fine tuning 51 Kenmore, squeaking and spinning.

[northwesty]

Thanks so much for the info on the water valve problem. Looks like I have got that fixed and I think the tub leak was actually just because it was overfilling.

Now I do notice that even durning wash and fill the inner tub is slowly turning. It seems to pretty much do this all of the time. I also notice a bothersome squeak some of the time. Anyway with the machine off I can turn the agitator and no squeak, but if I turn the inner tub by hand I can kinda hear it.

I am wondering if the belt is too tight or if there is some lubrication point I am not aware of. Thanks again in advance for any pointers. Seems to be working with the squeak but I don't want to be doing any damage.

(here is a repost of the picture I did when I ran both and compared them. I swear they have different cycles though they are both from 1951)

 

[pdub]

Beautiful machines Brian. One of these days I hope to see them in person.

Patrick

 

[tuthill]

omg

Those machines are so fricken cool! Can't believe you have 2. I'd love some more pictures if you got 'em.

 

[tuthill]

p.s.

Any idea where these were made? My 1950 Whirlpool Automatic was made in St. Joseph's, MI.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Brian -

I'm going to start out by saying I don't have any direct hands-on experience with machines this old, however I am fairly sure that the only major difference involves the drain pumps, vs. machines 9 or 10 years newer where my experience begins.

What comes to mind first is that machines made until 1971 had less effective basket brakes as compared to newer machines, and their tubs were fairly easy to move, either by hand or by machine action, as can be seen when using a wash 'n wear or perm press cycle during cool-down agitation when the tubs are half-empty.

If your tub is rotating in one direction, my thought is that the spin basket drive / clutch is not fully disengaged, and the brake is not strong enough to prevent the rotation. As well, you could very likely hear the squeak or creak that is very common in belt-drive machines when the brake is engaged and still moving.

My suggestion is to examine the basket drive and spin cam bar - be sure the cam bar is allowed full travel, that it doesn't need lubrication, and that nothing is bent or jammed. You may be able to use your other machine for a guide if you aren't fully familiar with the components.

I hope this helps!

Gordon

 

[laundryshark]

Bring On Those Old Kenmores!

If and whenever you happen to get your 1951 KM all tuned up and ready for action, could you share a video?--Laundry Shark

 

[northwesty]

Thanks all I am working on them...

There are lots of pictures in previous threads from a year or so ago.

These have been great workhorses and I have been pleased with the performances so far.