I need to remove the top of the motor unit on a Kirby Generation 3 to access the motor area of the vacuum

Greetings from GoVacuum.com,

Unfortunately there is no fuse on a Kirby Generation model. In my 10 years of repairing Kirby's as well as other vacuums I will tell you that 9 times out of 10, when a Kirby Generation doesn't turn on, it's the cord that needs to be replaced. This is by far the most common problem that we see on Kirby repairs.
The Kirby motor is very well built, and usually has a life of 30+ years (G3 is about 12-15 years now). The only other problem it could be on the Kirby would be carbon brushes, or the switch assembly.

I would first try testing the power cord, I think this will solve the problem for you. To test a cord on a Kirby Generation (all Generation models are the same machines, just different colors) first follow where the cord goes into the Kirby at the bottom. To access this cover easier, first remove the "boot" at the bottom of the outer bag. This is the plastic part at the bottom of the outer bag that connects onto the Kirby. You will see that there is a plastic cover over the cord. You will need to remove the screw that holds this cover on.



Now after you have removed the cover, pull the plug out of the machine. Once you have the cord disconnected from the machine, you can now test it to see if there is a short somewhere in the cord. You will need to purchase an inexpensive continuity tester from Home Depot, Radio Shack or most other electronic stores. This will tell you if there is power running through the cord, or if the cord is bad. With the continuity tester, plug the cord into the wall outlet, then put the positive, and negative testing rods into the female end of the cord that plugs into the machine. You will then be able to tell if the cord has continuity going through it. The tester will indicate if there's continuity or not.


The picture here shows that the cord is good. If your tester does not light up, or indicate that there is continuity, you'll simply just need to purchase a new cord. As I stated earlier, this is the most common reason that a Kirby won't turn on.

If however your cord tests OK, this indicates that the machine either needs a new motor (or carbon brushes in the motor) or it needs a new switch.



Chris Jones

You may need to service you Kirby. Go this page HERE, fill out Service Request Form and ship to us together with you Kirby. We will inspect it and will call you with an estimate.

Good Luck,
Rocky

Make sure cord is not damaged. Check to see nothing is blocking hose or carpet nozzle(where beater brush is or brush roll). Plug unit in to a receptacle that you know has power going to it. (Lamp you know works when plugged into same. Using hose on front, make sure bag bottom completely attached to exhaust, the hose has a little arm like thing that will depress the safety switch on the front of the unit, and turn on using foot switch at the back of the unit. If these do not work, it could be one of two safety switches, dirt may have fouled or switch may need to be replaced. Authorized Kirby Dealer in your area: Replacement parts, Kirby Distributor, call: 1-800-437-7170 United States and Canada

Go HERE. This should be more than enough info.
Rocky

The instruction is HERE with plenty of pictures.

Good luck

First six pictures HERE will let you know how to remove shell to see the motor. I would not recommend starting it before you get the screw out (you will need to remove 5 more screws from the front f the unit to get the fan case off). The fan case is glued so you may need to use screw driver and pray the fan case of the unit. If fan is damaged - remove it from Kirby as damaged fan is out of balance and Kirby will vibrate like crazy. Shaft has opposite thread so you have to turn it CLOCKWISE.
If the fan does not come off easily you may have to remove this part and access the rear of the motor where you can use a wrench to hold the armature (you will see where you can hold it right behind the commutator. Removing slide bracket assembly memorize where the wires are plugged in and how it is engaged with the transmission.

God Luck
Rocky

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Generic problem for all Vacuums
Replace the roller on my
Posted by tlourene on Jul 21, 2008
Replace the roller on my Kirby Vacuum Generation 3
Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. In order to replace the brushroll on the Kirby G3 you need to dial off the belt and then release the lever to remove the bell housing, then there are 2 levers that you need to open then you can get @ the brushroll --- take out the brushroll and replace the brushroll and a new belt – make sure you change the belt every 4 to 6 months for the best cleaning. Make sure when you put the new belt in the housing that the screw heads are facing down – then you can replace the bottom plate, dial the belt on to the belt pulley and replace the bell housing. If you need further help please refer to a local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
http://kirby.com/
Customer Service – U. S. & Canada
1-800-494-8586
Hours 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Mail To: Consumer Relations
The Kirby Company
1920 West 114 Street
Cleveland, OH 44102
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

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Kirby
Posted by ronholliehaw on July 17, 2008
Hello, I have a Generation 3 Kirby- it was working - I turned it off & it will not turn on again - is there a safety switch /reset button or did the on/off switch go out - I have had it 15 years & replaced the switch 1 time - Thanks
Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. The chances are it is the safety switch 1st and the foot switch 2nd. The safety switch is in the front of the fan housing of witch the bell housing hooks into. Both are about the same price plus labor. So feel free to do it yourself or to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
http://kirby.com/
Customer Service – U. S. & Canada
1-800-494-8586
Hours 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Mail To: Consumer Relations
The Kirby Company
1920 West 114 Street
Cleveland, OH 44102
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

You have to take off the top cover, then the handle pivot. Look down at the back of the armature you will see that it has a flat spot, you use a small vise grips or pliers to hold it, turn the belt pulley to the right if I remember right and turn the pulley off. If it won't come free, use a couple of flat blade screwdrivers and pry up to pop the fan off. Then put it all back together.