Kenmore washer parts problem

[rick2]

Hi,

New guy here. Looking for some help locating a agitator for an older Kenmore clothes washer. Model number 110.72470600 agitator P/N 285066

Sears, Kenmore and WHIRLPOOL do not offer this part for sale any more.

The agitator drive shaft is also bad, the splines are worn off, but I have a used shaft from another machine that I think will fit.

It would be great if someone near the Minneapolis, MN area would have a donor machine that I get the parts from.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Rick -

The agitator you want is the infamous Penta-Swirl. The model you have is the 1974 Seventy series in gold. It is the first one among dozens of models to use that agitator when it was in production from 1974 through much of 1981.

There is a Penta swirl available on ebay right now, it may look a little different because it is white while yours is likely gold. The ebay agitator also has an extension on it that you don't need on your machine. It is easily removed however.

If that option doesn't work for you, you might try some local used appliance stores and repair shops, many have piles of old parts from years ago as these stores usually stockpiled used parts from machines they scrapped. These will likely be white as well, as only the 1974 and 1975 70-series models used this agitator in gold.

As to the agitator shaft, any standard gearcase, 1963-1987 will work except the 1967-1973 large capacity machines,which are quite rare.

If you don't locate anything, let me know, I have several spares in white.

Gordon

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Wow!

I looked at the ebay item under 285066. It is still there but at over 70-bucks, and more than $50 for shipping, it's hugely over-priced. No wonder the item has been there so long.

Let me know if you can't find one.

Gordon

 

[rick2]

Gorden,

Thanks for the info. You do know your Kenmore's. I didn't find the 285066 part in my first ebay search. I did find the one you reported on. Your right, lots of money for an used part.

Found this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/KENMORE-WASHER-AGITATOR-PART-285062-/401093608296? but not sure it would work, plus it is not any less expensive.

I will take the info you have provided to some of the local repair shops and see what I can find.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Rick -

The other ebay agitator is what is known as the Straight Vane. This is a standard capacity agitator. While it would work in a pinch and will fit just fine in a large capacity machine that uses the standard gearcase, it is not meant for one.

In a standard capacity model, the water level typically rises to cover all but 2.5 inches or so of the centerpost of the agitator, not including the tapered top where the splines mount. In a large machine, the water level will rise up when full to beyond the rim where it starts to taper inward. That much water overwhelms this little powerhouse agitator.

What you could do as an alternative, and Sears sold this as an option for years in their catalogs, is to use a Dual-Action agitator in your machine. Search for 350990 on ebay and see what you get. I think there was an option that is more reasonably priced. These are meant for your machine and would improve its useable capacity or washability on really full loads.

If you're like me though, and you want as close to original as possible, then you'll probably find a Penta-Swirl somewhere in Minneapolis. The stores won't likely know it by name, but if the person has history in these machines, they'll recognize a picture, etc. When I have done this a few times, I just ask to see their piles of parts. Its really fun anyway....

GOOD LUCK!

Gordon

 

[rick2]

If anybody is interested, this Kenmore is going out the door with a new Kenmore coming in.

If you want any parts, let me know,otherwise it will be gone on Monday June 27.

Richard