Any info on this Kenmore Dryer is appreciated

[kpiper1980]

I have a Kenmore Dryer that came with my house that I bought 3 years ago and up until recently it worked really well. We did have it repaired a time or two but now it seems to take a long time to dry so we are looking for a new dryer so I went online for specs to try to match a new dryer as close as I could to The Kenmore. I am unable to find any information on it and when I called Sears they were unable to match the model and serial numbers. Now that I am unable to find any information on it I am intrigued as to its history or if it is some kind of collectors item. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[askolover]

Is your vent clogged? That can definitely cause long drying times.

 

[DADoES]

 
Serial number indicates manufacture in 14th week of 1971 if I'm interpreting it correctly.

 

[akronman]

Sears

I went to www.SearsPartsDirect.com and typed in MOST of the model #, 110.71178 , and got these diagrams. Tons of parts are interchangeable,but more importantly this shows the insides so you can clean the blower and all the tubes inside, not just the exterior vent. But start there.

Sears sold Whirpool-built dryers for decades, under the name Kenmore, the insides are remarkably similar. These diagrams show how the front comes off, how the blower is right behind the motor in the lower right corner, etc. While cleaning, get a few drops of oil on the motor bearings at both ends.

Also, wipe clean any thermostats you get near, they can get quite covered in lint through the years.
Take more pictures and let us know how it goes.

Also, with the lower front kick panel removed, take a picture- in the dark-- of the flame.

These machines, with minor repair, run for decades.

 

[akronman]

also

There are so many Kenmore dryers out there, I bet any appliance repairman who has been in the business 20 years has seen plenty of them and should have no trouble diagnosing vents, airways, thermostats, etc. There is nothing rare or unique about a 70's Whirlpool/Kenmore gas dryer.

 

[kpiper1980]

Thanks everyone for the info! I will attempt to clean it out and hopefully it works. I really like the vintage dryer since it has character. I am a little disappointed I didn't have the holy grail of vintage dryers lol. This forum is interesting and I will keep you posted on the status. Have a great day everyone!

 

[DADoES]

 
It's a somewhat unusual model that I don't recall seeing previously.

I noticed the timer is on the Timed Cycle in the picture.  Is that what you normally use?  Why not the Automatic All Fabric Cycle, which uses the electronic sensor to automatically adjust running time per the load characteristics and selected dryness level (Dryest = maximum, 6 = minimum, 3 or 4 would be considered "normal" dry)?  Does the Automatic cycle not work?

 

[combo52]

1971 KM Gas Dryer

Try running the dryer with the vent disconnected for several loads and see if it works normally, if not you may have weak gas valve coils on the gas burner assembly.

 

There is an excellent repair guy named Bob who is pretty close to you that really knows these older model dryers, His company is Bobs Appliance Service Ph # 216-521-9353

 

[goatfarmer]

It may not be the 'holy grail of dryers", but it's still a nice vintage piece that's worth repairing.

 

[kpiper1980]

Thanks again for all of the info! My wife is pretty adamant about getting a new dryer so if anyone wants to add this Kenmore to their collection make me an offer. I think it just needs a good cleaning and it will work great again. I hate to see it go but I would rather it go to someone who would appreciate it than the scrap yard.

 

[rp2813]

Don't let a scrapper get his hands on it.  Donate it to Habitat For Humanity's ReStore or a thrift store.

 

[akronman]

Interested

Check your GMAIL

 

[akronman]

It's mine now

And home in the garage, but I think I found the entire problem, worst lint filter I've ever seen, check out the before and after pics, 2 each(somehow I uploaded 5?) I soaked it in PineSol about a half hour, then scrubbed with a fingernail brush, it had goop caked on the screen, and it turned on the filter light the instant I put the filter in.
There's also PLENTY of lint inside the base of the machine, I doubt it was cleaned since 1971, a fire waiting to happen for sure. Now that the screen is clean, it no longer trips the FILTER light, which is cool for sure. It's gonna wait in the garage a bit with no gas, my basement has enough winter projects already half done (also known as never finished).

 

[akronman]

more fun

Check out where the Buzzer dial is, never saw it there before(Pic upside down, the switch is underneath the filter door). And what does the Normal versus KNITS Wrinkle Guard switch do? I know it's just on/off for extra tumbling, would NORMAL be extra tumble or Knits? The other way just ends without continued tumbling. I'm guessing KNITS gives the continued tumble. And that LINT light really works, it was on non-stop until I cleaned that filter.

 

[akronman]

diagram

Check out the PULSER TIMER. What does that mean or do?

 

[kpiper1980]

I'm glad you figured it out. Weird thing is I cleaned the lint filter almost after every use and the lint light would still be on. Granted I just grabbed the loose lint and never cleaned it with any product. We probably didn't bother to clean it after the last use since we were getting a new dryer. Sounds like your having fun with it and keep us posted on your progress. As far as why the switch is located where it is and the diagram I have no idea lol. It's weird they didn't clean the lint out of the base the time or two I had it repaired and I'm sure glad we didn't have a fire too.

 

[akronman]

Hiya Keith

It was nice to meet you, and I'm glad I got this machine and you're glad you got a new one!
Find a new repairman next time, they should NEVER have left 45 years of lint in the dryer.

All in all, it's a perfect find for me. There's no such thing as a spotlessly clean 45 year old dryer, it'll be a good project to tear it apart, get all the lint out of all the tubes and blower, and clean up the motor and lube it.

Keith, I liked your neighborhood, looks peaceful and family-oriented. Thanks for your help this morning--
Mark

 

[akronman]

Hey Keith

Don't feel bad about that filter. Numerous folks here talked about airflow and vents and no one ever asked what condition the filter was in, me included. Next time I'll remember. And your paid repairman never looked at it either, so don't try him again. With normal lint removed, most used filters should look like a dusty window screen, able to see through it damn well but wishing there wasn't so much dust coming into the house!

 

[kpiper1980]

Mark it was great meeting you too. It's a great neighborhood and if I ever hear of any of the neighbors getting rid of their old appliances I will let you know. The homes were built in 1965 and there are a handful of original owners left so if anything comes up I'll keep you posted. I look forward to seeing the progress on the dryer and I'm glad you like it.