How to raise water level on Kenmore front-loader

[retropia]

Sears sent a more-experienced setup team to remove the remaining shipping brackets from our new washer (Kenmore model 417.40412703). After running several loads, I've decided to keep it and hope for the best.

However, it was quickly obvious the new washer uses less water than the old one that looked identical to this one. No doubt the Energy Star requirements changed over the interceding years, requiring a more miserly water level to keep its Star.

While it works, I believe I would like to increase the amount of water used from one cup per load to at least two cups. Many have mentioned that on this style of washer, at least the earlier versions, the water level can be easily adjusted. I was not successful in finding a how-to, either here or on the general interwebs.

Does anyone know the secret place to make this adjustment? Thanks!

 

[yogitunes]

this is way too easy...........

pop the top, actually theres screws along the back that have to come out, and slide the top a little forward and lift off.....

on the right hand side, and it should be attached to the crossmember, is the pressure switch, and should be a phillips head screw that you turn clockwise to raise the level.....

can be done in minutes, provided you have some mechanical knowledge....

just do little 1/4 to 1/2 turn increments at a time, you will have to let the machine completely drain and refill to check after each turn, but you will get there.....

what these newer ones don't have that the older ones did was a foam block under the chasis, and once enough water got it, it would lower and sit on this for washing, when draining started, it would lift up as less weight was inside.....since it does not have this you may hear it bounce along the bottom cabinet once in a while during a heavy load, but no harm will be done....

 

[Chetlaham]

Pressure Switch Adjustment

Just one thing to point out, If I remember correctly those pressure switches had multiple adjustment screws. Im not sure about this specific model but I have seen many machines where the pressure switch had more than one screw, ie 2 or even up to 6.  One was actually to increase the water level, the others governed differential reset, contact space/sequence, ect ect. If so just make sure you find the right one. 

 

 

Here is an example of some Ive run across:

 

http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003365/Pressure-Switch-491681-01012517.jpg

 

[retropia]

This did turn out to be easy, thanks! I figured I'd document it with a few photos in case anyone else needs help down the road.

First, there is a bracket on each side of the upper back that holds the top on, each with two screws. After removing the screws, as Martin described, you slide the top towards you a bit, and then it lifts off.

 

[retropia]

This is what it looks like with the top off. Where the arrow is pointing is where the level adjustment switch is located.

 

[retropia]

On this washer, it only seems to have two adjusting screws. The one that adjusts the water is the more prominent one, in the center of the switch body. I don't know what setting the smaller one on the right controls.

The water level had been about 2-1/8" in the bottom of the tub (with no laundry in the tub). It seems that a 1/4 turn of the setting screw raises the water level approx. 1/4". I gave it one complete rotation to raise the level to around 3-1/8" of water in the tub.

Now at least I hear a little bit of splashing in the tub as the laundry rotates. Before, it seemed to clean OK, but no splashing at all.

I'll try this setting for awhile, and may adjust it further if needed. I was concerned that this adjustment feature might have been eliminated on the newer models of this washer, and am glad to discover it is still there.

On our circa-2000 model-year version of this washer, I never needed to increase the water level, as the factory setting seemed adequate. (Plus, before visiting here, I never knew that it was adjustable.)

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Chetlaham]

2nd screw

Good job! My guess to the second screw might be to control reset,, ie once pressure is met how much it must drop before the contacts go back to filling. I don't think in these it matters but those machines that have electronic displays it might.

 

[arbilab]

You probably knew, it's actually an Electrolux, formerly assembled in US by White, and the design dates back to at least 1998 when I bought mine. Badged as GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, possibly others.

My 98 had adequate water for most loads, but I poured an extra gallon or 2 through the detergent slot for things like towels that soak up a lot of water.

BTW, turn the timer gently. If you spin it, the cam that distributes water to the dispenser drawer can unseat and you have to take the top off to reseat.

 

[yogitunes]

around 2000/2001 they did away with the cam/linkage/dispenser setup, and went with solenoids to operate the dispenser.....

main issue is the cam would wear, causing the dispenser not to operate as needed...

of all of these versions, I like the Kenmore the best, more features and options, and especially the stainless drum of the dryer....

 

[mark_wpduet]

Wow -

Isn't this a Fridgemore? I thought these weren't made anymore.......I've always wanted one of these, but never had one. Good to hear that it's easy to raise the water level. It seems so crazy how it uses so little water that you don't even hear splashing at all?? That's insane to me.

 

[retropia]

This one was a leftover floor model, made in 2011. There are still a few floating around at various SearsOutlet stores around the country, if you do a search on their website periodically. They seem to have a flat shipping fee of around $200, which isn't too bad.

I haven't seen any locally for awhile, so I wouldn't be surprised if at least the Kenmore version wasn't made past 2011.

 

[laundromat]

I just got a Frigemore pair from the local dump a few months ago. The gas dryer needs a new motherboard but, the washer had a loose wire I located and replaced to its rightful plug. It has a square door with a round window. I adjusted the water level and it is a frigging race horse. I'm not sure what the highest spin velocity or RPMS are but,it feels like it goes faster then the Duets i aquired a year ago. The dryer may cost too much to repair. I already have a GE electric model as well as the Duet.Both of which have a much larger drum than the Frigemore.

 

[mich]

Are these...

really made by Electrolux?  

 

 

[retropia]

I was told this was an Electrolux design, based on an Electrolux washer manufactured and sold in Europe. Then, when Frigidaire became a brand of Electrolux, they began building the washer here, and sold it under a variety of brand names. Besides Kenmore and Frigidaire, I've seen these sold as GE and Gibson brand washers (and dryers).

Someone else here may have a better/more knowledgeable explanation of its history.

 

[arbilab]

The design and components were Electrolux products. Assembled by White Consolidated in the US and who knows who else under what name. As a topic asserted some time ago, brand names mean absolutely nothing today. It's like, GenMayLuxWhirlSonAire and unmistakeably the exact same product.

I suffixiate, that despite the oblique heritage I'm completely satisfied with mine in performance and reliability. We were separated recently when I moved to a federal building that prohibits private laundry machinery. But I still own it in storage at my brother's RV garage. And I would take it 10+ times over the sorryass Maytag coinops in the building.