1986 very late model Lady Kenmore belt-drive washer

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kenmoreguy64

kenmoreguy64

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Jan 30, 2008
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3,282
Location
Charlotte, NC
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.
 
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++3-24-2012-13-57-19.jpg
 
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

kenmoreguy64++3-24-2012-14-03-57.jpg
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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++3-25-2012-12-18-4.jpg
 
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
 
Nice Lady K, looks GREAT all cleaned up! You'll have to update us when you get around to fixing the solenoid and pump.
 
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
 
Could the pump have frozen from the cold Nevada weather?

I have a 71 Lady K that worked fine and after it was moved in cold weather the pump was comepletely shot, so it very well could be.
 
Andy - No worries my friend. The major issue was the pump. That is anything but a big deal. I have never seen one spray water like that though in pump out, so it was kinda cool...the pump was definitely not happy. But, if it is the original pump, it owes us nothing. I have a dozen or more new four port pumps so no issues there. I am not certain about the leaky tub, but I will find out more when I work on the machine more closely.

Today I did get the leveling legs improved. I took out the link, both legs, and the plastic clips. One side of the link had some bends in it, which interferes A LOT with the leveling ability of the whole system. I corrected that, and the system now works fine. I have a feeling that the hauler man-handled her, as one of the front legs is coming apart, which they do when they absorb too many compressions.

I think the best thing to do with this machine is to take her all apart, re-do the seals, install a new pump, and probably a detergent valve solenoid, and I shouldn't have to worry about it for some time to come.

THANKS a lot for a very cool washer Andy!

G
 
Gordon, congrats on briging home the 86 Lady in all of her decontented glory. You cleaned her appearance up nicely, and I am optimistic that her internal issues will not be difficult to address. This model is a rare one we do not see, as I think 1986 was probably one of the only years where there was a decontented Lady. Naturally I will defer to you on that. Good luck with her.

Have a good one,
James
 
Gordon it is great to see other models that come in real quick and leave.

And it is great that you and Drew have a good friendship.

Is it possable for a shot of the options on the left please .

Any washer goes into soak n wash is a delight lol.

Nice washer G.

 

 

Darren k
 
Darren -

Here's a shot from a similar machine that I can get you right now without a new photo. This is from a 1985, fully contented washer with the white basket and the porcelain top. Both use the same console. If you can't read it the options from left to right are: Soak only, soak 'n wash, wash only, wash and 2nd rinse, and finally, soak, wash and second rinse. In that final option, the timer can progress from the beginning of the Pre-soak all the way through the end of the second rinse in cotton/sturdy, uninterrupted.

The Cycle Modifier switch on the left debuted on 1979 90-series models, and it replaced two previous switches used on 1976 thru 1978 machines. It was used to my knowledge on only five models, a 1979 90 series, a 1980 80 series (this differed from the '79 in not having the '79's solenoid operated bleach dispenser), a 1981 80-series, a 1983 80-series, and the 1983/1985 Lady K.

The only model made in huge numbers was the 1983/1985 Lady K. I've never come across the 1979 90 series. I have a 1980 80-series, and have the makings for another (it is there in cabinet and body, but has had a cheaper console transplanted on. Andy has found and sent me the proper console, so that machine may be whole again soon). I have also never seen a 1981 80-series, though VolvoGuy87 has one. This machine is on my dream list. It differs from the 79/80 in having infinte water levels instead of five. All three of these machines lacked the triple dispenser. The 1983 80-series I've never seen either, nor have I ever seen any evidence of one except in the model listings from WP, AND the pictures used in the 1980s Kenmore belt-drive repair manual are of one. This and the '81 are cool because the panel looks like the Lady's presented here, but have the woodgrain on top instead of the textured black.

I never really thought about it, but wow, only five models with that switch, and all were large capacity.

kenmoreguy64++3-26-2012-15-36-1.jpg
 
Beautiful washer.

These would be some of my favs as well.

Here's some scans of the models you may have not seen.

In 1983 you could still get some appliance in Harvest Gold, Coffee, and Avacodo... and a machine with a sudsaver. lol.

applianceguy47++3-26-2012-16-23-26.jpg
 

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