A Kenmore from Kenmore (Ohio)

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New pump

Martin and Gordon-------Thank you both, but I found the problem!
I removed the pump and looked into the lower chamber port while turning the spindle. The impeller did not move, and rattles around when you shake the pump. The screw had completely rusted through, so no pumping action at all. I opened it up, nothing to lose if I can't reseal it, and sure enough the impeller fell right out.
Now to Ebay for a new 4 port WP pump, that will solve that issue entirely and I will re-install the clean and neat solenoid valve, but I probably will wire it per Martin's good idea anyhows, always flowing when the washer is in agitate mode.

As for the bleach/softener dispenser, everything about it works and is now finally clean after days of soaking/scraping 47 years of softener, YECCHH. I will "red or blue gasket/epoxy" all around the hose/tub port and cautiously re-install the hose on this thin plastic assembly. And from my 1960 WP that I entirely rebuilt the dospenser, I know that 3/4 cup of warm water poured down each port when you don't use softener or bleach helps keep them clean and (kinda) maintenance free.

I wish this machine was with an extra-capacity tub, but with all these dispensers fixed soon, and that amazing VariFlex agitator, I think I'll have plenty of fun anyhows. And I have to wire in a on/off light switch, I like my various lit consoles on all the time as night lights, etc.

Gordon and Martin-----It's good to hear from both of you, most appreciated.
 
Interesting Mark

I noticed in your pictures that the pump is colored black. They were black in the early seventies, so most likely original. I guess it is entitled to fail after 44+ years.

In the more recent machines, the detergent valve is open or activated from the 14 until 8 or 6 minute mark of agitation. It is open full time during rinse for the softener side of the triple dispenser. I always liked it when the valve closed as it quiets down the machine.

I think your machine has the quiet pack belt? If so be sure to save the pulley from the old pump, you will need to reuse it. Pump part number 350367. Lots of them on eBay for under $20 w/ free shipping. Get the genuine FSP and not the LP114 (Gemline/Supco).

Gordon
 
Will, please don't feel bad.  I knew you looking at the styling and for a stretch it could match.  When I saw your thread title, my heart skipped a beat, thinking, oh wow. 
 
Hey Classic and Appnut

I thought it was a match too. VEry far away, but believe me, if I had it, I would just decide in my head that it was the match.

And Gordon, I never throw away busted parts until the new one is installed. The belt looks very new, and looks skinny, which I believe denotes QuietPak like my 74. Most assuredly skinnier belts on the 72 and 74 compared to the 1959 and 1960 models I have.

I think I accidentally am getting the Supco/Gemline LP114. Hmm, well it's gonna go on the machine when it gets here. What's the disadvantage?
I think each WP/KM washer I have is on its second pump, I've always just bought whatever new, "lowest price+ shipping" that popped up on Ebay, and not yet a problem. Hmm....
 
fixed, mostly

I installed the new pump, but it took maybe 3 times thru the "solenoid open" part of the wash cycle before finally water flowed through the detergent dispenser, with tons of moldy gook coming out first, now it flows perfectly. Next time I'm under the machine, I'm taking Yogitunes idea of wiring it to the agitator wigwag, smarter than just those few minutes on 2 cycles.

I haven't re-installed the bleach/softener dispenser yet, the hose is so totally clogged with 40 yrs of crud, I gotta clean that out soon. So clogged that it won't leak without the assembly in place! Ugly.

A few observations: Just like my 1974 extra capacity Kenmore, the bottom of the softener/bleach dispenser is BELOW the tub water line, poor design.
I HATE how the flourescent light turns on and off maybe 3 or 4 times as you spin the dial to set the timer, exactly when you need light the most! I will rewire soon, and put an on/off switch on the back of the console.
The VariFlex is fun as hell, but also takes up lots more tub space than a regular agitator. But with numerous other machines to choose from, it's fun as hell. And 2 eyeballs for 1/2 minute tells you it really works, strong action when pushed to HI.

Gordon---maybe this regular tub VariFlex would also go on my 1974 extra-capacity tub? I think it would perform better there, while taking less space due to deeper tub. Or did the Variflex come in 2 sizes?

This machine is strong, the transmission and suspension are well built, it's got the beefed up tranny and the 3 braces that don't exist on my 1959 and 1960 WP/Kenmore's,. it's a beast. I enjoy the second rinse option. I use it very rarely, but I like that 2 machines have it.
The belt seems newer, the spin gets right up to speed fast, this is a darn fine 1972 example of a high-end Kenmore, still running strong.

I know the trick of pouring 3/4 cup of hot water into the bleach/softener dispenser when you aren't adding liquids, to keep it clean, I know it works decently even though the bottom is below the water level. The previous owner must not have practiced that trick.

So this is Kenmore #4 that's up and running-----1959 WP suds model 2 speed, 1960 WP pushbuttons galore, 1974 Kenmore extra capacity suds model, and this. Maybe enough Kenmore's for a while.

But I also have a 1950 or so Kenmore with no motor or timer, and a 1956 or so Frogeye with all parts, between the two I should be able to get one running this winter. That'll be 5 Kenmores.
 
Second if not first best washer ever made in terms of clean ability, same for longevity.

FWIW I love the sound BDs. Its one of those sounds you could fall asleep to. No bangs or screeches. Woo-Woo is calming and I love the sound of these going into spin. Gentle yet powerful.
 
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