Kenmore Belt Drive Washer in Atlanta
- Thread starter mrb627
- Start date
That's a 1983 23701 machine, in case anyone wanted to know, and is a lower sibling to the machine that RedCarpetDrew / Andy found last week. Entry level Kenmore 70, made from 1983 to late 1986 and closed-out the belt-drive models. This is a later machine because it has metal lid hinges. The first editions (1983/1984) had the short-lived plastic hinges.
Gordon
Gordon
mickeyd
Well-known member
Hello Gordon, hello Mrb
These well made babies are popping up like crazy. There was a time when it seemed as if every basement you entered had one of these or its almost identical siblings.
These well made babies are popping up like crazy. There was a time when it seemed as if every basement you entered had one of these or its almost identical siblings.
mrb627
Well-known member
Standard Capacity
I would prefer a standard capacity tub machine, personally. I think they lived longer. And if I have to do a couple extra loads a week to keep up? So be it!
MRB
I would prefer a standard capacity tub machine, personally. I think they lived longer. And if I have to do a couple extra loads a week to keep up? So be it!
MRB
MRB - the standard tub models lived longer? Why do you say that? I'm curious - not trying to argue with you, just curious what your reasoning is.
From my perspective, the standard tubs from the 60s and earlier 70s were TOUGH on bearings. A well used machine almost always seems to need them badly. I have not come across as many large tub machines of the same era needing bearings, at least not badly enough to interfere with machine performance, but that's just my experience.
These short-post 1978 and later machines never seem to wear the bearings unless they've been wet from a flooded centerpost. There were not that many standard tub machines or models post 1978 so comparisons are hard for me to judge, but I think overall the later machines, centerpost flooding aside, were/are much more reliable than the earlier machines.
G
From my perspective, the standard tubs from the 60s and earlier 70s were TOUGH on bearings. A well used machine almost always seems to need them badly. I have not come across as many large tub machines of the same era needing bearings, at least not badly enough to interfere with machine performance, but that's just my experience.
These short-post 1978 and later machines never seem to wear the bearings unless they've been wet from a flooded centerpost. There were not that many standard tub machines or models post 1978 so comparisons are hard for me to judge, but I think overall the later machines, centerpost flooding aside, were/are much more reliable than the earlier machines.
G
mrb627
Well-known member
My Logic
The smaller capacity machines don't have to endure as heavy a load on the suspension and bearings. I don't think I have ever run into bad bearings on a standard tub machine. But I have plenty of the large capacity units.
Plus, the standard capacity machines have agitators that are more fun. JMO.
MRB
The smaller capacity machines don't have to endure as heavy a load on the suspension and bearings. I don't think I have ever run into bad bearings on a standard tub machine. But I have plenty of the large capacity units.
Plus, the standard capacity machines have agitators that are more fun. JMO.
MRB
Bad bearings are what killed our 1961 machine, and our neighbor's 1962 Kenmore 800/Lady K - both lasted into the mid-70s, so about 13/14 years. I have several here in storage that have bearings so badly worn that you can hear centerpost rattles just by moving the machines across the floor a few inches. Two of mine are so bad that they can't reach full-speed spin because the spin-tubes aren't centered tightly enough in the bearing sleeves and the basket just wobbles around.
The only thing I've seen in the large-tub machines is noise in the centerpost, but never gaps worn in the bearings.
If you ever come to Charlotte, I'll show the machines to you - maybe we can determine why these individual machines did what they did.
G
The only thing I've seen in the large-tub machines is noise in the centerpost, but never gaps worn in the bearings.
If you ever come to Charlotte, I'll show the machines to you - maybe we can determine why these individual machines did what they did.
G
gyrafoam
Well-known member
Oh, I've replaced a few bearings in late 50's early 60's Kenmo's. Not a problem.
I also prefer the standard-tub machines-----however, would love to come across one of those early big tub machines with the big straight-vane agitator in it.
I also prefer the standard-tub machines-----however, would love to come across one of those early big tub machines with the big straight-vane agitator in it.
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