justingray87
Member
Can anyone tell me anything about this Kenmore washing machine I just bought?
1950s Kenmore automatic washer
- Thread starter justingray87
- Start date
Help Support :
First off, I want to say Welcome to our group. There is a great wealth of information on vintage appliances here. Not just washers and dryers. I have been a part of this group for just about 12 years now. I have received machines, parts and lots of information from the many members here. Not to mention several friendships.
As far as the machine is concerned, I personally can't give much information on it. But I'm sure there are some that could help you out.
Does the Kenmore work?
As far as the machine is concerned, I personally can't give much information on it. But I'm sure there are some that could help you out.
Does the Kenmore work?
justingray87
Member
I plugged it in and I hear the motor hum. It was sitting in an abandoned shop for the last forty years or so. I’m guessing it needs everything. This is my first project! I’ve had many wringer washers over the years which is what we currently use to wash with. I’m so glad to join the group! I want to get this up and running. For 30 dollars I think it was a good buy?
vacerator
Well-known member
It looks really nice!
Welcome! I'm sure the experts will chime in with more info.
Welcome! I'm sure the experts will chime in with more info.
$30 is definitely a good price for that. Since it has been sitting for the past 40 years, the hoses will most likely need to be replaced. The rubber tends to get hard and gets brittle. Being that this is a 60+ year old machine, the parts are hard to come by. You may have to do some creative thinking to figure out hoses for it. Not only local appliance shops but also your local auto parts store. I can't remember how many times I've taken a hose into Autozone for a washer to get replaced. When there they usually ask me what it is for. I get a weird look when I tell them it is for a washing machine.
You said you could hear it hum, did you turn the knob to see if the tub spins or the agitator agitates?
Towards the top of this page, there is a link titled "Manuals & Literature" It consist of owners manuals as well as service manuals for many different machines. I saw some early 50's service manuals for Kenmores. Wouldn't be a bad idea to download it. They do cost a little bit, but not much. You can use PayPal to pay for it.
By the way, Justin here.
You said you could hear it hum, did you turn the knob to see if the tub spins or the agitator agitates?
Towards the top of this page, there is a link titled "Manuals & Literature" It consist of owners manuals as well as service manuals for many different machines. I saw some early 50's service manuals for Kenmores. Wouldn't be a bad idea to download it. They do cost a little bit, but not much. You can use PayPal to pay for it.
By the way, Justin here.
justingray87
Member
I’m Justin as well! The motor just hums the belt isn’t spinning so I’m guessing something is frozen up. I have no idea where to begin. I’m guessing the agitator should spin by hand with the machine off? I can’t move it. I will certainly check out those manuals. Not an appliance repair man by any means lol!
Kenmore!
Justin welcome to the club - you got a real gem the attached seems similar to your machine.
Best Of Luck
Peter
Justin welcome to the club - you got a real gem the attached seems similar to your machine.
Best Of Luck
Peter
Kenmore!
BTW can you take pictures of the interior and a closeup of the dials?
Thanks
BTW can you take pictures of the interior and a closeup of the dials?
Thanks
frigidaireguy
Well-known member
WELCOME JUSTIN
Justin:
This is a great find. I love to find the older washers & dryers. My name is Bob and I live in Winston-Salem. I have a number of washer & dryers and would love for you to come over and see them if you like. My aunt had a Kenmore washer very similar to yours. I would love to see a close up pic of the console and also a pic of the inside which in the club here we call a "Money Shot". There are several members of the club that live in the surrounding areas. We occasionally get together and work on machines and would love to have you join us. Once again let me say WELCOME !!!!
Bob
Justin:
This is a great find. I love to find the older washers & dryers. My name is Bob and I live in Winston-Salem. I have a number of washer & dryers and would love for you to come over and see them if you like. My aunt had a Kenmore washer very similar to yours. I would love to see a close up pic of the console and also a pic of the inside which in the club here we call a "Money Shot". There are several members of the club that live in the surrounding areas. We occasionally get together and work on machines and would love to have you join us. Once again let me say WELCOME !!!!
Bob
justingray87
Member
[No message]
Kenmore!
Thanks much - again welcome!
Thanks much - again welcome!
justingray87
Member
Hey Bob, thanks for the welcome! I’d love to see your collection sometime. They’re very hard to find these days. I bought this machine off Facebook believe it or not over in Mount Pilot. I’ve never rebuilt one so I’ll need lots of advice! I used to have several vintage automatics I bought at a used appliance store when I lived in Washington State for work. I could kick myself for leaving them behind. They were pretty easy to find out there and I took it for granted 
I’ve included a picture of a dryer I bought out there I left in the basement when I moved.
I’ve included a picture of a dryer I bought out there I left in the basement when I moved.cfz2882
Well-known member
motor might only have rust buildup between rotor and stator and can be "cracked"loose with a wrench on the pulley 
From your first photo, it looks like you found one of the rare early 24" wide machines. Congratulations and welcome!
Noticed
A GE monitor top fridge next to the dryer! Hope you didn't leave that behind?
A GE monitor top fridge next to the dryer! Hope you didn't leave that behind?
justingray87
Member
I did a quick measure on it and it is 24". Any idea on the year approximately?
Kenmore!
This is 1957 to my knowledge - I think!
This is 1957 to my knowledge - I think!
mickeyd
Well-known member
Welcome, Justin
Looks like very early 50's. If you look at the model number, it will start with 110. The two numbers after that are the year of production.
Interested n your current wringer; love them myself. Welcome to the club. If I may, what did you do in Washington state?
Odd not to see a "SUDS" on the dial of a machine of that vintage.
Looks like very early 50's. If you look at the model number, it will start with 110. The two numbers after that are the year of production.
Interested n your current wringer; love them myself. Welcome to the club. If I may, what did you do in Washington state?
Odd not to see a "SUDS" on the dial of a machine of that vintage.
