Dating a Whirlpool B/D

[goatfarmer]

Picked up an unusual(to me anyway) Whirlpool washer last week. Has a console with a gold colored background, instead of the usual brushed aluminum. Model # LFA 5680 WO. Any idea on age? TIA

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Ken

According to a ref list I got hold of a while back
it should be 1978. What color is it ?
Darrel

 

[goatfarmer]

The washer itself is white. But the console has a gold background, with the dark brown accents and lettering. I'll have to get a picture of it. 1978 sounds a little new, but maybe it is?

 

[DADoES]

LFA is 1977-1978. LFA-9800 was the first electronic-control machine.

 

[goatfarmer]

Thanks!

 

[danemodsandy]

Kenny:

If you want to date a Whirly B/D, that's your business.

Marriage might be a problem. ;-)

 

[goatfarmer]

Sandy........

LOL!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I might be able to help. Can you get the serial number? It should begin with C or J. After the first letter, the next digit is the year it was made - you'll need to know the decade. In your case you would assume it's the 70s. The next two numbers are the week of the year. The final 5 digits are the unit number. The washer I bought new in 1986 starts at C632, meaning it was made in Clyde, Ohio, 1986, 32nd week. If you think your washer is from 77/78, its number should start as C or J (J is for the old plant in St. Joseph Michigan), then have a 7 or 8 followed by a week number from 01 to 52.

I hope that helps!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I have one other idea if you can't get a serial number....Check under the agitator and look for a tall or short centerpost. At the start of 1978, Whirlpool shortened their centerpost design, and made it probably 1/3 the height of the originals, saying this would extend bearing life.

A tall post (from 1977 and earlier) has the basket locknut right up near the top of the agitator splines, whereas the short post has many inches of the agitator shaft exposed in between the basket locknut and the splines.