Kirby Heritage I Speed Switch Issue

[jeschbac]

Hey Kirby people: I just reassembled a Heritage I after replacing bearings, etc, only to find that there is friction somewhere in the speed switch. It won't fully release and hangs on in low speed. I replaced the two links with new ones. Same problem. Then I put in a new spring. Same problem. Where am I going wrong? Is the switch itself to blame? When the button is slid by hand, it feels easy enough, but something is preventing the spring from turning it off. Ideas?

 

[bnsd60m9200]

oil the physical linkage. if that doesnt work, loosen the screws holding the plastic mounting cover a small turn.

 

[jeschbac]

thanks

Will. I did lubricate the arm where it meets the spring and support. I'll loosen the screws tomorrow.

 

[jeschbac]

Nope

Just tried easing up the screws. No change.

 

[jeschbac]

GOT IT!

The problem was not with the plastic mounting screws, but rather the single screw that holds the switch in position inside the motor housing. Kirby might well make note of that in the service manual. Works flawlessly now! Thanks for the screwy idea!

 

[bnsd60m9200]

glad i sorta helped? yes the service manual for the heritage II is quite awful. the one i have for the 505-SVII is much more comprehensive.

 

[jeschbac]

more adjusting

Story of the speed switch didn't end with the screw. It seems that the bracket was slightly bent which the single screw secures inside the motor housing. I finally bent the assembly down just a bit, lubricated more, and for now it seems ok.

Are these Heritage switches finicky?

 

[bnsd60m9200]

generally not. they are one of the most reliable. but if the original owner constantly slammed each attachment head against it, that would effectively kill it over time.