1974 Lady Kenmore Set

[kenmoreguy89]

Pita machines

I actually think that the old style Whirlpool and km's are among the most difficult machines to fix.
All the solenoid and wigwag thing itself is difficult, lots of Things to disengage and re-engage, replacing a tub seal also is going to have you lift away the tranny and it's components.

Not all old machines are difficult for example filter flos were pretty easy, of course the system was different so suspended wash tub instead of the whole outer tub, but to change the tub seal which actually was a boot was something you could do just lifting up the wash tub and secure two clamps, transmissions also Could Be lifted up from the tub disengaging bolts from the space where boot went, also the tub bolts are a easy thing, you just unscrew them and you're done no spanner nut or special tools needed.

 

[repairguy]

These manuals don’t cover the controls section of the lady kenmore, but they are detailed in the rebuilding of the drive system. I have this manual from 1977 and I’m pretty sure it was the last one Sears issued that described rebuilding the drive system including basket drive, center post bearings, and gearcase. The newer ones just say replace the gearcase or contact Sears. This one says it’s copyrighted 1973. The kenmore/whirlpool belt drive is my favorite and those lady Kenmores are very cool machines. They definitely are a lot of work to rebuild, but if you do it right from the start these machines will last another 45 years.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sears-Kenm...899601?hash=item3d203d6551:g:wRUAAOSw0fhXjj7P

 

[vacerator]

Freddie,

yes, I agree, and my dad said the same as you, but he did not ike the GE dryer's much. The wig wag solenoids were mainly problematic in the wires being broken within the insulation from the constant movment with agitation. They engaged the clutch, and the pump valve for pump out and suds saver if equipped. Possibly over engineered, but had among the best superstructure and balancing in the industry then. My moms 1963 model 70 Kenmore lasted 26 years, through raising 5 of us with only a few minor repairs. Machines can all break, It matters wether not it's a basic model, or a high end one. After 200,000 Kilonmeters, even a Lexus will have problems, and they are among the highest quality in durable longevity of a motor vehicle.

 

[combo52]

Complete Mechanical Rebuilds On Vintage Domestic AWs

Automatic US built washers from late 50s through around 1980.

 

I will Do A BD WP-KM over any others, next best are GE FFs, then MT helical drive machines, Absolute worst Norge TL machines all years.

 

FD, Franklin, Philco were all over the place in terms of major repairs, the easiest FDs were the 1-18s.

 

John L.

 

[jons1077]

Thank you!

I went ahead and purchased the manual you sent the link for. I really appreciate that! I’ll be so happy to have these up and running. They’re definitely pretty to look at.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I always thought the older Whirlpool/Kenmore washers were pretty easy to work on and kinda fun. You needed a bench with a hefty vice since the bottom of the transmission housing was made to be locked in to support the unit. Whirlpool had a special tool for removing and installing spin tube bearings. Sometimes removing the agitator block was difficult but once you heated it up with the acetylene torch (I was a junior pyromaniac) it usually gave way.  My machines purred like a kitten when I finished them for resale, but then I had a free run in the parts department and would replace items that were mechanically fine. I didn't like dirty parts. I was a teenager. What did I know about profit?</span>

 

[jons1077]

Bearing tool

Finding a way to install new spin tube bearing would be interesting without the special tool. Lord knows where to even find one. I did manage to find a rebuilt gear case as well as seal/bearing kit online so those should arrive in the next couple weeks when I’m ready to get started.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I'd be willing to bet many many of those bearings were replaced without a special tool. You can use a piece of pipe to remove both top and bottom bearings as long as you try and do it evenly. As far as new bearings, you could use a block of wood to install them as long as you put the bearing in evenly. You can also get by OK by just replacing the top bearing. Remember the spin tube bearings have nothing to do with the transmission. If the machine knocks when spinning or the tub feels loose when you use your fingers to lift up on it then the bearings may be worn. </span>

 

[this post was last edited: 11/9/2019-22:13]

 

[combo52]

Restoring A 1974 LKM

Hi Jon, You might be getting ahead of what you might need, It is pretty unlikely that this washer will need new spin bearings, the top spin tube seal generally should be replaced however.

 

John L.

 

[jons1077]

Whirlpool/Kenmore private lessons

Just have to brag on behalf of a couple of sweet friends a little bit. John (Combo52) and Jason (Surgilator_68) really showed me the ropes the past few days. These two men run one of the most successful appliance businesses in the DC Metro area. What they can diagnose and accomplish on the countless house calls they do is nothing short of amazing. Seeing the two of them team up on a complete belt-drive rebuild is really something to see. Being a mentor and teacher in critical care, I have a great appreciation for the qualities of a good teacher and mentor and these guys have got them all. I definitely feel far more confident and ready to rebuild these machines thanks to the time they spent going through all of the details with me. So fortunate to have members who are so genuine.

I will first tackle the quick restoration of the dryer while washer parts trickle in from the various places I’ve purchased. Will save the best for last.

Sorry for being sappy but John and Jason, love you both. You just don’t know how much I needed this on a personal level. This is like wind in my sales.[this post was last edited: 11/15/2019-21:59]

 

[repairguy]

That’s great news! Those Lady Kenmores will be ready for another 45 years of service in no time.

 

[volsboy1]

Wonderful set Jon , I am so jealous that is one of my dream sets to have, That is number 3 on my bucket list.Love that agitator ...

 

[bradfordwhite]

Awesome.  Only issue is the dispenser door is faded but that can probably be cleaned, primed and painted and look better than ever. 

 

Super job of how you attained them.  Patience and a good eye.  I like those stories of hope.  

 

[bigalsf]

Just catching this thread (not sure how I missed it!) 

 

Beautiful set and great story.  Congrats on getting such a great pair!   I had a set of these in Harvest Gold a while back.  The washer was super quiet; the dryer not so much.  But they did a great job.   The Penta Swirl agitator can definitely move a large load around, but it's a more gentle turnover.  

 

Good luck with the transmission swap.   You may be able to locate the bearing tools through a local long-time appliance repair business.  If you explain what you're doing you may be able to borrow/rent them.   Keep us posted!