What's this? Rigged-up water pipes running into the garage in Ogden....
A long-awaited washer test
- Thread starter turquoisedude
- Start date
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Where can they lead?
Can it be?? The '65 Lady Kenmore ready for a water test??
It is indeed! I am in that autumn rush to get the summer's finds out of the garage and I had frankly intended to do some work on the GE v-12 that I suspect has a leaky transmission boot, but a local repair technician who is looking to get out of the business offered to help me with a tear-down and rebuild of the Lady K, so who was I to refuse? The work was done last week (no photos alas) and this week, well, I just HAD to try the washer out!
It is indeed! I am in that autumn rush to get the summer's finds out of the garage and I had frankly intended to do some work on the GE v-12 that I suspect has a leaky transmission boot, but a local repair technician who is looking to get out of the business offered to help me with a tear-down and rebuild of the Lady K, so who was I to refuse? The work was done last week (no photos alas) and this week, well, I just HAD to try the washer out!
Water's flowing!
And it's holding! That's no surprise, though - when the tub was out last week, I found the inner tub was in wonderful shape.
And it washes like a champ!
And now for the BUT....
As with any vintage machine, there is the possibility of other components going wonky... I should not have been too surprised to see this...
Knowing my history with washers, any guesses as to what was the source of the leak?? (HINT: Both the 63 GE and 51 Kenmore this summer had issues with this component)
As with any vintage machine, there is the possibility of other components going wonky... I should not have been too surprised to see this...
Knowing my history with washers, any guesses as to what was the source of the leak?? (HINT: Both the 63 GE and 51 Kenmore this summer had issues with this component)
Full marks if you picked the water solenoid! GRRRR!
And it's a fancy one, too... I've never seen a three-solenoid water valve on Whirlpool-Kenmore-Inglis washer before. I will attempt to fix it but I will hope that the part might still be available somewhere!
Here's another component that I figured might cause me a headache or two - the bleach and fabric softener dispenser!
Some good news on this - the solenoids both work and I could see the plungers which hold the bleach or fabric softener in their respective chambers actually release, so there is some hope! I'll take this apart for a good cleaning when I can get down to Ogden again (which won't be next week due to work committments).
And, I fear I may have an issue with the infinite water level control... I couldn't seem to make the washer start at a low water level - I'll attack that after the water valve though.
I am soooo close to finally getting a turquoise washer into the Ogden laundry - stay tuned...
I am soooo close to finally getting a turquoise washer into the Ogden laundry - stay tuned...
philr
Well-known member
Did you test all the agitation speeds? Are the noises gone?
I really like this machine!
I really like this machine!
Phil, I did test all three speeds and they work fine! I'll have video proof of that later this week, I hope.
And all those awful screeching noises are gone, too! YAY!
And all those awful screeching noises are gone, too! YAY!
1965 LKM
Great Progress Paul the few problems you mentioned are all easy to fix. The inlet valve you showed should always have all three valve seals replaced unless it was never used, this is fairly easy to do. When you disassemble it not the positions of the valve mounting brackets and solenoids as they can be reassembled in several different positions. Also do not remove the five screws that hold the cover plate over the thermostatic modulating plunger assembly unless this plate seal is leaking and must be removed for resealing. I would also not remove the four screws that hold the outlet port in place and instead just make sure all this screws are tight.
On the fabric softener- bleach dispenser if it doesn't need to be disassembled to replace a part I would just flush it with lots of very hot water. Often if you try to remove the two 1/4" screws that hold the top bracket to the clear dispenser reservoir the screws have rusted a little and as you try to turn them you just break the plastic reservoir.
Great Progress Paul the few problems you mentioned are all easy to fix. The inlet valve you showed should always have all three valve seals replaced unless it was never used, this is fairly easy to do. When you disassemble it not the positions of the valve mounting brackets and solenoids as they can be reassembled in several different positions. Also do not remove the five screws that hold the cover plate over the thermostatic modulating plunger assembly unless this plate seal is leaking and must be removed for resealing. I would also not remove the four screws that hold the outlet port in place and instead just make sure all this screws are tight.
On the fabric softener- bleach dispenser if it doesn't need to be disassembled to replace a part I would just flush it with lots of very hot water. Often if you try to remove the two 1/4" screws that hold the top bracket to the clear dispenser reservoir the screws have rusted a little and as you try to turn them you just break the plastic reservoir.
Thanks for the advice, John, as always, I appreciate your input!
The worst leaks seem to be from around the outlet plate where the fill hose to the tub is connected and from the top solenoid (I guess that is for the cold inlet). Is there a 'rebuild kit' for these valves still available?
Thanks for the tip about the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, too. I have never, ever owned a machine with this fancy feature so I sure don't want to risk messing it up...
I am going to be climbing the walls until I can get down to Ogden again.
The worst leaks seem to be from around the outlet plate where the fill hose to the tub is connected and from the top solenoid (I guess that is for the cold inlet). Is there a 'rebuild kit' for these valves still available?
Thanks for the tip about the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, too. I have never, ever owned a machine with this fancy feature so I sure don't want to risk messing it up...
I am going to be climbing the walls until I can get down to Ogden again.
mickeyd
Well-known member
Paul, I'm turk with envy--
it's beautiful. Love the delicate tabs, the lighting, but most of all the the Roto-flex. Don't know why I'm so crazy about it, maybe because it's so unusual, like an octopus. Would be so grateful if you could show it working at a low water level, even if you don't get the "leveler" fixed. There's always a spot on LK dial that allows agitation with any water level. We've never seen the Roto flexing its tentacles at a low level. You could make history, Paul--go for it!
So happy you have your dream up and working. Ear to ear grin on you.
[this post was last edited: 9/24/2012-13:31]
it's beautiful. Love the delicate tabs, the lighting, but most of all the the Roto-flex. Don't know why I'm so crazy about it, maybe because it's so unusual, like an octopus. Would be so grateful if you could show it working at a low water level, even if you don't get the "leveler" fixed. There's always a spot on LK dial that allows agitation with any water level. We've never seen the Roto flexing its tentacles at a low level. You could make history, Paul--go for it!
So happy you have your dream up and working. Ear to ear grin on you.
[this post was last edited: 9/24/2012-13:31]
hooverwheelaway
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,490
Ugh, that is such a stunning control panel!
Great machine Paul! I've always wanted to see one of these in person and "depress" the selector buttons.
I'm sure the seals in the water valve have just dried out from non-use. Hopefully you can find replacements.
Enjoy!
Patrick
I'm sure the seals in the water valve have just dried out from non-use. Hopefully you can find replacements.
Enjoy!
Patrick
