Kenmore 80 Series

[frapdoodle]

Hello everyone.
Recently I acquired a Kenmore 80 Series. So far I love it. Is this the machine that everyone refers to as a "Shreadmore"? One thing I would love to get for this is the giant fabric softener dispenser. If anyone knows where I could possibly get one of these, please let me know.
Tell me all you can about this machine! haha
Chance

 

[frapdoodle]

a

 

[frapdoodle]

b

 

[frapdoodle]

c

 

[frapdoodle]

d

 

[appnut]

Oh yeah, it's pure Shredmore. Except this one shifts to gentle agitation at the 6 minute mark on regular/Knit-Delicate and Perm Press. That helps a little bit but then you don't get good rollover if ou've put a fuyll load in there.

 

[kenmore58]

In my opinion, this is one of the best machines ever made. I purchased this exact machine with the matching dryer 20 years ago when I purchased my home and it's been performing well ever since. The dryer recently had a problem, which turned out to be a minor repair.

Hopefully, it will be giving me another 20 years of dependable service.

Ron
Kenmore58

 

[DADoES]

 
This dispenser?  Available from many parts sources.

Part Number 63594.

SearsPartsDirect.com = $10.47 (I got one two years ago for $5.92)
PartsTap.com = $7.43
RepairClinic.com = $7.75
Etc.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Chance -

There's a brand new 63594 on ebay with free shipping for $11.95. This is the dispenser that everyone loved to hate (women at least) as I'm told because the blue snap ring has broken many a fingernail for women when the try to release these.

Pure Shredmore Bob? I must differ with you. I have one of these too, mine is a 70 series, same identical timer, but the second rinse is non-wired so its a giant OFF. My machine is very low mileage, but I've never had anything shredded or had it even come close. The speed shift isn't there either -- the Heavy Duty cycle is all fast agitation, and the Normal is 100% low speed agitation with fast spin.

This is a 1992 model machine (I am guessing something like Kenmore model 110.922821x0, is that right Chance?). These were the first models with the new cycle arrangement with Normal and Heavy Duty. The normal was designed to cut-down on extended abuse (which goes along with Bob's shredmore claim) of high speed agitation that many consumers were subjecting their close to in earlier model versions, as they were setting their Direct Drives as they had their belt-drives previously, with 12-14 minutes of high speed agitation on the old Cotton Sturdy cycle. 1986 and 1988 DDs had essentially identical cycle layouts, model for model, to the 1983 Kenmore belt-drives. These 1992 models seeked to alter that somewhat so clothes would get better or more appropriate care.

I have included a picture of my machine for comparison.

When I use this machine, a full water level load is washed on Heavy Duty, but almost never more than 10 minutes. Partial level loads, unless they are very heavy items like towels or jeans, are washed on Normal at the 10-minute setting. Seems to work well that way.

One thing I can say about this machine - it handles mixed weight loads differently than a belt-drive, in fact, some mixed loads I wouldn't put in a belt drive. If you mix sheets with heavier cotton shirts/shorts/etc. the sheets can interfere with roll-over in the DD. That would not be an issue in a BD, however, BDs don't like to spin mixed-weight loads unless they are uniformly distributed. DDs don't make nearly the fuss in spin, at least in my experience.

Gordon

 

[DirectDriveDave]

The term Shredmore is pure nonsense

Unless you don't know how to use it properly. I have been using our DD washer since I was in late elementary school, and have never once experienced clothing damage. As long as you use the correct cycle for the fabric, and don't overload it, everything will be just fine.

 

[lebron]

I love Kenmores so its not like I'm biased here. The "Shredmore" term is well earned. These machines are absolutely terrible on clothes and will put holes in them. FACT. I have experienced it many times with many different whirlpool and kenmore agitators.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

About 3 years ago I had an early (1984) 24" Kenmore (spin drain) DD washer.   I had run a few loads through it with no issues, until I did a load of dress shirts.   One shirt did get damaged and while it wasn't literally in shreds, it was no longer wearable.  I was pissed.   At that moment I said to my self "it sure earned it's 'Shreadmore' name" and I sold it the following week.

 

On the flipside, I currently have a TOL KM Elite Catalyst (3 speed) washer that I like a LOT.   I've run numerous loads through it and have not had a single issue or problem with damage clothing.

 

I believe the reasons for this are: 

#1 the wash basket is bigger (wider).  

#2 the agitator profile is different (not including the auger).  

#3 on lower water levels the agitation is automatically set to a slower speed.

#4 it only agitates at the fastest speed on the highest water level and/or on the Heavy Duty cycle.

 

Kevin

 

[this post was last edited: 7/18/2012-13:16]

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I agree with Kevin completely.

The original 2.4/2.5 cu ft. baskets are very tall, narrow cylinders essentially, as compared to more uniformly sized (nearly as wide as tall) standard capacity belt-drive tubs. I think these tall slender tubs, which were most often linked to lower MOL and BOL one-speed units, are less likely to properly roll a load, as there is a lot of vertical travel required, and not much side to side space to get the action rolling. Proper loading is the key.

There is no doubt that a DD CAN abuse laundry, but so could a BD if mis-used. I think DDs are simply easier to mis-use. This is why KM re-designed the premise of the cycles in the early 90s, so users would be more likely to wash for fewer minutes at slower speeds. Using the new Normal cycle at 10 minutes with slow agitation won't harm laundry, but if the user still insists, it can be done on the Heavy Duty cycle when 14 minutes is selected. Some DDs even have 18 minutes of wash I believe - enough to dissolve some old towel I think...

But, other people's experience aside, factual or not, if WP's 100 million direct drive washers were all shredding clothes on a regular basis, WP would be bankrupt from the damage claims by now, OR the machines would have been re-designed 80-million washers ago.

Gordon

 

[combo52]

KM DD 80 Series Washer

I agree that this was one of the best and most reliable automatic washers EVER and having worked on over 10,000 DD washers over the last 25 years I have never had a customer tell me that a DD washer damaged any clothing [ and I have had some crazy customers ] This KM DD washer with the Dual Action Agitator is probably more genital than any MT DC washer ever made when properly used.

 

[appnut]

Unless you don't know how to use it properly.

Uhhh, pardon me Dave. But I've beren doing laundry IN THAT Shredmore before you were evfgen born. (I think I know a thing or two about edoing laundry. Unless you are saying 25 differeent people (yes I've kept count and there are more) who do not also know how to do laundry. You have to baby with loads with heloluva of water that's very waste But then agaihnj, I had a loose knit cotton sweater (the bulky knd, that I washed allk by itself on 3/4 watedr level and it stillk ripped holes in my sweater on gentle. So do NOT go there.

 

[DirectDriveDave]

To be clear.

I am NOT saying the machine cannot possibly do that, I'm just saying it require the right use (I cant think of other ways of saying that). I'm not sure why you have had damage to fabrics while I have not. Maybe our machine being a 3-speed has something to do with it, I don't know. (though, from your post it sounds like maybe yours was too?)

Hell, maybe i'm even being TOO careful of how I use them, but considering what I have experienced, which were all positive, I see no reason to change.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Very nice Vintage DD Kenmore

You have a very well made and clean washing washer there. One of the best top loader designs ever IMO. I have never found any proof of these being shredmores. I have never pulled a load out of one and had it be torn up. Just be careful what you put in there on the HD cycle. Happy Washing!

Nick WK78

 

[appnut]

Mine being the original DD LK, it didn't have shift to gentle during the middle of the wash. I generally washed thihngs for 6 minutes no longer than that. I'd soak for a long time if soil level needed it. Just too rough on fabrics without that switch to gentle in themiddle of the cycle. And because of that, the only thing I washed on normal were towels, everything else got washed on 8 minutws of delicate.

 

[xraytech]

Great washer, I grew up with a set just like it.
My mother purchased a new 70 series Kenmore DD and matching Soft Heat dryer in 1988 when I was 2. It replaced a well worn hand me down GE set from the mid 60s.
We had our 70 series washer until 2001.

We washed everything in that washer for 13years and never had an issue, we even regularly washed lace tablecloths, and doilies as well as lace curtains and even their being so delicate they never shredded, and they were typically washed on Normal.

Not to mention these were very reliable washers, as up until the last year and a half before we replaced the washer it never had an issue, and we do nearly 20 loads a week, and there were lots of times that grandma did her wash with it too on top of our regular loads. We replaced our 70 series with a 2001 80 series which performed flawlessly, I just recently sold it to a student of mine and ts still going strong.

I must say the only thing I noticed being kinda rough was my clothes, especially scrubs would come out of the washer all tangled up

 

[strongenough78]

Very nice machine! I wouldn't mind having one like that myself. And I've never had a DD Kenmore or Whirlpool damage any of my clothes.

 

[fsp95405]

frapdoodle:
The trim around your console is light and there are colored indicators in the trim. Your ATC has 3 selections instead of one "AUTO" selection, 1992 is correct for this machine. Also notice my 70 series and Gordons 70 series. The trim around mine is dark and I only have 4 temp settings. My machine is of an older model.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Melvin -

Sears did something different with the 1986 DDs that they hadn't done in about 12 years --- they differentiated the consoles again between their better selling series. Not as dramatically as had been in the 1970s when almost every model had its own console, but the 60 and 70 series machines had monotone black panels, whereas the 80 and 90 series models had the brushed aluminum accent trim which separated the timer bezel area from the rest of the panel. This was present on the all-new 1986 line, and on the 1988 versions, which were almost identical to the '86s. All or most of the few models introduced in 1987 and after 1988 to 1992 were given the same cosmetic treatment.

What this did, and I presume its why Sears did it, is prevent buyers from getting a near TOL washer, and a MOL or 60 series (for example) dryer to go with it, or vice versa, at least without having consoles that obviously don't belong together. Previously a buyer could have bought the entry level black panel 60-series dryer and a near TOL washer and the panels would have matched perfectly. I did that in fact when I got my sister her set.

In the 1986 configuration, the 60 dryer would have had an all black console, and the 80-series washer would be similar in frame, but have the large and noticeable silver trim. I am thinking that Sears wanted to "encourage" buyers to get both of the more pricey appliances instead of just one.

In 1992 this changed, and all models having a metal console got the silver trim, even the 60 series. People must have complained...

Gordon

 

[fsp95405]

Gordon
Was there ever a Kenmore 90 series DD to which had the Suds Saver feature? How common are the Sud Saver DD's?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Melvin -

I don't know the answer to that question. The resource saver DDs were rare overall I think, and probably even more so in Charlotte. Nobody has laundry tubs.

What's the model number of your current machine? I can take the digits from that and fenagle with some permutations of numbers and see if I can come up with anything.

The numbering scheme with belt-drives doesn't turn up any DD suds models in the 1980s or early 90s. As an example, 110.82372110 was a non-suds, and a 110.83372110 is the suds version. If the same convention was used in DDs, the suds/resource savers would have a 3 in the second digit right of the decimal. There are none like that in my book from the 1980s to 1991/2, but the non-suds DD models have model numbers of the same format as BDs. I didn't find any on Sears' site using the 110.93* search feature either. Sears probably changed the model number scheme for these.

Gordon

 

[combo52]

DD Washers With built-in Suds-Savers

These did not appear till the mid 1990s. Before this time and starting in the mid 1980s when the change over to DD washers was almost complete WP{ and Sears tried an add on mechanical Suds-Saver attachment that could be used on any DD washer after about 1985. There was a space on the timer dial between two off periods where you could get the washer to dry agitate and pull the saved suds water back into the washer, even the LKM limited addition had a little * on the control panel so you could do this. Unfortunately these add on SSs didn't work reliably and after many problems, floods etc they were discontinued.

Some time in the early 1990s both sears and WP introduced one washer model that had a real built-in Suds-saver. This SS washer used the same Two Way valve that the BD machines had used since 1948 making this part the only significant part that was used on both the DD and BD washers. These new SS washers were called water saver machines by Sears as they allowed you to save either the wash OR rinse water in the amount of 16 or 23 gallons via a selector knob on the control panel.

WP called their washer just a Suds-Miser and only allowed you to save the wash water like earlier Suds-saver machines.

These new machines were sold for around 10 years or so and show up fairly in areas of the country where SS were were very popular back in the heyday of SS washers. These new machines were NOT called Resource Savers, this name was used by WP{ and KM for a special DD washer that did a unique series of either 5 or 6 separate recirculated spray rinses while the machine was spinning at full speed in stead of just the usual one deep rinse.

The RSSer was very effective and well liked by our customers, we sold around a hundred of them. The problem was that it got the same good Energy Star rating as the new Calypso and cost 1/2 as much as wasn't all computerized so customers were quick to buy the RSSer rater than and expensive new type of washer.

 

[mrb627]

Wash Time

I do like it when the Wash Time in Minutes is printed on the timer dial.

Malcolm

 

[fsp95405]

Gordon
110.82979100 This machine was one in a series of 4 that come in to my local resource shop. On going there for a Whirlpool Duet sport FL to modify I saw the machine here on the outside of the building. There were 3 other identical Kenmore water miser DD's on the showroom floor. 2 70 series and 1 80 series. On these 3 machines the suds saver hardware had been removed already. On the machine here everything was still intact, so I took it with me. In general I don't bother with DD machines anymore, but this one is a bit different.

Now the 90 series DD is pretty crowded timerwise. Would there even be enough room on the timer cam for such a feature? Also, some of these earilier 90 series DD machines have an out of balance safety switch on them. By what year, or which models did this feature become discontiunued? In my experience, I have seen this switch, and I have had at least 2 machines to which had this feature and one machine to which did not, BUT the switch was on the electrical diagram of the machine, however there was no section on the wiring harness for the switch. Also, on these 90 series machines, they also had the ATC feature as "AUTO". The machines with the out of balance switch had white clothes baskets and the other machine with the switch on the diagram had a speckled basket.

 

[fsp95405]

This machine also has the top few layers of holes in the basket, with a DA. I've seen some 70 series mnodel DD's with the straight-vane agitator.

 

[fsp95405]

The hoses came with the machine. The water inlets were like that when I got the machine. They are WRONG and INCORRECT!!! It'll get fixed the next time I have the cabinet off.

 

[fsp95405]

saver hose