Calling Gordon!!!

[supremewhirlpol]

Found a Kenmore 600 BD with suds saver option today. You interested? Check your email.

 

[revvinkevin]

Photos??

Melvin, do you have any photos you can post??

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Kevin,
I figured it would be best to ask Gordon first. It's his machine now. He said it was ok. I will post pictures later this evening and the story behind it.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

There is a old hardware store family-owned business in town. Very unique place as it has lots of washers and dryers that sit in the front. When I pass there every once in a while, I glance over in its direction to see if anything is sitting out worth getting. This same hardware was my favorite place as a child. My dad even got me a DA agitator for a Kenmore BD for my 12th birthday from there. Yesterday I saw what looked like an older BD Kenmore sitting out. Turned the car around to check it out, and Yes! A Kenmore 600!

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Went to ask about it, and the owner came out, a much older guy. He told me that he no longer repairs the BD machines because people no longer want them. He went on to say that he repaired them for years and still has lots of parts left over. The man turns the machine around, take the panel off, and we discover that the machine is a sud-saver model. He tugs on the belt and it has a lot of play in it. The guy really knows his part numbers. He went in the shop and came out with a new, never used spin tube for a BD machine. Other parts he showed me were the clutch pins, etc. He told me that he gets the BD machine from time to time, and he just sends them to scrap. So, I'm trying to becomes good friends with him, so maybe he will set the BD machines aside for me. Got this machine for $10. This guy may have a potential goldmine for parts for vintage machines. He even said the he has some oil and water bellows for 1-18's and the rollermatics. I got that machine and a Kenmore Catalyst Washer.

-> picture of the console

 

[supremewhirlpol]

->picture of the tub

 

[supremewhirlpol]

-> the back

By the rust, this machine has been around for a while.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

->electrical schematic

 

[supremewhirlpol]

-> model tag: 110.7105621W

 

[supremewhirlpol]

->back off

 

[supremewhirlpol]

->the filter, There is some rust that suggests that it has been leaking. But I've seen far worse from younger BD machines. If you can't save it Gordon, I know you can certainly use the parts. The picture makes the rust look worse, there is no rust under the chassis.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

I also saw a Kenmore Catalyst buried in the store and he let me have it for $50. I've been wanting one of these ever since I saw them on the Sears showroom floor in 2000.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

It needs work as the motor totally stopped working within the first hour. The 2 wires with the special connector literally came out of the motor and were seriously burnt. The motor was extremely hot and it appears that one of the run windings has failed. Also one of the wires that goes to the capacitor came out of the connector. The computer board and touch panel appear to work, but I'm still testing those. Now to locate a 3-speed motor. I don't see too many of these machines around. I really like this machine though.

 

[revvinkevin]

Congrats on the Catalyst!

Congrats Melvin, nice KM Elite Catalyst washer! I have one too in almond (see the link below). I really like it because of the way it works, multiple cycles and options, cleaning ability, etc.

The only problem I'm having with it is the membrane control panel. It thinks someone is ALWAYS pressing the "regular" cycle button and I can't get it to do anything because of it. I have another membrane panel (in white) and I just have to change it. Otherwise, great machine! I'm not sure which I like better, this one or the Calypso.

Kevin

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?20487

 

[70series]

Nice find! That 1971 600 is going to the right guy. Looks like a fun washer.

Have a good one,
James

 

[duet83]

Great Finds both Melvin and Kevin.

Your local connection sounds so promising. I hope you find more or what you are looking for.
That Calypso looks like fun.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Kevin, that Catalyst you have is a nice washer. If your machine were mine, I would have left the protective film on the console to preserve it. I have not had very good experience with the Calypso as far as cleaning and build quality. I certainly hope this Catalyst machine is better.

I still have to fix it and play/familiarize myself with it but I really like the style of the console. Now I don't have to find a replacement for the 2002 Kenmore 90 series I once had.

I figured Gordon might be interested. If anyone else is looking for older BD's like these, Please let me know. If I happen to come across any more, or specific ones Then I will let those people know. But either way, I'm still surprised/excited that I actually found a BD that old ~9 blocks from my house! And a suds saver model at that!

Erik, Yes there is a potential parts source for these older machines, But I have to become buddies with the owner and the family. He has a parts stash, just got to get near it. As I do find parts and other machines, I will post them here.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Looks like a neat machine Melvin. Not sure I've ever seen a softener dispenser on a straight vane agitator other than ones I've put there. That was more of a Roto-Swirl and large cap. thing.

Looks like the washer's been leaking due to the rust trail on the baseplate. That splashy agitator though will be fun during suds return!

Cool machine - I've only seen one of these before.

Gordon