As stated my Kirby HII is in sorry shape due to the mess created by a vacuum repair crook. This poor thing has several problems and I don't know where to start. Currently the vacuum runs but not as well as it could. First problem- the two speed motor is stuck on the first speed cause the control switch/ safety switch was removed. Second- the front part of the motor where the fan chamber is was sealed with rubber sealant making the switch from plastic fan to metal impossible. Third- the motor screws are rusted and froze making the changing of bearings and brushes impossible. I love the looks of this vacuum and want it to be perfect shape. I don't know whether to replace to whole thing or attempt the impossible and risk further damaging. Any thoughts??????
My sad Kirby Heritage II
- Thread starter motojoejo
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eurekastar
Well-known member
Is it the screws on the bell housing that you're having trouble with? If the screw heads aren't already messed up, you might try gently tapping them with a small hammer and then see if they'll unscrew. If you have a soldering iron, you can also try heating the screws and then letting them cool off before trying a screw driver. If that doesn't work, then you might want to buy an impact driver. Then of course, there's WD40. That would be a slow process and you'd have to find ways to brace the motor unit so that the oil will penetrate and not simply drip off. If the screw heads are messed up, then you'll to try a screw extractor. Screws that are frozen in place can be a huge headache!
eurekastar
Well-known member
Oh yes . . .
Once you get the bell housing off, then you can see if the speed switch is still in place. On that particular model, the switch is on the inside. What you see on the outside of the vacuum is the the mechanism that engages the switch on the inside.
Once you get the bell housing off, then you can see if the speed switch is still in place. On that particular model, the switch is on the inside. What you see on the outside of the vacuum is the the mechanism that engages the switch on the inside.
I can get the housing off easily- it's the screws of the motor it's self that I can remove. The switch is still there set on first- it's the mechanism that works it is completely missing. The front is still sealed shut and nothing has loosened it.
I can get the housing off easily- it's the screws of the motor it's self that I can remove. The switch is still there set on first- it's the mechanism that works it is completely missing. The front is still sealed shut and nothing has loosened it.
eurekastar
Well-known member
OK!
It sounds like you're trying to remove the screws that hold the motor housing to the bearing plate. Is that it?
It sounds like you're trying to remove the screws that hold the motor housing to the bearing plate. Is that it?
eurekastar
Well-known member
You'll have to remove the screws from the front a rear of the fan case in order to open that up. Do you have a drill with screw bits? Sometimes the torque from a drill helps in such cases. But try gently tapping on the motor housing screws and then use a screwdriver. Be careful not to mess up the screw heads!
The fan case doesn't open cause the rubber sealant has glued it shut. I've tried to pry it open but a screwdriver will not fit in any cracks cause they are filled with sealant. The screws holding the motor in place are rusted in place
eurekastar
Well-known member
What is the condition of the screw heads holding the motor housing onto the bearing plate?
eurekastar
Well-known member
WD40 should help that. Just use it sparingly so it doesn't get onto the motor field. As I recall, those are fairly long screws too, so be sure to use the correct size screwdriver when you try to remove the screws.
eurekastar
Well-known member
It was definitely left in a damp environment! You might try more WD40 and continue reapplying it for a few days to let as much of the oil penetrate into the threads. You might also try heating the screws with a soldering iron. That will cause the metal to expand and as it cools, it will contract and hopefully break loose some of the ruse. I've never tried that with a screw in plastic though and I don't know how much heat those plastic housings can take. They should be able to take a good amount since the motor generates heat.
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