Kirby G3

[eurekastar]

I recently acquired a Kirby G3 and have been spending some time refurbishing it. When I got it, I found that it had the same problem that many G3 owners have complained about. It would "skip" across my berber style carpet. I did a little experimenting by putting a Sentria brushroll in it. I was curious to see if the stiffer bristles might help, but I didn't notice any significant difference. So I continued with the refurbishing process which included installing a new bag assembly. The old mini-emptor was didn't clean up well and the old bag was worn. The new emptor/fill tube is the new style used on G6 and newer. And the new outer bag is made of the same material used on the Sentria outer bags. I even went all out and installed the new Type F bag adapter -- way better design too. I apologize for rambling, but all that is to say that the new bag assembly, along with a new HEPA inner bag seems to have eliminated the "skipping" problem. I'm not sure why, though. Maybe it is because of the slightly improved airflow. That's only a wild guess. The TechDrive on the G3 reminds me of the power steering on an old GM or Ford automobile -- way over boosted.

 

[eurekastar]

Oh yes, and you'll notice that the new outer bag no longer has the "Generation 3" logo screen printed on it. The attachments look like they were never used too. Only the shampooer seems to have seen some use.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

You did a good job on that thing. I prefer an overly aggressive transmission (and I love the power steering in older cars!)... My G5 skips over the carpet, but I think the wheels are worn and I know the brushroll is (it's the chevron style). My Sentria does not skip and it's in like new condition with the staggered bristles on the brushroll. My carpet is very low pile.... and my G5 is the only machine I have that does that.

Anyway, congrats.... it looks great!

 

[thermokid]

Kirby's skipping over carpet!!

All G series Kirby's will skip over berber carpet until the Ultimate G (Diamond Edition Series) the reason this model or the Sentria doesn't skip is because Kirby changed the gear ratio of the two outer gears on the transmission(one on motor and one on transmission) They made the gears slightly bigger and a little larger belt for these gears.. Thus eleviating the jumping or hopping of the kirby. Changing these gears slowed down the transmission so the Kirby doesn't push so fast. I changed all my gears on all my G series machines and none of them skip anymore. This trick is what I learned from the Kirby distributor when I was a service manager for them in California...Dan

 

[eurekastar]

My Diamond G definitely shifts more slowly and seems to require slightly more effort to push and pull. Also, it doesn't have the noticeable shifting sound like the G3 and G4 that I own. I've seen those repair kits to change the gears, but that looks like an operation that is currently above my pay grade! LOL! Maybe someday I can find a G series vac that I experiment on.

 

[professorkiwi]

Well done! The G3 looks awesome!

 

[eurekastar]

Well, it was a figment of my imagination. I ran my G3 again this afternoon, and sure enough, the skipping was back. So then I began thinking about changing the gears and how to remove the transmission. Well, I sucked it up and began looking things over. I removed the motor shell and didn't see any way to remove the transmission. That's when I discovered the screws on the bottom. And voila! The transmission slipped right out, providing access to the gears. The only thing that makes me nervous are those tiny spring clips. I have rather large fingers, so wish me luck! I have the new gear set on order.

 

[thermokid]

Kirby Gears-

Good luck changing those gears sure made a difference on my kirby's.. And those little springs aren't that hard to do..Just use a tiny blade screwdriver or they make a tool that is especially made for these spring clips.

 

[kirbyduh]

f style bags

I changed my g3 to f style too, and I love it. Definitely recommend. Got the kit from the vacuum store for 9 dollars with the F style adaptor, zip ties, 2 bags, and instructions.

 

[eurekastar]

Success!!!

Well, I have to brag on myself. I've not done a lot of technical work on vacuums, but I finally got the primary gears on the G3 transmission replaced!!! It was easier than I thought too. Changing the gears DOES significantly improve how the transmission operates. The skipping is eliminated and it is much quieter too.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I'm really happy for you, not only that you did it, but that it works! I know what you mean.... I am not mechanically inclined, so I'm always surprised when I get a vacuum back together and it still works! Now if I actually fix the problem, that's grounds for a heart attack!

Anyway, congrats! )

 

[penie396]

Where would one pick up one of those kits to change the gears on a g3?

 

[miskini]

Kirby needs

eBay store. Kent oyler has some of the best prices on kirby parts. He's located in Ogden,Utah so you might be able to pick the parts up to save on shipping.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

g3 Kirby

Hi Bill
you did a VERY NICE JOB on your
g3. Being a collector i Have the G3/4/5/6/ forgot the correct name but the one thathas two speeds plus just got a deal of a life time i think any way.The new Avalir from a friend who had it for two weeks and went to all wood floors in their home. He paid 1200.00 sold it to me for 550.00 He said he knows how much i wanted it and will take care of it.No shifting noise at all a pleasure to use. One of the things i like the most is being able to have the f style bags so much easier to install 5 seconds its all done. The Avaliar has a nice Red@ Black colors. Well i will close To think Kirby has been around for 100 years says a lot in the world of cpap motors and just about all plastic bodys.Well my Kirbys are calling Dou