Just bought a Kenmore 1972 Keyboard and Matching Dryer

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scoots

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I saw a CL posting for a 1972 Keyboard Washer and matching dryer and picked it up today. Both units look sound, but have mechanical and cosmetic issues. I plan on keeping this as my "Sunday Driver" set, having fond memories of my Mom's 67 coppertone rotoswirl and my Father's injunction NOT to buy the keyboard model for fear of reliability issues.

I'll post a few "get to know them" pictures, and then start asking practical questions. I've picked through the "Search" feature but can't find some things and I'm hoping for some pointers.

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Behold the ElectroMechanical Splendour Within...

The buttons and graphics are in very good condition...a major selling point. 70's design usually leaves me cold, but I am very fond of this funky little paisley pattern done in foil. Too bad the closing "Garage Door" isn't smoked glass.

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I had those exact machines for many years, the dryer is still in storage.  Never had an issue with the keyboard, replacing the belt is a pain, have only a vague recollection but remember it being difficult. Wish I still had the washer, it was a fine machine, but had issues with the agitator post and got rid of it in '95 - after 22 years of great service as a daily driver.  So, if it's mechanically sound I see no reason not to put it to work even on a daily basis.
 
Bill,

Your machine looks like it is in beautiful condition!

I'll have more to contribute later, but here's what I can offer right now that might help you:

1) First, Kenny is right that the belt replacement instructions are usually on the FSP bag. The part number is 96388. Your old belt with the fabric covering subs back to the orignal belt, so don't be surprised when the part you get looks a little different. There are lots of these on ebay right now, and they are still an active WP part, so you could have a parts store order one for you. We can help you do the belt replacement

2) That's a shame about the missing triple dispenser. This is the second Lady K I've seen in the last couple months with this part missing. We will have to ascertain how the person did the dispenser-echtomy before we determine the steps needed to put it back. The dispenser itself is part number 285027, and shows up from time to time on eBay, and yes, you're right, they cost some $$$. Sears shows one on their site if you want one right now.

Happy Easter, I'll try to write more later today.

Gordon
 
Thanks for your complements and well wishes

I'm actually pretty excited about this washer/dryer set, far more than I expected.

Here's a few more pictures of the works. Keep in mind that although we've always had Kenmores, this is the first time I've seen the mechanism (dad always did the fixing while I was at school). They're different enough from Maytags of the period that I've taken a guess as to the identities of the non-obvious parts.

If I'm wrong, or if there's a bear trap in here (something that breaks easily or is impossible to re-assemble), please let me know.

Something that bothers me right away is that the schematic shows THREE solenoid valves to dispense the Bleach, Detergent, and Softener but I only see ONE valve, One set of power cables and one discharge hose. Are these in the "upper works" adjacent to the dispenser itself, and this lower valve is a safety of some kind?

Also, I've heard that the self-cleaning lint filter is often replaced. Is that it in the lower right? I always thought they were domed - an earlier version?

There's also what looks like a hook adjacent to the main spindle. Is this a quick arrest to stop the tub or hold it in place?

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Looking up into Missing Dispenser Pocket

Here we are looking up into the empty quadrant that held the dispenser. At the top of the photo is the original discharge tube, now directly connected to the solenoid valve next to the transmission.

There is a rubber curtain adjacent. What is it for?

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Answers to your questions:

Before I get into a bunch of answers to your picture and questions, I'll mention that your machine has seen some repair work in its lifetime. The pump is not original (they were black in the 1972 period) and yours looks recent, which is good. Also, you have a replacement lint filter, so the troublesome dome shaped one is already gone. That is also good. Obviously the work done to remove the dispenser is evident too, but A VERY GOOD THING is that all the hardware you need seems to be there to get the dispenser working again.

Onto your picture with the questions:

1) The curtain as you call it is to protect the underside components from leaks or splashing. In later years this shower curtain sort of thing was mounted on the motor to protect it specifically.

2) The "spin cycle pulley" is just that, the basket drive pulley.

3) That is definitely not a hook, its the tip of the spin cam bar which raises and lowers the clutch pads for spin.

4) That big hose is the water supply hose to the dispenser for detergent and softener flushing.

5) That is indeed the valve that turns on and off the water supply to the dispenser. Replacements for these are quite expensive and NLA so its good you have yours.

6) That is a trap - its name at Whirlpool is a Manifold Trap, but other common names are "Pin Trap", "Button Trap", "Pump protector" etc.

7) What you have labeled as a wash cycle pulley is indeed that, but much, much more as well. This is the gearcase drive pulley, which not only allows agitation, but it is reponsible for activation for drain and spin, via the wig-wag/Control magnet. The gearcase runs in agitation the whole time the machine is running, but when agitation is not required, the wig-wag keeps the agitator drive gear disengaged.

8) The lint filter has been replaced, and it too looks fairly recent, but a view above it would help to see if it is clean or dusty.

9) Your question about the solenoids makes sense, because the other two solenoids you can't find are located in the triple dispenser which is missing. One opens the bleach reservoir, and the other directs water from the wash/detergent chamber to the softener section during rinse, to flush the rinse side.

Getting one of these dispensers would be fun to return the machine to proper function, but may be pricey. I can't believe that someone plumbed the dispenser supply hose to bleach supply hose, that's somewhat brainy but a cheesy way to neuter a good machine, lol.

Still looks like a very nice machine, the mechanicals underneath look good.

Gordon
 
Open Sesame..

Controls:

On left, three paddle switches: Wrinkle Guard (Off/On), Fabric Selector (Air/Knit Delicate/Regular) and Signal (Hi (variable volume) Off)

On Right: Control dial: Lower Dial for Timed Cycles 60 /40 /20 mins, Upper Dial Automatic Moisture sensor: Less Dry / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / More Dry.

On Far Right: "Push to Start" button. Two advisory lights: Lint - Red (filter full) / Finishing - Amber (I think this is a "damp dry" advisory for ironing).

Badge at upper right reads : SOLID STATE / INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

scoots++4-20-2014-18-42-26.jpg
 
Closeup of Dryer Switches

I could never get a feeling of how these switches were arranged from photos... as it turns out they are vertical paddles that are pushed left and right. Not the way I would have done it. They have a chintzy feel to them, plus the constant rubbing could damage the faux wood backing. From what I recall from our 67 Kenmore Dryer (same controls, different switch configurations) once these are set, they are rarely moved again, and this is probably what spared the back panel from scratching.

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I think this is the 1st washer I've seen with its own roller door. Love the retro font styling and fake woodgrain. Hmm looks to be in pretty good condition for its age. You should restore this back to factory new condition!
 

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