Anyone know anything about Kirby Vacuums?

[rpm]

I was using it today and it seem to be having little power surges, the light was sort of going dim then bright.
Just as I was going to shut it off there was a burning smell and a spark out the on off button.
Does this sound like a big expense coming up?
The nearest vacuum repair is an hour away. Is it worth the drive or just send it to the curb?

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Sounds like...

Maybe it needs new carbon brushes...

That's probably a worthy repair. Kirbys are well built, and good machines. Are you its original owner? And what's the model number?

~Fred

 

[rpm]

I am not the original owner, I got it free. The model is 2hc.
It is a Heritage 2. I just spent $50.00 getting new bags and a fill tube for it last week.
I wouldn't mind spending $100.00 to get it fixed as I have started to like it.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

Hmmm... I like Kirbys and old vacs, but you could probably find a used G series for around 100 bucks. I don't know if haivng a self-propelled is important to you or not. Collectors like the Heritage, but I don't think of them as daily drivers... I'd much prefer a G series with a transmission... but everyone has their preferences. The thing is, if the motor is shot and you want another Heritage, you may even be able to find a used one for 25 bucks.

If it were a G series, I'd say to get it fixed without hesitation.

I know since you just invested money into it, it may be hard to give it up. Let us know what you decide!

 

[whitekingd]

Being a Kirby (and if you like it) I would do the hour drive. It could be the brushes, or even the switch. Kirby's are almost always worth fixing. Good luck!

 

[sdlee]

yeah, this is what I know about them....Dont buy one!!!

 

[petek]

May as well get it fixed. They are surprsingly easy to fix yourself btw if you are somewhat handy. If you can confirm it's the switch just buy a replacement and do it yourself. I've got 6 or 8 Kirbys of various ages and never had any problems.

 

[cadman]

RPM,

My mom's Kirby had a similar problem, all signs pointed to the switch/socket assembly. I believe hers is a Heritage 2 with the 3 prong connector. I opened things up and the assembly ohmed out fine. All said and done, it was actually the cord! An intermittent-open had developed within the female pins on the vac side of the cord. Bypassing with alligator clips confirmed.

While running, do things get better/worse if you side-load the connector/cord at the vacuum?

 

[rpm]

I just took a look at the socket where the cord plugs in.
The left prong is all black and the left side of the cord is melted,Is that a cord problem or a socket,switch problem?

The lady I talked to on the phone was really nice and said it didn't sound too serious to her.She thought about $40.00 to fix it.
When I asked her if it was worth fixing or sending it to the curb she said, God no, You buy a Kirby and own it for life, don't throw it out.
Personally I would never buy one but I am impressed by the suction and the look of it.

 

[petek]

Here's my Heritage,is it the same one

 

[iheartmaytag]

I would spend the money to repair it.

The surging you are describing sounds like carbon brushes.

Even if you are not the original owner, Kirby will do a rebuild for a charge. You can contact Kirby Rebuild department for a quote. It will be money well spent. Kirbys are heirloom quality machines that will provide you with years of faithful service.