Kenmore 1972 BD Canadian Washer

[bobbins]

Today, I went to look at the Gold Kenmore TOL washer and it was already sold…….
Well, there was an ad on Craiglist for white Kenmore (similar era)..not so great shape..lots of rust..but in working condition – no leaks!
I brought it home, test it out! Noisy!!!!! Tomorrow, I am planning to go to my wholesaler and buy the following:
- New pump
- New belt
- New water valve
- Snubber ( not sure if these are still available)
- Price out a new spin tube assembly
For the dryer:
- New dryer felt
- New rollers
- New idler pulley
- New switch
Now I need to clean out my garage and begin restoring my gems….yes my Hobart is waiting patiently!!!

Bob

 

[bobbins]

Another pix

 

[bobbins]

again

 

[bobbins]

Pix

 

[bobbins]

Here is my quick video..

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Snubber and spin tube

Bob -

I think you'll find, if this is similar in Canada as to the U.S., that the snubber pad itself is not available to fit your old-style spring, but a new 1974-style spring and pad is available and fits most if not all belt-drives from 1960 forward. If no longer, they have been plentiful on ebay, but I helped an AW.org member with one he got at his parts store last fall.

The spin tube may be another story. The whole basket drive, which for standard capacity wide belt machines with the 18-1/4 inch spin tube was part number 383923, but is NLA. Check ebay though, they have popped up from time to time.

Good luck with your cool machine!

Gordon

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice machine!
The console styling reminds me of a Gibson we once had.

 

[eddy1210]

Hi Bob

Nice find, I remember a neighbour had one just like that. Good luck with it!

 

[bobbins]

I went to my wholesaler and re-activated my account (able to buy parts at cost).... Man I was surprised the number of parts NLA! Just seems like yesterday these parts were so readily available......I had a sad moment! Funny how 20 years out of the trade - things changed!

However, I managed to buy the basics - saving significant money! (2 port pump, centre post tube seal, N/S narrow drive belt, water valve, industrial sealant 800 and 1300, dryer drum felt, rollers, idler pulley, dryer drum belt and a box of Persil).

I still need to find the following - hopefully guys here in AW can help me or sell me the following:

- Snubber kit (there was a guy on ebay - not sure if he is willing sell out Country to Canada)
- Centre shaft spin-tube seal (top and bottom) - I think I can order these - special order.
- Fabric softener dispener - white or gold.
- I managed to buy 2 new white roto swirl agitators from ebay!!

Bob

 

[petek]

Aye that's the machine my mom had after her frog eye died. She only replaced it about 4 years ago. Got a lot of mileage out of that thing. She's on her 3rd automatic now since the early 50's.

 

[mickeyd]

Appreciate the video, especially

the low water level and "no clothes" load because that way, we can see all the fun the agitators have. Lovely. Thanks.

The NLA parts situation reminds us that we are aging, wonderfully, of course, but aging nevertheless.

 

[bobbins]

Yes indeed we are aging...Just seems like yesterday I was in my first year apprenticeship training to become an appliance repairman...I found some pictures of me in my appliance service classes (mid 80's)...tearing apart Westy's, Maytags, GE's FF,etc...yes I had bad 80's hair!

I still kick myself every time when I think about my dad asking me if I wanted to keep all those parts in boxes stored at his house (many of which were Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE used parts)...at that time I did not have a place to store them (he ended throwing everything away - except many of my service manuals and tools).

Today, many of those parts I had are NLA! i.e agitator caps, dispensers, fill hoses, transmission, seals, lint filters, valves, solenoids, consoles, caps, knobs, etc....

Gradually stocking up my Hobart, Kitchen Aid and Kenmores.

Bob

 

[70series]

Great machine you've got, and thanks for the video. I love to see those gold agitators in action.

Have a good one,
James