1986 very late model Lady Kenmore belt-drive washer

[kenmoreguy64]

Recently I promised myself that I would not bring home any more washers until I got the few up and running which are already here in less than working order.

Well, the wonderful Mister Drew, RedCarpetDrew that is, nudged me enough (I admit that it took very little effort on his part) to bring home a handsome Lady Kenmore which he had found for me some time back. We shipped it to our California plant last year around early December, and it arrived in Charlotte right around Christmas. I have left it tucked away while it was a little too chilly for garage washer work, and as I worked on other machines like the brothers BOL Kenmore.

Today is a gorgeous day, so I arranged loading help at the warehouse, and went down and fetched Miss New Lady and brought her home only moments ago. I realize that to some these are not the most exciting Lady Kenmores, and even some have said that they don't consider these true Ladies. Be that as it may, I thought these were fascinating when I bought my 70-series in summer 1986, and I am VERY glad to have this one now.

Here are a few pics, then I have to go out and start cleaning her up.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I forgot an in-truck pic, but this is close enough.

Once again, transportation provided by Ford.[this post was last edited: 3/24/2012-14:06]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Getting acquainted with her shop mates while the '89 Mustang looks on timidly...

 

[kenmoreguy64]

A full pose now that I cut off the stretch wrap that she was clad in for almost four months.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Say Ahhhhh!

(That is an imported leaf from Nevada or California, btw...)[this post was last edited: 3/24/2012-19:35]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

She somehow got pretty nasty dirty after Andy did his now semi-famous underwater video shots with this one

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Another view

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the un-rusted treasures that we can find in places out west vs. the stuff here on the east coast. This area around the triple dispenser is often rusty from splashing from the water flow inside and from spills in and around the dispenser.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I hope this becomes one of my favorite washers. She certainly already has a leg-up because of where she came from (THANKS again Andy!!).

One really cool thing about this machine that I will go into in more detail later on: This is a de-contented Lady Kenmore. The primary 1983-1986 Lady was model 110.82392100. This is 110.82592100, meaning it is a 1985 model. There are only two differences - first, the top is powder coated instead of painted, and second, she lacks the double coated white basket. Until Andy found this machine, I never knew why Kenmore had both, but I remember this one being on sale once or twice in 1985/1986 for what I thought was a steal. This is probably why - they took out two areas of cost so they could sell the machine a little cheaper.

Another neat thing about this machine is that it is now the newest belt-drive Kenmore that I have ever seen and am aware of at this time. I thought my 70-series had that distinction as it was manufactured in week 32 of 1986 (mid August). This machine was made in week 35 of 1986, or early September.

I did a test run on her after taking the pics - she sounds great and all seems to work as it should. Time to go give her a good wash-down and water test. Its gonna be heck getting that duct tape residue off...

Gordon

 

[goatfarmer]

Another great machine, Gordon! It's nice to see someone start a home for wayward belt drives!

 

WD40 does a great job on tape residue. Or GooGone.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

All that 'tap tap tapping' worked!

You forgot the bonus! A rare (as in the customer always loses it rare) liquid detergent insert for the dispenser! I really didn't expect to find that. I hope the USDA doesn't have a fit over that Nevada leaf crossing state lines! As far as the features combination, once again I've proven one of your theories about Nevada being a test bed for new models before they are released nationwide correct. It seems just about every washer I find for you is one you've not seen. Another is that older 24"er you haven't brought home yet. Hmmmm, here we go again...

Tap tap tap... LOL!

Can't wait to see the in action shots... Tap tap tap...

RCD

 

[pdub]

Cool Washer -G-

Isn't it nice to have friends in far away places that are always looking out for you!

Looks like a little soap and water and this machine will clean up beautifully.

I like those triple dispensers, too. Very nice! Enjoy.

Patrick

 

[kqkenmore]

That Lady would be welcomed in my home I think that they are great enjoy. Carl

 

[in2itdood]

Wow! She's a pretty Lady

Hey Gordy ...
Love that machine!!! ... When we were talking yesterday I was not getting how awesome that machine was =). Congrats! Love to see her after a nice windex and Mr. Clean bath.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Updated pics

There is less WD-40 in the world now, but I got the tape residue off. That was an interesting adventure as the rag I used was so full of adhesive that when the rag touched anything else, it would redeposit the sticky everywhere.

The machine is in pretty nice physical shape. The cabinet cleaned up nicely. That's a drilled hole in the front, and there is another one underneath. I'd love to know what people had installed on the front, perhaps a clothes line or pole.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Lid up view.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Unfortunately, she did not pass the today's water test. I washed the rags she dirtied, but about 8 minutes into the wash I noticed a small leak trail. It was mostly the pump slow dripping, but I think there was some drippage off the baseplate as well. Crap...I am not doing well with incoming washers lately in the leak department. The pump is the main problem, and when it went into drain, water literally sprayed out of it. Holy moly...I was concerned about continued use, so I finished the load in another machine.

On a very good note however, I found out an answer to another issue which had been bugging me. When Andy did his videos on this machine, I noticed right away that it did not have enough water flow through the detergent dispenser. I noticed that when the solenoid valve is first energized, MUCH more water flows through for about one second, meaning the solenoid must be weak and partially closing, obstructing water flow. I can fix that.

So, I've got another project, but this should not (hope not) be a big deal.

Gordon

 

[lebron]

Nice Lady K, looks GREAT all cleaned up! You'll have to update us when you get around to fixing the solenoid and pump.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Oh $&$@%€#¥$&!!!

That did not leak before I sent her to you! Aaarrrggghhh! Could the pump have frozen from the cold Nevada weather? Man! As far as the tub leak, could she have been rough handled during shipment and caused small leaks at the tub bolts or tub outlet? Oh well, at least the bearings are still in good shape as I sent her...

Sorry, brother! I thought I sent you one you could use without having to fix it first. I hope the older 24"er that accompanied the Lady on her journey survived the trip in better shape...

RCD