you recommend chemically treating the bag after washing it.

I plan to use my Kirby in rotation with my Electroluxes--mainly as a monthly or bi-monthly deep cleaning and at some points using the Handi-Butler and Rug Renovator. At present I don't have a need to use the Power Polisher.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Paul, and Greg (oldkirbyman),

I haven't really had any noticeable troubles regarding the use of double-bristle brush rolls on any of the pre-1981 Kirbys that I have. My D80 still seems an OK performer with the double-bristle roll.

~Ben