Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum\015 Smells like burning rubber when I turn it on. I have a G6. I let my daughter borrow it to vacuum her apartment. She has a long hair cat and she hadn’t vacuumed in a while. I had to pull hair out of the kirby from everywhere. and completely break it down. Now no matter what I do when I turn it on it still has that strange burning rubber smell after running for a few minutes. I’ve changed the bag and the belt. I also made sure everything was running properly as I could tell and all areas were clean. To include the beater brush.\015

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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Q: It smells like the belt is burning. What is wrong? A:It is likely the belt isn`t turning freely on the brush roll. Flip out the belt lifter handle and turn it clockwise until the green arrows line up.
Burning smell can indicate motor damage

If you suspect that the motor is damaged, you should not continue to use the vacuum cleaner! The cause of motor damage is usually wear and tear or damage caused by prolonged improper use (e.g. overheating). In most cases, it is not worth repairing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirby Belts. Why Do I Keep Burning Belts? It is likely the belt isn`t turning freely on the brush roll.
If you notice a burning rubber smell from cars, it is often a sign that you have overheated the brakes or tires. Overheating usually occurs when your car`s clutch is slipping or not working properly. If you experience this smell and were using your clutch at the time, let the car cool down, and try again.
However, people with phantosmia more often describe unpleasant, foul, or disgusting odors. These may include: burnt toast. burning rubber.
That being said, an electrical fire can smell like the following: Burning Plastic: The acrid odor of an electrical fire is often described as that of burning plastic. This is because wiring insulation, connectors, and many other electrical components are made of plastic materials.
Reasons for Burning Smells Near Outlets

Wires are exposed. The wiring was not installed properly. The electrical wiring has been damaged. Your circuits are overloading.

Kirby vacuum STINKS: If it stinks even after you have replaced the disposable bag, the outer cloth bag has absorbed the smell. Take the plastic bag top off, take the bag off the plastic shoe-like base (you may have to buy a bag strap or use big cable tie to install it back).
Kirby vacuum cleaners are made of die cast aluminum where most other vacuums are made of plastic. This makes the Kirby vacuum more durable than other model on the market. This is why the average lifespan of a Kirby is over 30 years.
Vacuums cleaners can smell from for various reasons; pet dander, moisture was sucked up… The most common cause is old dirt sitting stagnant in the collection chamber, bags, or filters. Vacuum bags should be changed every four to six weeks or once full.
– G.E. Dr. Roach: Natural rubber causes allergic reactions in some people, but if he is having no symptoms, the consensus of the sources I read is that there is likely no health impact from the odors of natural rubber.
Analysis of the vapours that are released from tires reveals the presence of numerous compounds that constitute the “tire smell.” Some of these, mostly those emanating from the hydrocarbon oils, are potentially toxic. Some, like benzopyrene, are carcinogenic.
If your car smells like burnt rubber, it could be a sign of a radiator coolant leak. If coolant leaks onto hot engine components, it can cause the coolant to burn and emit a strong burnt rubber smell.
Inhaling burning rubber or plastic is harmful as it may contain chemicals and poisons, such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. Inhaling harmful smoke from rubber can irritate the lungs and airway, causing them to become swollen and blocked.
Electrical Fires Not Only Smell Bad, But They`re Also Toxic

This results is toxic fumes that include ketones and aldehyde gases that are harmful to inhale. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) by-products are also emitted from electrical burning equipment that can cause cancer and other serious health issues.

Inhaling burnt plastic is bad for you because it can expose you to a number of harmful chemicals. These chemicals include benzene, dioxins, particulates, and toluene. Each of these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from respiratory problems to cancer (in severe cases).
Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren`t actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues.
When a circuit overheats, the plastics and heat-resistant chemicals used in outlets, circuit breakers, or wiring insulation may emit a fishy or urine-like smell. The odor can be carried throughout the house by the HVAC system, and it may intensify or fade with changing temperatures and circuit usage.
Kirby vacuum prices are higher than many vacuums found at big-box stores, but that`s because Kirby vacuums are made of durable materials that will last for years. Why replace an inexpensive vacuum over and over again when you can purchase a Kirby vacuum? This complete home cleaning system that will last for a lifetime.
The price of vintage Kirby vacuum cleaners can vary widely, depending on their age and condition. The least expensive ones are probably worth about $100 and high-end models might sell for $2,000 or more. But if you`re looking to buy one that hasn`t been refurbished, expect to spend several hundred dollars.
For more than 100 years, every Kirby has been handcrafted in the United States from die-cast aluminum.
The Kirby Home Company warrants that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for three (3) years from the date of purchase when the Kirby system is used for residential consumer purposes.
Rinse the filter

Any fine dust remaining in the filter can usually be removed with a gentle rinse under a cold tap – hold the filter under the running water until the water runs clear. You shouldn`t need to use any detergent – just water.

Add a few drops of soap or detergent into a bowl of hot water. Submerge the filter and squeeze it so it absorbs the cleaning solution. If the water becomes dirty, empty the bowl and refill with more soapy water. Once the water runs clear after soaking the filter, take it out and rinse the suds away.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Smells like burning rubber when I turn on my G6 Kirby vacuum.
ANSWER : You must take of the plastic ends from the wood beater bar and make sure the metal axels are not wound up with hair. I did this monthly with 4daughters

Read Full Q/A … : Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Hello, I have a problem with my Eureka Powerline bagged upright vacuum. It has a 12 amp motor and is model #4352, Type D. It was probably bought new in 1998. My problem is, while vacuuming today the motor seemed to slow down all of the sudden and then began smelling like burning rubber. I shut the vacuum off to check for blockages but could not find anything blocked. When I then turned it on again it runs but seems to only be running at 1/2 the motor speed and still has the rubber buring smell.
ANSWER : It sounds like a rubber sealing in the motor has come loose and is being constantly rubbed against the walls of the motor with would cause the smell and loss of motor speed caused by the fricton of rubber against the rod so if you can get to the motor try to open it and see if you can get it if not take it to a small engine repair service hope this was helpful:)

Read Full Q/A … : Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Motor is sparking and smells like burning rubber. When it first happened I thought the vacuum had something jamming the beater bar. That was the smell it had, like when the belt gets burned. But when we turned it over, it wasn’t jamming. Took off the base plate and turned it on. The motor area is sparking and it makes a weird noise (I assume that is because the motor fails and restarts). I looked for loose wires, can’t find any. I believe I need some sort of part replaced, maybe even a n
ANSWER : From sound and description most possible is motor is burnt up sparks usually mean metal on metal either bearing or bushings went on motor if u can jiggle the shaft thats bearing if u rotate the shaft by hand and feel and or hear rough grinding the brushes are damaged and the (windings)are also would need to replace motor oreck has a costumer service 800 989 3535 number give them a call not always but some times they will ship a replacement part for free

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Burning smell I had purchased a hoover widepath tempo vacuum two years ago and recently when I turn it on to vacuum it smells like something is burning.
ANSWER : The belt needs changed. its slipping. make sure its not clogged with carpet or string ect. first. if not buy a belt at walmart. in stock…

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

Read Full Q/A … : Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum

I have a Kirby G4 Vacuum Cleaner – MOdel G4 D. I have never had any problems or repairs done to it in the past ten plus years that I’ve had it. This is an upright vacuum. I was vacuuming the carpet floor and was not having any trouble at all. I switched the vacuum off and moved it into a different room. When I tried to turn on the vacuum, it would not turn on. I checked with different outlets, used both front attachment and hose attachment. Checked the front part of the motor/ spiral case. This
ANSWER : Hello,
.My educated guess is that it’s either the switch or the power cord. Here are a couple of guides to help with diagnosis and repair…
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/COMMON-PROBLEMS-WITH-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-TROUBLESHOOTING_W0QQugidZ10000000003800312
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/REPLACING-THE-POWER-SWITCH-ON-ANY-KIRBY-G-SERIES-VACUUM_W0QQugidZ10000000003752018
.
.Hope this helps!!
.Marci

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Infinity Vaccum by Shark, model number NV31COS, will not start. The vacuum was running just fine until it grabbed the edge of a curtain. Turned it off to release the suction. Turned it back on and was working fine. About a minute later the vacuum was making an odd noise. Every 2 seconds or so it would “heave” (lack of a better word) then go away, then come back and so on. Turned the vacuum off and checked for blockage, none that could be seen or felt, and now the vacuum won’t turn. Any suggestio
ANSWER : Carpet brush won’t turn when vac on

Read Full Q/A … : Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum

The original belt on my upright Kenmore Progressive broke and I replaced it with the spare that was in the vacuum. The vacuum and spare belt are about 10 years old. Then the spare broke after one vacuuming session and there was a burning smell coming from the vacuum. I ordered new belts and replaced it with the new belt. It seems to be working fine with no smell. I checked the belt after I vacuumed the family room and although it was in tact, the belt was very hot. Is that normal? Should t
ANSWER : The belt heats up due to the friction, as well as being in contact with the shaft of a hot motor. It is normal.

Read Full Q/A … : Kirby G4 Bagged Upright Vacuum