Just bought a Kenmore 1972 Keyboard and Matching Dryer

[scoots]

Gordon, thanks for your posts.

Gordon, thanks for your very specific posts. Your assessment that the workings looked in good order makes me feel better about the time and money I need to put in.

Right now I have two things I need to get: the belt, so the machine can actually be tested, and start looking for the detergent dispenser. I found your part number at the Repair Clinic, but their inventory says NLA.

Can anybody recommend a repair manual? Will a Whirlpool book of the period get me by or do I need Kenmore specific?

Lastly, what "buy on sight" parts should I start to horde? I've picked up in other posts that these machines are staring to become hard to fix because they're at the end of their support life.[this post was last edited: 4/21/2014-12:16]

 

[combo52]

Cool LKM Set

Hi Bill, looks like you found some very restoreable LKMS.

Between Gordon , myself and others these should be fairly easy to get the parts and advice you need to restore these machines.

I have in our collection the same washer as yours with suds-saver in white and may everyday driver for at least 25 years now is the gas version of your dryer. As you probably figured out the dryer is at least a year or two newer than your washer, in addition to the styling differences they changed to a completely electronic control for 1974, this was the first fully electronically controlled dryer from KM that also had timed dry setting in addition to the electronic dryness settings. It is a great dryer, you will probably want to make this your everyday driver, there has never been a better performing dryer built since this one rolled off the assembly line.

I have several NIB triple dispenser assemblies if you need one, they would be $57 + shipping, Message or Email me if interested.

 

[scoots]

Hi John,

Thanks for the offer about the dispenser, I will definitely be in touch.

Thanks also for pointing out that my washer/dryer is a slight mis-match by year. I was told they were a match by the seller, and frankly I was so dazzled by finally buying one of these washing machines that I hardly looked at the dryer.

As I was posting my dryer photos yesterday, a bulb went off that the trim was different, and the controls did not match my 1972 Sears Catalog... but I put the matter aside. Only now do I realize it's probably a 1974 model, similar to Kevin's washer seen in the link on left.

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automaticwasher.org

 

[revvinkevin]

similar to Kevin's washer on the left.

 

 

Hi Bill,

 

Yup your dryer is a 1974 like my washer!   In fact age wise, my "set" is like the opposite of your set.   My washer is a '74 and the dryer is a '70.    I also have a 1970 Kenmore 800 washer with the "keyboard" controls I've been using the last couple weeks.   It works perfectly so far except the dispenser flush solenoid buzzes loudly when activated.

 

Your set is beautiful!  CONGRATS!!!  The harvest gold looks awesome!

 

One minor point... your set are not just "Kenmore"... they are "Lady Kenmore"!   

 

 

CONGRATS again!

 

Kevin

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Bill -

Regarding the belt --- it should not be NLA. My parts distributor here says that Whirlpool still has over 100 belts in their warehouse, even their website says that. But, if that's not an option, there were more than a dozen available on ebay. I would not hesitate to get one of those.

I noticed the dryer / washer mismatch too, but figured you'd noticed too. Actually, you got a really great dryer this way, not that the '72s weren't great as well, but the larger drum of the '74 is going to turn out really fantastic results with the slightly smaller loads from the '72 standard size washer.

Gordon[this post was last edited: 4/21/2014-17:59]

 

[lotsosudz]

scoots

Give me a call as I just had to pronounce my gold 1972 Lady K dead, as the inner basket, as well as the drive shaft for the agi, had bad cancer. I have a triple dispenser, as well as a brand new belt, and a dispenser flush hose. Any other other parts you need just let me know. Give me a call at (916) 421-8339, and ask for David.

 

[toploadloyalist]

Which cycle has the extra low agitation, Knitted Fabrics or Delicates-Washable Woolens?

 

[mattl]

The Delicates cycle is the slowest if I recall.  The machine has a 3 speed motor.

 

The washer is definitely the same as I had, purchased in Jan of '73, so it could be a 72 or 73 model, but the dryer is a different vintage. 

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

I used to more frequently see a non-covered piano key version of the washer and in gold, at least 3 times...

A family that we'd baby sat for had one (the house belonged to a school friend of mine who'd moved out), at my uncle's house, shortly before marrying my aunt & becoming such, and one at a used appliance store that had the entire dispenser system and even the frame missing...!

A family next door to the house I grew up in had both the washer and dryer and in Avocado...

Congratulations, SCOOTS, on your find!

-- Dave

 

[scoots]

Up date and Thanks for support.

I'd like to thank everybody that contributed to this thread and the support they've shown for my new Mistress with the Keyboard. I've been off the board because frankly this site can be addicting and it was getting in the way of my other obligations. Plus, I didn't get paid until last Friday, so I wasn't able to peruse the generous offers regarding my damaged detergent dispenser.

Update: The dryer has been installed and is in working order. I had to have an electrician come out and put a new socket to match the prong configuration, but now that it's in, the hood light, drum light, heater and tumbler all work. Tomorrow I will dry a few loads to check the sensors and advisory lights.

I do have a question... somewhere I think I saw this model came with a drying shelf? Is that right?? Sounds kind of 80's to me.

The Washer will have to wait a bit till I can get to it, probably next weekend. That will give me a chance to order a replacement belt.

Here are the serial numbers:
Washer: Model 110.7204902G Serial C32317369
Dryer: Model 110.76490600 Serial F42104927

Bill

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad that the dryer is in good working order, that's a major plus when working with vintage units like this.

The dryer did have a dry rack. At the time these were limited strictly to the top of the line models, and nearly top of line. I don't know exactly when they originated, but I think the '72 dryer had one as well, maybe even earlier.

You washer was built during the 23rd week of 1973 in Clyde Ohio plant (which is still running and is the largest washer factory in the world). Your dryer was made in the 21st week of 1974 in the Findlay, Ohio factory, which is also still running, but today makes dishwashers. Since the early 1980s Whirlpool's full-size dryers have been made in Marion, Ohio.

Good luck with these, I hope the washer is equally issue-free like the dryer. We will help you get the belt on if you need it.

Gordon