Kirby Speed Switch Acting Wonky. Please Advise.

[suckomatic]

I just bought a Classic III CB-2 from ebay.
It ran fine with the carpet nozzle, but wouldn't turn on for the hose attachment.
Upon inspecting the speed switch, I saw that the previous owner had stuffed two layers of cardboard (cereal box type) behind it, between the switch and the housing, as if to create a spacer for some reason.
It also had 3-4 layers of cardboard on top of the switch, as if they felt the hose attachment wasn't able to press it down far enough.
I began to remove the switch, but when I turned the fastening screw 1/2 turn, the power came on, with no hose or nozzle attached. (Mildly alarming)
So I left it that way and continued cleaning with the hose.
But NOW it won't turn on with the carpet nozzle on it!
I nearly just ordered a new switch, but with one last test I operated it by pushing the switch down with a screwdriver, being careful not to lose a finger.
It turns on when I press it down slightly, and when I press down fully, the motor speeds up, as it should.
So the switch IS working, but,... not really.
Does it need some kind of adjustment?
Maybe a drop of oil?
More cardboard?
Or do I just need another switch?
Sorry this was so long.
Thanks for your time.
UPDATE:
I just found this photo that shows a red cover over the switch.
Mine does not have this.
Could that be the problem?

 

[bnsd60m9200]

replace the switch. its dead. i hate those switches for that era machine the not meant to be abused and break very easily.

here is a replacement from kent owyler's ebay page. his prices are the cheapest

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Speed...tion-134380-/171977760993?hash=item280aac60e1

 

[bnsd60m9200]

that red cover was NOT part of the machine new. its a dust cover and just gets in the way. it does nothing for functionality

 

[suckomatic]

Thanks!!!

You're right.
I tried to rig it back up with more spacers, washers, hot glue & such.
Now the high speed doesn't work anymore, no matter what I do to it.
So I just spliced the red & yellow wires together to run on high speed, just until I get a new switch.
Thanks a bunch!

 

[bikerray]

If your Kirby Speed Switch is Acting Wonky that sounds British, I would get an American Kirby Speed Switch if I were you. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Suckomatic

A new speed switch is part no. 134380 but supplies are limited... it will fit the following machines:


Classic Omega (1CB), Classic III (2CB) and Tradition (3CB)


 


~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Suckomatic

Kelly,


 


I was also going to say too that it is not the red and yellow wires that make high speed, it's the red and white wires that do.


 


Red+yellow=low, Red+white=high.


 


~Ben

 

[suckomatic]

~Ben

Thanks for the tip.
Honestly, the wires were so filthy, I'm not entirely sure what colors I connected.
I just randomly touched all the wires together until I found the two than ran it on high.
I really need to order a new switch.
I'm losing Kirby Collector cred for this, I know it.