1972 Lady Kenmore questions ..

[ng0n]

I'm reviving my wife's mom's 1972 Lady Kenmore Washer and Dryer. I have the washer running but it leaks when pumping out the tub (no leak when filling or washing), possibly from the lint filter (conical plastic thing). Questions: 1. How do I take the top off this washer ? (I've had the control panel off to tighten the function dial.) 2. I'm not getting HOT water, just Warm and Cold. Is that probably a mixing valve problem ? 3. The lint filter - is it serviceable ? Is there an 'upgraded' replacement version ?
Thanks for your help.
/ ng0n

 

[revvinkevin]

Maybe this will help....

Hello and welcome to AW.

If it leaks during drain-out only, check the drain hose from the pump to the back of the cabinet, the plastic connector (elbow) at the back of the cabinet, the hose from that connector to the drain and all the connections and clamps.

While the machine is agitating, it's pumping the tub water through the filter and back into the tub. If the filter or it's connections where leaking, it would leak all the time, not just while draining.

Yes check the inlet (mixing) valve. On that Lady Kenmore, if you to not have any of the cycle buttons pressed, it defaults to a HOT wash fill. You should be able to get Hot, Warm or Cold fill depending on which cycle button is pressed (but I'm sure you know that).

I THINK the filter is servicable, depending on which one it is (there were many designs), but don't quote me on that as I've never had one apart. If you want to replace the filter, there are / should be replacements available, just check an appliance parts website like Sears Parts Direct. But as long as the drain flow volume is good and it's not leaking, there's probably no reason to replace it.

Here is a little video I just shot on opening the top.

Best of luck and post photos of it when you get a chance please.

Kevin

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value=""></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

 

[mattl]

I recall replacing the conical filter with an updated one many years ago. If I recall correctly the new version was flatter, it was a direct replacement part I got from Sears, I would guess in the mid to late'80s. I do not believe the original style is serviceable, seemed like a sealed unit but I could be wrong...

 

[combo52]

SELF-CLEANING FILTER

The original cone shaped milky-white filter did have a tendency to split at the bottom and leak, and it would leak more during drain as the housing is under pressure when the machine is draining as the filter is back flushing the lint out the drain hose. As Matt mentioned the replacement filter is completely different, Sears had so many problems with leaks and floods with the original design they had the engineers @ WP adapt the old WP Magic-Clean filter from the mid 1960s to fit the plumbing of the later KM washers.

 

[ng0n]

Thanks VERY much you guys

INCREDIBLE ! LOVE the video ! You guys are the BEST. Now that I can open the top I'll be able to trace the leak easily. The leak and the possible need for a new mixing valve and the possible leak in the lint filter are the only problems I'm aware of with this washer. Thanks to you, tracing this out will be straightforward.
Our Lady Kenmore was purchased NEW by my wife's father and has never left the basement if originally came home to YES, the MATCHING dryer is with it . SWEET !
I find the 'self leveling' rear feet interesting. Our floor is very uneven and I've had to shim, which presents no problem and the spin is stable.
Will provide photos at a later date.
The dryer squeels when first started up but the squeel diminishes rapidly to a minor, background level after a minute or two. I've not had it apart yet. Seems like a bearing issue, or possibly support wheels...
Again, THANKS everyone. More to follow...
/ng0n

 

[volvoguy87]

Dryer.

The matching dryer is super-easy to service. I've repaired and serviced quite a few of them lately.

If it utters a quick chirp when started, it could be the motor spinning against a worn belt. A more constant squeal is usually a bad idler pulley. The drum support rollers can also make a lower pitched squealing noise, but they also will frequently go "thump-thump-thump-thump-thump) especially when they are cold and the rubber is hard. You can replace these parts individually or you can just get the rebuild kit. The rebuild kit is cheaper than buying the parts separately and replacing them all at once is not much more work at all. Installing the rebuild kit only takes me about 20 minutes, but it's pretty simple so take your time.

The link is to an example of the rebuild kit. Shop around, you may be able to find a better price. It's a common part.

Have fun,
Dave

Whirlpool 4392065 Dryer Repair Kit (most 29 Inch Large Capacity Models) (AP3131942) - AppliancePartsPros.com

The Dryer Repair Kit is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool 29-inch large capacity dryer models. It is a kit designed to provide various essential components and hardware needed for common dryer repairs or maintenance tasks. The kit includes: One Dryer belt (341241) Drum support roller...

www.appliancepartspros.com

 

[ng0n]

Follow Up - Making Progress

Gentlemen: Apparently when I pulled the console to tighten up the function dial on it's shaft, the wiggling of connections has restored the HOT WATER on COTTONS WHITE !?!? The Lady is happy for the attention. Following Kevin's procedure I got HOT with Selective Cancel. Then trying COTTONS WHITE also got HOT.
With the Top up - again kudos to Kevin - I was able to see the leak and isolate it to the conical lint filter. When I have a bit more time I'll pull that and look it over. The hoses all look good. I suspect a cracked 'welded seam' or a crack in the bottom of the filter. I notice a spring clamp holding the outboard side but no matching clamp on the inboard side. Could be a 'clue'. We'll see. Will try to NOT damage the hoses when disassembling...
I noticed some crud streaming out the impeller vanes and by tweaking the VARI I was able to get enough clearance to pull out GOBS OF CRUD (did somebody try to wash a RUG in here ?) The twisted long fibers seem 'rug like'. I wonder how to remove the impeller ?? Certainly if a bunch of that is in the lint filter it would explain increased internal pressure and a possible leak cause..
RE: the Lady dryer . I think the Idler Pulley is a good bet. I know the 'Thumping Support Roller' routine and have fixed it in other washers before. Usually asked to do that on Holidays when friends can't get a repairman and are setting tables for 35 people.. UGGGG. The drum rolls smooth. Certainly when I pull it apart I'll 'scope' them out. EASY to fix that. Idler pulley should be easy. Worn belt.... hmmm ... the noise sounds more metalic, almost 'automotive' and there's no smell. I'll watch it and see.
Photos: She's not ready for her 'close up' yet Popping the top revealed 38 years of 'deposits'. The fabric softner cup is clogged. Ditto the bleach cub. No matter as easily cleaned.
Running the Selective Cancel I picked some wierd stage - maybe a permanent press. Whew... Lots of subtlties - sprays, slow spins, etc.
Does the Lady do 'Suds Saver' ?
/ ng0n
Ps: Again, kudos to you guys for the excellent guidance

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I wish you great luck with the restore!

The '72 LK seems to be a perennial favorite on this site.

The replacement lint filter is Whirlpool part number 358790. Check around online at parts houses...they were available from Sears for quite some time, even though machines that used them were reengineered by 1975 to use the tub mounted selt-cleaning filter.

As John said, the replacement filter looks entirely different, but it is designed to be an easy, one-for-one replacement for the old cone shaped filters.

I have bought several on ebay in the last year or so, and there are three there now. Search by the part number and you'll find 'em. A couple are Gemline, but I think one is Genuine Whirlpool/FSP.

I was glad to see Kevin's video. Funny that I had to teach him how to open the top of a WP/Kenmore not all that long ago....

Happy Holidays!

Gordon

 

[1972lkdishwash]

1966 Turquoise Kenmore Dryer

I am having isssues with my 1966 Dryer from Sears...MAJOR NOISE WHEN STARTING....SQUEELING AND NOISES, SOUNDS LIKE A BELT ISSUE....DOES THIS DRYER HAVE A BLOWER SYSTEM.???..SEEMS TO NOT BE EXHAUSTING.....SCOTT CANNOT LOOK AT THIS TILL THE WEEKEND, AND WE R HANGING CLOTHES IN THE BASEMENT TO DRY....horrible!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS WHERE I CAN FIND THE REBUILD UNIT WITH BELT AND PULLEY AND WHATEVER? MODERN PARTS IN PARMA,OHIO ?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

If the dryer is truly a 1966 model, it should have a direct drive blower and a rebuild kit is available almost anywhere that offers a decent selection of Whirlpool parts. These are still very current parts.

If you have a late-build 1965 machine with a belt-driven blower, you will need different parts. The blower belts are still around, but your tech. guy should probably check the dryer before you go very far.

As to dryingin the basement - my mom did that every chance she could get. It was cheap, and almost like line drying.

Gordon

 

[1972lkdishwash]

1966 Dryer Kenmore

Thanks Gordon for the info on the dryer....it is a 1966 Kenmore, chrome galore and Turquoise, and we worked on it today...The blower is working fine...needed to clean out the rear exhaust lint collection at bottom elbow and exhaust pipe to the outside....rather full of lint and residue from 4 years of drying, since we moved here....will check this area twice a year, NOW.....it is the belt and pulley unit that needs replaced...the belt is stretched on the inside of the pulley mechanism.. found one here at Universal Appliance Parts. We R going to change the belt and Pulley on probably Fri. afternoon...this dryer lights up on the work service from a chrome trim overhead unit and inside...Hanging clothes in basement to dry, they come off the line, stiff as cardboard....no wonder my Mother and Grandmother used to iron EVERYTHING. Harold in Wheeling, WV

 

[ng0n]

The Ladys Close Ups (1972 Lady Kenmore Twins)

Here are the pictures (see link) of the restored '72 lady Kenmore Twins.

I have included pictures of the old lint filter and the new OLD STYLE lint filter that Gordon sourced for me. Ebay. Found one 20 minutes from my house ! Just went and picked it up. Richard Gross was very helpful with some install tips...
Note: The old clamps were weak and leaked a bit. Use new hose clamps...

The dryer still has the 'sales points' green sticker on the top It's getting the full treatment - belt, rollers and idler pulley. Thanks Dave for the link to Appliance Parts Pros. Get an account. They are great. These guys are FAST and CHEAP.

MANY thanks to everyone for your help. Couldn't have done it properly without you guys.

/ ng0n

1972 Lady Kenwood Twins

 

[ng0n]

Lint Filters on the 'water exhaust' hose ??

Gentlemen: There must be a better way to 'final filter' lint from a washing machine !!
Is there some kind of 'device' or cleanable screen that one can attach to the 'OUT' hose to capture the lint ? It would be REUSABLE, cleanable.
These 'aluminum screens' are pathetic...
THANKS for any suggestions ...
/ng0n

 

[combo52]

SELF-CLEANING FILTER

All washers put a lot of lint out the drain hose with the waste water. The back flush self-cleaning filters put out about twice as much lint. Unless your house has really bad plumbing its best to let the lint go down the drain with the waste water [ the lint actually helps clean the inside of the pipes ]. The lint that washers put out is very small as it has worked its way through the little holes in the basket, it will not clog normal drain lines and if you have a septic tank its good for the bacterial action as 90% of lint is cotton and biodegradable.

 

[mickeyd]

just saw the pix

TTTT<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">The white on white on white is gorgeous~ the cabinet, the porcelain tub, the Variflex. </span><span style="background-color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="background-color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">
</span>

 

[ng0n]

Thanks Mickeyd !

Mickeyd: Thanks for the note. It's nice when a project goes right and also nice to get the 'pat on the back' for it.
Now, to learn about dryer sensors.... We have 2 dryers, the Lady and a Maytag. Neither one seems to work correctly when run on a 'sensor' type cycle.
/ ng0n

 

[ng0n]

Exhaust Water Lint Filtering ...

Combo52: You make some statements that I need clarification on. Lint will help clean the pipes ? Explain. Also, 2x as much lint with self cleaning lint filters in washer as without ? Again, explain.
Our washers are in the basement, right above the 4" pipe to the city hookup. So, there's not a lot of 'pipe' to get clogged in our system. Still, I can envision NO LINT going into the system.
I have noticed that using the aluminum condom screen filters on the exhaust line works fine but requires constant replacement. I've started experimenting with running the 'condom' submersed in water - thus keeping the lint WET.
The reason: wet lint can be 'rolled out' of the filter. Taking the filter between flat hands and rolling it, the lint will make a 'snake' inside the filter that can be removed. HOWEVER, if the lint is allowed to DRY IN PLACE it is absurdly difficult to remove.
I will build a lint trap design that will be EASILY CLEANED and not interfere with the water discharge efficiency. I'm AMAZED there seems to be no such product in the market...

 

[mickeyd]

You're welcome

Tried to get the color bar to match your trim so I could type in white , but this was the best I could do. Though I prefer color, I never saw white so striking as on your Lady K. I love these machines. I bet you will to--or already do!

 

[ng0n]

Color vs. White - I'm a color man too.

MickeyD: I also LOVE color washers. Turquoise ROCKS. The Ladys came with the wife They were her mom's and they are SWEET. Nice to have them back on line, quiet, no leaks, no problems. AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT. $ 30 for the dryer rebuild, $ 20 for the washer. $ 12 for the gas hookup hardware. $0 Labor
Can't beat it. Found the 'collections and restorations' on the automatic washer site. AMAZING !!! 300 page views of the 'Picture of the Day' today. This is a hot site (no pun intended...)
Again, thanks for your support MickeyD
/ ng0n