Compact Lady Kenmore Rinse

[jons1077]

Ok guys,

I finally got a pump that works and everything is up and running. Took me three tries to get everything to seal this time though (and of course I did something stupid along the way). That's what I get for being new to this. Anyways, she purrs like a kitten and I wanted to post it washing a little bit. I'm really glad I saved this one despite some frustration.

Also, I have two extra Whirlpool pumps. If anyone needs one let me know because I'm saving them for club members or anyone who might need one for a machine.

Hope you enjoy my video!

Jon

 

[launderess]

Well Done!

Your first restoration project! Aren't you just so proud?

Neat looking washing machine and should give you lots of fun!

L.

 

[bosch2460]

Sweet Jon! Thanks for sharing. Drop me an email soon, buddy.

 

[accapp]

What did you do stupidly? Were the pumps OK?

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Very Nice Miniture Lady

What ever you did that wasn't right was obviously easily
reversed. It sounds just like a little Kenmore should!

 

[jons1077]

Well, for starters I guess I have bad luck when it comes to pumps. The machine was virtually unused so the old pump flapper had dried up and would no longer seal. I ordered a new pump from Sears and did an easy swap only to find that the new pump had the same problem. GRRRR!!! I tried to order another one only to be told that SUDDENLY Whirlpool isn't providing anymore and they are NLA. I jumped on Ebay and found two of them for half the price so I bought both.
Thank goodness one of them worked as you see in the clip. Now I can wash without all the water draining at the same time!!!

The stupid thing I did was when I did a leak test. On a compact machine like this one there are no access panels. To do any kind of work you have to disconnect everything from the cabinet and remove the lid and cabinet. Without the cabinet you cannot run the machine. I figured the only way to test for leaks was to take a gallon pitcher of water and pour it in and see how it went. I did that without realizing that I left the drain hose laying on the floor. Quite a mess!!!

Anyways, three tries later I finally got everything working and no leaks!

 

[toggleswitch]

You Go boi!!!!

 

[mayken4now]

Good going, and what a story about the pumps.

 

[gansky1]

Great job on the repair and you'll never be sorry to have that extra pump on hand!

 

[launderess]

Vintage Whirlpool Parts

Learned this when searching for parts for my vintage Whirlpool dryer that is the mate to your washer: Once Whirlpool marks parts "NLA" for vintage machines, they sell off the remaining stock to vendors/repair shops etc, such as Sears.

Called Whirlpool three times to get dryer parts, and each time the three different customer reps gave different answers. Finally got one nice lady who was on the ball and "switched screens" and was able to look up some put not all the parts I was interested in, mainly because parts were NLA/model long discontinued. That is when she told me about Sears and such for locating older parts.

I'd call Sears and get either a credit or refund for the defective pump. Glad you were able to snag a couple of pumps from eBay. Told ya they were just sitting there calling your name!

Don't sweat the "daft moments" when working on a restoration project. I've had a few myself and you always slap your head at "how could I have been so dumb".

Now that you are in the saddle, some washing snaps would be nice! *LOL*

Good job!

L.

 

[roto204]

Spiffy!

That is a SWEET machine, Jon! I love that agitation. Patented Kenmore kickbuttalation. It's like their fantastic straight-vanes, only with a very stylish top section!

 

[laundryshark]

Congrats On Restoring the Little Lady!

I love how she sounds! Thanks for sharing.--Laundry Shark

 

[jons1077]

Thanks guys!

I'm so glad I could finally bring something to the online crowd. I feel guilty seeing all the great videos of older machines and never being able to contribute. Now I can make plenty!

Roto,

I love how it's a pint-sized version of the Kenmore. Even has the same belt-drive sounds and everything. Something not in the video though are two differences. The spin is not only faster, but is in the opposite direction or a full-size machine (counterclockwise). Interesting I thought.

BTW, I absolutely lusted over your turq. Kenmore set and that combo. Really awesome machines!!!

Jon

 

[coldspot66]

The great thing about W/P built portable washers(and dryers) is that they used the same full sized components as the regular size machine ( except for the basket drive in the belt driven portable). The later direct drive portables also use the same components as the full size machines. The current portable...well that's another sad story..wish they would have stayed with the direct drive design on that one.

 

[jons1077]

Coldspot,

Very true! I had one of the new portable several years ago and I thought it was very dissapointing. I also had a direct drive portable 2 years ago. I liked it alot more. I have to say without a doubt this belt-drive version is the best in my opinion. The machine is very powerful, yet not harsh on the clothes like the DD. At the same time I feel like it gives a really good rinse and the lint filter is really strong. A much better lint remover than my He4t.