Kirby Nozzle Seal Alternative

[repairman]

Does anyone have an alternative solution for the nozzle seal that attaches to the fan case on an older 500 series Kirby? I have ordered and returned 2 O-Rings (Part 122056) because they are too small. Kent Oyler won't sell them anymore for the same reason. If I try 122068, it will fit, but it sticks out too far and doesn't allow the nozzle to lock in.

 

[bikerray]

Go to the hardware store and get some screen spline (the stuff that holds the screen in place), cut it to length and glue the ends together.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

repairman

Mike,

If you are referring to models 505 to 515, there never was a nozzle seal ring.

122056 is for models 516 to 562.

~Ben

 

[repairman]

Thank you Ray. I will try that this afternoon.

Ben: This is a Kirby 517.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Repairman

Mike,

In your case, 122056 was the original part number for this nozzle seal O-ring.

Here's some instructions as to re-installing one, from this 1964 Kirby service manual. I think you were simply mounting it wrong. It may also help if you clean up the grooved area where the seal is mounted.

The Sanitronic VII was the first Kirby to switch to the slightly different O-ring (122068 present part number) as that was also the first machine to have the plastic suction/blower coupling permanently attached to the hose. But the basic fan case casting remained the same as models 516-562, and would change only slightly for models D50/D80/Classic 1CR (for the two-speed safety switch).

~Ben[this post was last edited: 8/28/2022-17:13]

 

[repairman]

Ben

I am fully aware how to install the seal and that the part number is 122056. When you order this part, it is too small. Therefore, it will not fit into the groove. There must have been a defective batch. Again, that's why KirbyNeeds on eBay won't sell them anymore. That's why I'm taking the route that Ray suggested.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Repairman

Mike,

It is kind of strange how that last batch of 122056 O-rings you ordered wound up being inferior.

Naturally, Kent is saying for you to use part no. 122068 as a replacement for these older machines as well (Kirby likely discontinued the 122056 O-ring to reduce inventory redundancy). Again, Kirby first changed over to this O-ring beginning with the Sanitronic VII because of the new plastic hose coupler.

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Repairman

Mike,

Another thing you could do with those 122056 rings is to get a glass of hot water and put the rings into them and soak them so they can better expand and stretch from the heat.

But that also means you will have to dry them off just enough so you can use the sealant on the grooved part of the fan case where you insert the back side of the ring.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 8/29/2022-19:59]