Kirby GSix armature help

[happyjigg]

So I have disassembled and reassembled this GSix over 4 times now, and eventually left it completely disassembled for a few months until I came back to it, and I never bothered to document how to properly put the armature back into the motor housing. No one has videos on how to solve the specific problem I am having, where I forgot the order and orientation of two parts behind the rear armature. A video is provided detailing my problem. Any help is greatly appreciated.

http://https//youtu.be/fn16YqCQoSc

 

[texaskirbyguy]

I have not worked on any G series, only the older units.
If no others respond with a verified order, here is how I would understand it from an engineer's POV...

The band around the rear bearing would have its tabs toward the back. Much easier to insert and no chance of it working its way out and falling into the motor during use.

The spring finger washer I have seen inserted both ways, depending on bearing type. They have been used for decades. The narrow fingers should face a HARDER material as they would dig into a softer material like plastic or rubber and defeat their purpose.
The purpose of this part is to keep the end-play of the motor armature taken up at all times.

Hope this helps!

 

[rowdy141]

Is there a G6 'Exploded Parts Diagram' you can refer to?
This would illustrate the parts in their correct orientation, and sequence?

I had trouble trying to Copy/Paste the Web-Address, but if you Google Kirby G6 Parts Diagram, you'll find quite a few.
Something like:
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/kirby-heritage-legend-vacuum-parts-c-128647_128648_128658.html

 

[happyjigg]

Thank you. I found a diagram that shows the orientation of the spring, but no mention of the metal ring. Still solves half the problem though.

 

[broomvac]

If you don't mind my asking: Why have you been taking it apart so many times?

 

[rowdy141]

Here's your Kirby G6 Motor Diagram, and Parts List:
https://thevacuumcenter.com/apps/help-center#!kirby-vacuum-parts-schematic

Scroll-down to "Gen 3, G4, G5, G6, Ultimate, Diamond, Sentria"
Kirby Vacuum Schematic Diagram Section 3.

It appears as though your Ring (Ring-Retainer?) is between parts 13 & 14.
13 being the Ring-Retainer Bearing Plate.
11 is your Finger Spring. Fitted as @texaskirbyguy said.[this post was last edited: 6/16/2018-04:18]

 

[huskyvacs]

Kirby Generator Six Motor Schematic: http://platinumvacuum.com/kirby-generation-6-motor-schematic/

The little metal disc with the tabs on it, would be #11 in the diagram, Kirby G6 Finger Spring part #115674
Shown here: https://cdn3.volusion.com/maxg3.xen6j/v/vspfiles/photos/K-PRT-MOTR-314990A-2.jpg?1433773525

No clue on the half circle strip of metal, on the diagram it could be that part that is not listed that goes between #13 and #14 but it's hard to tell. It might be something that is fitted within another part and was not meant to be removed or replaced individually.


The metal band is called a "tolerance ring" and it is part of the main plastic motor housing. It fits like so, as shown in this eBay auction: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Motor-Housing-with-Tolerance-Ring-G3-Avalir-100196-/182436884034

Hope this helps! Always take photos, and having a workbench or work shed helps!

 

[rowdy141]

Nice eBay picture @huskyvacs, showing the fitting of that Tolerance Ring!
Better than a Service Guide.
So long as they don't catch-on and start blurring photos, we'll be okay.

 

[happyjigg]

To answer the question from @broomvac This machine was so heavily abused I seriously wonder how all of these things were able to happen to it, but it was extremely tarnished, the paper bag was so full it literally could not hold any more dirt in it and it weighed 11 pounds after I measured it on a scale, the belt was snapped in two, and someone had sucked up a sock and didn’t turn the thing off, causing the sock to melt to the belt shaft. I had to sand the melted plastic off of it. Furthermore the entire interior of the machine was covered in dust and crud, the motor brushes had grooves in them, and the armature was so dirty that large white sparks would fly from the brushes whenever it was turned on. I took it apart so many times because I was trying to see what was causing the sparks. I tried cleaning the armature to no avail, I tried replacing the brushes, but that had little effect, and it turned out to be the armature either having an electrical issue or just being dirty. I was so fed up that I just bought a new armature and then gave up on reassembling it because I had been at this for a few weeks with no break. A week ago after this thing had been sitting in the back of the basement through a house fire that left it with fire extinguisher dust all over it, I finally dusted it off and started fixing it. That is the story, but I plan on making another thread and a video on this, because it was in the worst condition I have ever gotten a machine in. Images of the sock and belt are attached.

 

[huskyvacs]

It's incredible that people have so much money they can buy a $1,000+ vacuum like this and then just completely trash it through ignorance. I guess the only reason why you still find them in this shape is because they can take it.

 

[tolivac]

They spend all that money on their Kirby and expect to use it like a Shop vacuum!And wonder what shape the hose coupler on the machine end was in.If an item gets wrapped around the motor shaft and spun in the coupler-burns it right thru!even METAL couplers!So if you are using the Kirby as a canister and hear that unforgettable sound of something twined around the shaft--SHUT THE MACHINE OFF---NOW!!!Guess that person thought all was well despite the noise.Even my NSS M1 choked on a sock!Had to take the fancase apart to get the chewed up sock out!

 

[broomvac]

Holy cow! They didn’t just neglect that vacuum, they tortured it! Good job saving it. I look forward to seeing the end result.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[happyjigg]

I got the armature in properly and it seems to run nice and smooth. Should I post updates here as I continue reassembling this?

 

[rowdy141]

Oh yes. Please. Definitely post photos as you go.
We're all doing similar restorations, learning as we go, and learning from others here. It's always encouraging to see a machine go from wreck to treasure.

My rescued Kirby Tradition was similarly abused. The roller had stuck, the belt was heating the fan-shaft to red hot, which then melted the vis-a-belt window!

Perhaps those who pay $$$$ for a new Kirby, can afford hired-help, who may not care? I had hired-help when I was ill. In her first five minutes, she vacuumed over the mains lead and stood there, smelling the burning, until it went bang!

 

[happyjigg]

I tested the vacuum with the absolute bare minimum to work, with just motor, brushes, base and cord, and it still sparked. I used the old brushes as the new ones were damaged. I think the problem was the brushes, but I ended up taking it to the vacuum store just because I didn't feel like dealing with it. I will post an update when I get it back. Most likely just the brushes, but we will find the root of this problem once and for all.

 

[rowdy141]

I guess the brushes it came to you with, may have been lesser-quality cheap ones, perhaps crumbling? That'd cause excess arcing and flying fragments, giving off sparks.

In a different post, someone mentioned that their vacuum shop "dressed the brushes". Creating a curve that matches the Armature. If your shop does that, you'll have improved efficiency without having to wait for the brushes to 'bed-in', and less Carbon dust to dirty it up.