1980? Lady Kenmore Dryer Electronic Fabric Care

[judi]

Thanks for adding me as a member! Here's my story:

My old Kenmore washer 90 series finally died on me, so I frantically went for a search for a new washer. Wow, was I ever surprised to find it was impossible to find a new machine that wasn't a "high effeciency" model!!! I looked online at used machines, and just couldn't find a used dealer that seemed to want to sell me a machine, because it was Columbus Day, I guess. I made numerous phone calls, with no luck.

While looking online, I kept seeing people saying to get a Speed Queen, so that's what I did, and I love it. It's as close to an old-fashioned agitator top loader as I could find. The model # is AWN432. They are hard to find in stock, but I found one, and it was delivered the same day I bought it. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles my old Kenmore had, but it seems like a good machine. The only thing I don't like about it is the lid switch, so I can't see the washing action when the lid is open. I'm hoping someone here can tell me how to de-activate the lid switch, so I can watch it agitate.

Now on to my dryer!! (I think it's a 1980) Lady Kenmore, Heavy Duty Plus, Electronic Fabric Care. Model # 110.87194100. This is the ONLY dryer I've ever owned, and it has been the best machine ever! I bought it in 1980, and I estimate I have dried approximately 18,000 loads of clothes in this beloved machine. It still works great, and is currently drying a load of jeans as I type this. The electronic board has never gone out, and the touch pads still look new, no cracks, no fading, looks new.

It's a gas dryer, set up for natural gas. Over the years, it needed a new motor, a new belt, a new lint filter, and I think a new igniter. It's been a great machine. I love it, and I hate to part with it. But I live in fear that it will die on me one day soon, just like the washing machines have. But I DON'T want it to go to the dump! I'd like to find a good home for it. I'm going to keep using it until I can afford to buy something to replace it. When that day comes, I hope I can find someone, maybe soneone here, who might want my old dryer!

 

[judi]

At "Appliance411.com" I get this result for the date of my dryer:

"Brand: Kenmore
Type: Clothes Dryer
Country: USA
Model: 110.87194100
Serial: M12301378
Note! This product could have been manufactured on multiple dates. Personal assistance may be needed to date the product more accurately.

According to the serial number this product may have been manufactured in Marion, OH, June of 1971 or 1981 or 2011.

Based on the model number supplied, this product design may have been introduced to the marketplace in 1981 or 2001 in which case the closest date indicated by the serial number may be the actual manufacturing date for this product."

According to that info, my dryer must be a 1981 model.

 

[DADoES]

 
Yes, there were no electronic-control touchpanel models in 1971.

Manufactured 23rd week of 1981.  The model/market year may be a little earlier or later.

 

[whirlcool]

Is this one of the "filter on top" models? If so, it may last forever.

I have a 1993 WP Electronic Dryer, electric. I have never had to replace anything on it. Even the light bulb in the drum is the original. The only think I do to it about every three years or so is take the cover off and vacuum out the inside of the dryer. It never really gets super dusty in there. The same with the "tube" the dryer filter slides into. I have noticed that some lint accumulates at the bottom of that tube.

In a gas dryer I would just watch for corrosion on any of the gas parts. Other than that if the bearings aren't making any noise I would continue to use it without worry!

And make sure the exhaust vent is clear too. You wouldn't want to back up carbon monoxide into the house!

 

[yogitunes]

I would keep that as long as possible, or find a somewhat newer one close to it for a replacement.....

those Whirlpool/Kenmore designs dry like no other, almost perfect wrinkle free results from every load....'Soft Heat' that is only found on these machines gives you those great results....like no other

granted you may want a match to your speed queen...

 

[judi]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies!

DADoES, Thanks for the info on the manufacture date. I guess I must have bought this in 1981. I remember it was very expensive for those days, but I couldn't resist buying it and hoped it would be a good investment. It surely was!

whirlcool, yes this has the long filter on the top! Best filter ever! Oh thanks so much for reminding me to vacuum the inside of the dryer. I used to do that all the time, but I became disabled a few years ago and have forgotten about vacuuming it. Also, the exhaust hose needs cleaning I'm sure. My brother lives with me now, so I'm gonna let him tackle those jobs. Thanks for the great tips!

Yogitunes, I agree, this machine has been just wonderful, and I hope it will keep going for many more years. When it needed a new motor, maybe ten years ago, the repairman advized against it, saying it would be a waste of money to put a new motor in that old of a machine. I'm SO glad I ignored his advice! The new motor was $130., a great investment. Yes, I LOVE the heat settings on this machine. Low, medium, and high. I use the low temp for anything that tends to wrinkle, and everything comes out wrinkle-free. I also use the low temp for knits, delicates, sweaters, blankets, and anything that tends to dry quickly. I use the high heat for jeans and towels only. I rarely use the medium temp.

There's absolutely nothing about this machine that I don't love! I've had 3-4 washing machines in the last 35 years, but this dryer just keeps on going!

BTW, any ideas on how to de-activate the lidswitch on the Speed Queen? The dealer told me the mechanism for it was under the cabinet, and it would void the waranty if I messed with it. But I can barely tolerate it, really hate it.

 

[yogitunes]

helpful hints.......

deactivating the lids switch........

first, and the only thing you need is a clothes pin......easy on, and easy off.....no one will ever know.....

at the back of your machine, just above the drain hose, with the lid closed, slide the clothes pin over that silver clip.....from now on, it will operate with the lid open......easy as pie!......just remove it should a service tech ever have to come out.....just be careful should kids/toddlers be around the machine while its working....

 

[judi]

Thanks Yogitunes!! I'm gonna try that!

 

[judi]

Yogitunes, my son came to visit late this afternoon. I showed him the pic you posted, and, badda-bing! I can now monitor my washer! Add soap when I want to, add more water if it needs a little more water, wonderful! He commented how dang heavy the machine is, I told him it was built like a tank and that he would inherit it one day, lol.

As good as this machine is, I must say, it doesn't hold a candle to my old Kenmore. As far as options go, my Kenmore had a lot more options than this one does. I could do just about anything I wanted to do with my old Kenmore. I will have to adjust to this machine. Be thankful for what it can do, and try to forget about the things it can't do.

 

[yogitunes]

apple and oranges I'm afraid as far as the model you chose and options available....

if you chose the TOL model (I think that 542) with speed selector, that would have gave you unlimited variable of options.....you could have selected/mixed speeds to any cycle...second rinse option as well....checking the website, seems this is the only model for mechanical controls, everything else is digital....

many of us adjusted our water level to give a full level wash...

but like you said, just adapt to what you have to work with, and you should do fine...

congrats just the same on your new purchase.....definitely dependable