Kenmore 80 series - almond

[danieljay]

Kenmore 80 series from 1989, I think. I got some good tips from this forum on how to get the best out of it, but now it's leaking oil. I haven't investigated further but it's been working perfectly right up until I noticed the oil pooling under it today. Hopefully just an oil seal to be replaced?

Anyway, I don't feel like tearing into it to do that job and we're updating to a modern set of machines, so if anyone in the area would like to rescue it you're welcome to it. Pick up only in Cliffside Park (Bergen county), New Jersey.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

DON'T DO IT!

Unless you are replacing with a Speed Queen FL you will find nothing near as good as what you have. In many cases it is better to rebuild a WP/KM DD than buy new.
WK78

 

[danieljay]

I know. Hopefully my loss can be someone's gain. That's why I posted it here.

 

[supersurgilator]

After using this machine for many years, I can say that you will truly be disappointed in a modern machine. I would suggest just repairing this one, a new transmission and it will be good to go for many many more years. Please reconsider just finding someone to repair this one, as you will regret getting rid of it.

 

[stan]

Dan

It's not too difficult to repair if your able.
If you look up "replacing neutral drain" Youl see videos of the transmission being removed, opened, neutral drain kit being replaced, new oil added, then resealing and put back into the machine.
Or you could get a new or rebuilt transmission to swap out in less than a hour.
Your machine has features that are hard to come by now days.
You are able to a deep pre soak with your kenmore, and your also able to get a true hot wash, as well as a true warm rinse.
I'd say..hang on to if if your able to.

 

[DADoES]

 
A possible source of oil leaking from the transmission is the seal at the input-drive shaft (where the motor coupler attaches).  It's fixable but a slight-bit more involved than the neutral drain kit.

 

[frigilux]

DanielJay- Are you looking at replacing your Kenmore with a top-load or front-load washer? While I agree with whirlykenmore that a front-loader is your best bet, and that the pricy Speed Queen will last a long, long time, there are other viable, less expensive brand options. I had a Maytag front-loader that was absolutely great. Some here are also very happy with their LG or Whirlpool front-loaders.

 

[pierreandreply4]

best to keep them and have them repaired

i would say best to keep them and have them repaired, you will not find something as good as these older washers today that have true wash rinse temp modern washers wash temp are dumb down and also all cold rinse. Plus newer sets you would have to replace after 10 years

 

[bendixmark]

New washers

I service washers for a living and the new toploaders are horrible junk.The cycle is an hour long or more.They wash poorly.The washer you have is an amazing machine they go forever.It is a regular occurrence to remove a 2 year old machine from a house because it has had it.

 

[danieljay]

Thanks for all the feedback, I do appreciate it. Yes, I'm well aware of the quality of this machine which is why I've kept it for so long. But we decided it's time to move on to an LG front loader pair. It will make my wife happy, and the LGs seem to be well respected even by some fans of vintage machines and Speed Queen.

Plus, I'm not a mechanic. I'm handy enough to do a lot of my own repairs but I just didn't have the appetite for this one. So the offer is still open -- if anyone in the NYC / tri-state area would like to rescue this machine you are welcome to come take it for free. At least until Tuesday when the delivery guys will haul it away if it's still here.

 

[twiggi]

Alternative

Another alternative to buying a new piece of junk is to shop on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for the same model. My exact same model as yours pictured died recently and I found the same set just a couple years newer than mine and bought them both for $200. They are working like a dream, and the old set is going to be repaired for the barn/shop.