1974 Lady Kenmore Outer Tub Repair HELP!

[Marky_Mark]

Hi guys

 

I'm looking for advice on how to fix up the outer tub (and inner basket) plus any other maintenance tips and tricks.

 

I've removed the basket so that I can replace the lint filter, which was leaking during drain.  I am not aware of any other leaks at all.

 

Here's the situation so far:

 

 

[Marky_Mark]

There is what appears to be some rust and some other residue.  Not sure what this is or how best to remove it:

 

[Marky_Mark]

On closer inspection of the outer tub:

 

[Marky_Mark]

And the inner basket:

 

[Marky_Mark]

I've searched this site and read a lot about things like POR-15, W-B Weld and more.  But I don't know what would be the most appropriate thing to do in this case.  All help much appreciated!  Thank you!

 

Mark

 

[Marky_Mark]

From what I've read of this site, I was thinking of using something like CLR to remove the rust and residue and perhaps a wire brush on the centre post.  Maybe sandpaper too.

 

Then I guess I would need to apply something to seal and protect the metal from further rust etc.  Would that be a good idea?

 

[maytag85]

Since I’ve deal with rust one mine, going to have to remove the outer tub and hold it up towards the sunlight to see if there’s any pinholes. Usually, any pinholes will be clogged with debris, as soon as it’s cleaned and the tub is installed, it’ll leak. If there’s any pinholes, beat to have them welded. Tried using the JB Weld Steel-Stik which worked for awhile, but the leak ended popping up again.

I’d use a wire brush to remove as much of the rust and scale, clean it several times with Dawn dish soap, clean it with CLR, clean it up with acetone, then I’d apply the POR15 and let it cure for awhile.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks, Sean!  I've just taken a wire brush to it and also come CLR.  

 

I've just discovered a couple more leaks.  The tub drain area is leaking and also the pump has a couple of drips too.

 

I was hoping to be able to apply sealant/treatment without removing the outer tub if possible. 

 

Mark

 

[maytag85]

It might be possible to apply sealant/treatment with the tub in the machine but since I’ve dealt with rust on my Whirlpool, better to disassemble and remove the outer tub just to be sure. Much wiser to go through everything while it’s out of service than to have to be constantly working on it.

Currently in the process of cleaning the outer tub on my Whirlpool while it’s out, then coating it with Flex Seal which is a rubberized coating, practically undercoating in a can. I literally had to spend a hour scraping that stuff off since I accidentally sprayed in the area I wanted to have welded, stops leaks but impossible to remove. Even going to cost the center post area in the inner tube with Flex Seal in white for more insurance purposes.

 

[washerlover]

Hey Mark, so nice to see my old LK friends again! Sean's advice is sound and I've had much luck in the past with good old POR-15. Hoping you can get those leaks fixed. Best, Todd

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks, Sean and Todd.  I have my supplies at the ready...

 

[Marky_Mark]

Update:

Yesterday I prepped the tub and centre post and then applied a couple of coats of POR-15.

 

And then I applied J-B Weld around the drain port over the layers of POR-15.

 

Tested today and no leaks at all during washing!

 

[Marky_Mark]

However, there is a leak that only happens during drain.  It appears to be coming from the pump.  It is not coming from the new self-cleaning lint filter, which I've just installed.

 

I wanted to buy this 4-port pump to replace my 4-port pump, but the box of this pump mentions manual-clean filters, but my machine has the self-cleaning lint filter.  So I don't know if this pump would work.  Could anyone confirm this please?  It would be great if anyone could point me in the right direction with a part number etc.  

 

Here are some photos of my current pump and also the one listed for sale:

 

[repairguy]

Mark that is the correct pump for your washer. The part number is 350367. Your seal job looks good. Hopefully you will be completely leak free again soon.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thank you, Melvin!  I've ordered the pump.  Now I'll search for information and (hopefully) videos on how to replace it.  If I run into trouble, I'll be back here crying for help!

 

 

 

[114jwh]

Mark, can you tell specifically where the leak is coming from in the pump area? Maybe watch it draining while the back is off to see if you can spot the leak. It could be one of the hose connections and if so, one of them may need some slight tightening or repositioning. There also could be a small crack in one of the hoses themselves so take a look for that as well. If its coming from the seal between the two halves of the pump then yes, the gasket that seals them together may be worn out and a new pump would do the trick.

It looks like you have a worm clamp on one of the drain ports. I've found that while these are a good replacement for the corbin clamps, you have to also be careful not to overtighten as this can crack the port and cause leaks as well. There is a bit of a fine line between tight enough and too tight so be careful if you end up installing the new pump.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

 

[combo52]

Outer tub repair

Looks good, Mark I’m glad you took my suggestion of doing the lesson invasive just repair the tub in place repair.

For your purposes, this will probably work for quite a few years

 

[washerlover]

Looking good! Please keep us posted!

 

[Marky_Mark]

Hi James.  With the rear access panel removed, I've watched it start dripping during draining and then I've unplugged it and put my hand in there to feel around the pump area (and other areas).  I'm not certain but it seems like it's the pump itself, it could be coming from the seal between the two halves of the pump or possibly from the top of the pump.  I removed a couple of the original hose clamps and replaced them with worm clamps a couple of days ago based on something I read on AW suggesting worm clamps might be better.  Thanks for the advice about not over tightening them -- I definitely want to avoid cracking the new pump when it arrives!

 

John, thanks very much for your help and advice.  I'm pleased I used the method you recommended rather than attempting to remove the tub.

 

Todd, I will update the post with the outcome!