Diving into the Kelvy

[cadman]

After a decent cleaning and checkout we powered up the Kelvy-
The motor kicks on, dual speeds operate, timer and valves run, but no agitation or tub movement, just an initial tub lurch on cycle start. Looks like some work ahead.

 

[cadman]

Controls, featuring "Wash & Wear" pushbuttons...

 

[cadman]

HOWEVER, this is what's going on under the agitator- Ben, you want to take it from here?

 

[filterflo]

Simply fantastic washer, so glad you saved it. Alas, the boot is missing as it the rubber button guard under where the agitator goes. I found a parts dealer last summer that had several new boots, let me see if I can located one for you in my stash. I think I have several of those now........

 

[filterflo]

sorry, meant to say "the boot is missing as is the rubber button guard under where the agitator goes" My typing late at nice is not so good, and neither is my eyesite!

The rubber button guard under the agitator is not as critical for using this machine as is the boot. The boot must be there to make it work. Again, I think I have several new ones now saved. Will try and locate one for you if you want and need it!

 

[filterflo]

btw, the red rubber plug on the agitator mount is actually a grease fitting. There are another couple of grease fittings underneath the mechanism and on the pump shaft too. These washers benefit greatly from a periodic shot of grease. Just a helpful hint as most washers dont require any greasing..... I just use a regular grease gun and wheel bearing type grease on my Kelvinator.

 

[swestoyz]

Jimmy - You're a blessing!

If you have a spare boot, that would be fantastic! I do know that we found what I would call the base clamp, or what was left of it. It had rusted away and broke at the screw joint. It feels like there is a seal or a boot of some type on base as well that is pretty hard right now. I was surprised to see that grease fitting while Cory was cleaning it up! I don't think I would have ever thought I'd be using a grease gun on the Kelvy! The underside is very clean for being almost 50 years old now. I will need to get new belts for it, and also will look replace the hose from the pump to the drain hose fitting. Does this machine use a standard belt set that I can get through Grainger, or are they machine specific like Maytags? I feel like a kid in the candy store with this machine - the questions keep flowing out to learn more about it.

I was just glad to see it clean up so nicely while I was working on the 1-18. A nice plus while we powered it up was hearing the timer motor turn the timeline - it was priceless! Feels good to save a beauty - just look at her with the lights off and the headlights on!

Ben

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Ben, yes you will need a new boot before you can put any water into the wash tub, otherwise it will run down into the bearings. Also the belts are standard sizes, this evening I will look the numbers up for you.

 

[swestoyz]

Hey Robert -

Don't mean to bother ya much - but did you happen to get the belt numbers for the washer? It'll be a big help. Tonight I soaked the bolts in PB Blaster so we can work on the belts, clean up the under carriage, grease some fittings, and check the water valve on Sunday. Thanks!

Ben

 

[filterflo]

Ben, you really should check the outer tub boot before you go any farther. Unhook the screws that hold the top on the machine and get a hose and put some water in the outer tub. If the outer tub boot is bad you will have leaks down the center of the shaft onto the pulleys. No use in going to all the trouble with belts yet if you have to replace the outer boot. Even without the pump or motor running, the water will gravity drain thru when you are done checking for leaks. Just a thought, but it might save you some time and grief if that outer boot is bad.........Sometimes, they even just pull off from moving a washer on its side.........or the clamps split and they pull off........All in all, the Kelvinator is not a hard machine to work on........I'll loan you one of my repair manuals if you need it......

 

[swestoyz]

Thanks for the advice Jimmy - I will definately take a look at the outer boot this weekend. I saw there were two bolts/screws on the back side of the top panel that hold the top on - anything else? From the bottom, the outer tub looks fantastic, like it could be brand new - but I'm sure some water will find any imperfections that my eyes cannot!

Right now I'm just crossing my fingers, but I won't be surprised if I see a leak. I'll keep you guys posted!

Ben

 

[filterflo]

Hold tight for just a few more days Ben, I put the repair manual in the mail to you today. Its fairly detailed about some of the questions you may have, and gives a good idea of how to replace the belts, etc. Happy Kelvinating!

 

[swestoyz]

You Rock Jimmy! I appreciate your guidance on this project. We'll keep you all posted with the results of the 'water test'.

Ben