KM BD lo dollar model
- Thread starter goatfarmer
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That's an 18lb machine, has a Penta-Vane agitator (Penta-Swirl was for higher-end models such as the Lady).
cfz2882
Well-known member
probably from around 1976 ?
Funny how that lowest water level setting isn’t Small or Extra Small…
This machine may have been marketed to men, and no man wants to see small or Ex Small on anything.
Medium is probably half fill, Extra High is full fill. Just the typical marketing gimmicks.
I am willing to be that there is an extra gentle or quick cycle on the timer. Often times enabled with a single jumper found only on higher end models.
cdub490
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- Sep 21, 2025
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My take, based only on the knobs with no metallic chrome look to them is that is possibly early 1980s? Or did everything BOL go direct drive after 1981?
--Chris
Reply 9- Hands down my favorite control panel look and design. I wish they still had something like this.
You could aquire this, maybe fix it, if something minor, switch agitators, and resell it.
Later 70s can more belt drive nail down model.
We had a customer had had this exact machine for many years, this was a model that Sears sold to use as an advertising come on to get you to come and look at a super capacity machine, and the sales people were instructed and trained not to sell it and to move you up into a fancier model.
It was a perfectly good machine if you only wanted to wash full loads or nearly full loads of laundry, no delicate cycle, etc.
This one’s in really good shape, considering it only had a painted top and lid obviously wasn’t used a lot, which is pretty much the case with any washer this old that’s still around, they either were not used a lot or they were repaired a lot and look like hell.
John L
We had a customer had had this exact machine for many years, this was a model that Sears sold to use as an advertising come on to get you to come and look at a super capacity machine, and the sales people were instructed and trained not to sell it and to move you up into a fancier model.
It was a perfectly good machine if you only wanted to wash full loads or nearly full loads of laundry, no delicate cycle, etc.
This one’s in really good shape, considering it only had a painted top and lid obviously wasn’t used a lot, which is pretty much the case with any washer this old that’s still around, they either were not used a lot or they were repaired a lot and look like hell.
John L
Although I thought Sears direct drive models were phased in the model line and by late 1986 were all direct drive. Could have been made in early 1986. Definitely all DD by 1987
Made in early June, 1986. I was surprised it was built that late, rare to see them. I worked at Sears in 86 when all the belt-drive washers and matching black panel dryers were moved to the center aisles and clearanced out while the new direct drive models were brought out and set up on display. That was in the late-summer early fall of 86. It didn't take too many days to sell all of the black-panel machines.
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Some research at an online catalog library finds ...
(photo 1) The model of the topic sale is in this version of the 1978 Fall-Winter catalog with the water levels stated as "Extra-high and medium."
(photo 2) 1979 Spring-Summer has it but the water levels stated as "High, med." Can't say if that's a catalog text thing or if it accurately reflects what's on the console.
(photo 3) 1979 Fall-Winter catalog with the water levels again stated as "Extra-high, medium."
(photo 4) Backtracking ... 1978 Spring-Summer has a model with a dark background behind the controls and the water level choices started as "Low and high." Also references temp choices as "hot wash/cold rinse" (Normal cycle) and "warm wash/cold rinse" (Perm Press).
1980 Spring-Summer has a model with the same console design but with only a full-fill level (no water level control).
(photo 1) The model of the topic sale is in this version of the 1978 Fall-Winter catalog with the water levels stated as "Extra-high and medium."
(photo 2) 1979 Spring-Summer has it but the water levels stated as "High, med." Can't say if that's a catalog text thing or if it accurately reflects what's on the console.
(photo 3) 1979 Fall-Winter catalog with the water levels again stated as "Extra-high, medium."
(photo 4) Backtracking ... 1978 Spring-Summer has a model with a dark background behind the controls and the water level choices started as "Low and high." Also references temp choices as "hot wash/cold rinse" (Normal cycle) and "warm wash/cold rinse" (Perm Press).
1980 Spring-Summer has a model with the same console design but with only a full-fill level (no water level control).
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With the possible exception of his prostate... but that's another forum!
Hi everyone!
I love this thread! The subject washer for sale is a 1979 model. Stock number is 29401, considered a 400 series. John is right that it is in great shape. Here in the south the painted tops rusted pretty badly and quickly. Out west they seemed to survive longer.
There was a 1980 version of this washer that had a fixed water level, it was a 200 series, model 20201. Only other difference was the ‘80 model had the short lived plastic lid hinges.
Greg - I would love to give this washer a home after you play with it for a while, if you decide to get it but not keep it. I also have a couple of those spare agitators if you want one. Just let me know.
Chet - the timer in this 29401 does not seem to have been used in any models that had a third cycle, though I always wondered the same thing. There were however some models that used an identical cycle layout with a 6 minute “delicate” cycle with on-off pulses during wash agitation, intended for single speed machines. That timer however had a different part number. The 1981 models had new timers with a 180-degree sweep for the normal cycle (Cotton/Sturdy).
Glenn - there was a very similar 1977 model that was available for three or four years which had medium and hi levels, but standard capacity. It was model 27451. There was a 1976 model too with a black bezel.
Greg again - that is a dandy 86 model! I have not seen many 86s that new, though the one I bought new in August 86 has a C632xxxxx serial, and my Lady K that Andy / Red Carpet Drew got for me has a C635 serial. The 23721 series was Sears’ best selling model bar none in the mid 80s. They even wrote that in one of the 1986 catalogs. The control panel on yours looks pristine! Odd about the 23721 and 23701 (my model), that many were equipped from 1984 to 1986 with porcelain tops and lids but they were advertised to have the Dynaguard top and lid (powder coated). I have never figured out why. They may have done the same with the 23711 and 23741 also, but the 701 and 721 were their bast sellers. The stock number remains unchanged with the porcelain tops, but the model number has a different engineering revision. I have a 1986 23728 (almond) that has a porcelain top, made in week 12.
Have a good week everyone!
Gordon
I love this thread! The subject washer for sale is a 1979 model. Stock number is 29401, considered a 400 series. John is right that it is in great shape. Here in the south the painted tops rusted pretty badly and quickly. Out west they seemed to survive longer.
There was a 1980 version of this washer that had a fixed water level, it was a 200 series, model 20201. Only other difference was the ‘80 model had the short lived plastic lid hinges.
Greg - I would love to give this washer a home after you play with it for a while, if you decide to get it but not keep it. I also have a couple of those spare agitators if you want one. Just let me know.
Chet - the timer in this 29401 does not seem to have been used in any models that had a third cycle, though I always wondered the same thing. There were however some models that used an identical cycle layout with a 6 minute “delicate” cycle with on-off pulses during wash agitation, intended for single speed machines. That timer however had a different part number. The 1981 models had new timers with a 180-degree sweep for the normal cycle (Cotton/Sturdy).
Glenn - there was a very similar 1977 model that was available for three or four years which had medium and hi levels, but standard capacity. It was model 27451. There was a 1976 model too with a black bezel.
Greg again - that is a dandy 86 model! I have not seen many 86s that new, though the one I bought new in August 86 has a C632xxxxx serial, and my Lady K that Andy / Red Carpet Drew got for me has a C635 serial. The 23721 series was Sears’ best selling model bar none in the mid 80s. They even wrote that in one of the 1986 catalogs. The control panel on yours looks pristine! Odd about the 23721 and 23701 (my model), that many were equipped from 1984 to 1986 with porcelain tops and lids but they were advertised to have the Dynaguard top and lid (powder coated). I have never figured out why. They may have done the same with the 23711 and 23741 also, but the 701 and 721 were their bast sellers. The stock number remains unchanged with the porcelain tops, but the model number has a different engineering revision. I have a 1986 23728 (almond) that has a porcelain top, made in week 12.
Have a good week everyone!
Gordon
Hi Gordon , did you ever see any BD KMs that had a porcelain coated lid but a Dynaguard top, these models also had the short lived plastic hinges.
John L.
John L.
That is interesting. Do you have a pic of the cycle sheet by chance? Those typically give away hidden cycles in that the contact open/close sequence is still depicted despite the cycle not being labelled on the sheet and/or control panel.
While blurry, this machine appears (though I still could be wrong because of the image quality) to have contact closing bars running down to the bottom of the cycle sheet in addition to extra underwired contacts to the top right:
My guess if not used for higher end Kenmore, the same cam is used in a Whirlpool model. Would love to know, I am fascinated by things like this.
I know the same timer sequences that were used in Galaxy and BOL Kenmores were also used in BOL Whirlpools and Ropers during the 90s.
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Good morning John!
Yes I have seen many BDs with a porcelain lid and a painted top. For a while there in approx 1979 to 1982 models, most of the 60 and 70 series were marketed this way, and even one or two price leader 80 series models. This trend seemed to start with a price leader 1977 model 70 that was never in a catalog, 27741.
I have one unusual 1981 KM 70 that came factory built with the painted top, the porcelain lid, a DA agitator, the plastic hinges and a manual clean recirc filter. It was available with and without the pre-wash cycle. I don’t think they sold well because 1982 models came out less than a year later with the same features except a self clean filter.
In the 1990s when I was very busy refurbishing these machines for resale, I came across a number of painted the top machines, and I always tried to source a porcelain top to swap. As I said, the painted tops, unless they were very low use, I did not survive well here in the humid South.
Gordon
Yes I have seen many BDs with a porcelain lid and a painted top. For a while there in approx 1979 to 1982 models, most of the 60 and 70 series were marketed this way, and even one or two price leader 80 series models. This trend seemed to start with a price leader 1977 model 70 that was never in a catalog, 27741.
I have one unusual 1981 KM 70 that came factory built with the painted top, the porcelain lid, a DA agitator, the plastic hinges and a manual clean recirc filter. It was available with and without the pre-wash cycle. I don’t think they sold well because 1982 models came out less than a year later with the same features except a self clean filter.
In the 1990s when I was very busy refurbishing these machines for resale, I came across a number of painted the top machines, and I always tried to source a porcelain top to swap. As I said, the painted tops, unless they were very low use, I did not survive well here in the humid South.
Gordon
Sorry Chet that I do not have a cycle chart pic. I can say that I never noticed the KM’s timer used in a WP model, but I did not scrub the parts catalog to check. I do know that it was used in the 76 model, the 77 model, and 1980 model all mentioned above, as well as this ‘79, but I am pretty sure that was all. Not a lot of models or longevity in use.
Gordon
Gordon
Good to hear from you, Gordon. I know you like the basic models, as much as the high end stuff. Hope you get it!
Its all right!
Much respect and appreciation for the information you provided.My understanding is that the part numbers are different, but the cams and drums are sometimes the same.
By chance, do you have the part number of the water valve used in this machine? What ever the part number, I am waging to bet the valve is a or identical to a Whirlpool 358277 water valve.
Chet - the mixing valve is most definitely a 358277. That valve seemed to go into use in every stationary WP and KM belt drive washer model from 1978 or 1979 onward, from single cycle automatics to the highest electronic models.
I just had to install a 358277 in my 1977 KM 70 in November. The original blue bodied 60/40 valve had nearly stopped allowing hot water in, and the cold side was slow. It took about 25 minutes to fill on warm. I expected it to be clogged with debris, but there was nothing, it was the solenoids. Ironically this is the price leader 77 model that I mentioned above. It fills now about 2/3 of the way full during the first two minutes of the rinse fill.
G
I just had to install a 358277 in my 1977 KM 70 in November. The original blue bodied 60/40 valve had nearly stopped allowing hot water in, and the cold side was slow. It took about 25 minutes to fill on warm. I expected it to be clogged with debris, but there was nothing, it was the solenoids. Ironically this is the price leader 77 model that I mentioned above. It fills now about 2/3 of the way full during the first two minutes of the rinse fill.
G
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I LOVE the 358277 valve. I think it is the best water valve ever created hands down. It does not restrict the hot or cold water. Even mix. It also closes slowly and quietly eliminating water hammer without having to use separate line mounted arrestors. No pretentious hissing or ripping noises during fill. No loud buzzing or humming of the solenoids. Long lasting and easy to service. Hands down the best, most reliable, most quiet, and most serviceable water valve ever produced. All other water valves are toys.
If everyone were like me all top load washers sold today would have a spec built 358277 mixing valve. A machine with any other valve would not be purchased by a customer.
If everyone were like me all top load washers sold today would have a spec built 358277 mixing valve. A machine with any other valve would not be purchased by a customer.
Hi Chet , I’ve never seen such excitement about an inlet valve, lol
All inlet valves that whirlpool used on their washers in this time We’re dole valves. There are all the same quality there was nothing better about a 358 277. Yes it was a good valve but so were the blue valves and so were the red valves used in the compact machines and none of them exhibited any of the problems you mentioned in your overblown response.
When I rebuilt my 71 lady Ken Moore a couple years ago I put the blue valve in because I wanted the 6040 mix. I wanted a warmer warm since it was a sudssaver machine and I always reuse the water. Although in retrospect, I probably should’ve put the 50-50 valve in because I really don’t wash in warm water. I start with hot and it cools down for subsequent loads and with the 50-50 valve. I would get a little bit more robust spray rinse because my rinses are always cold.
Hi Gordon, I have a couple belt drive machines over at the warehouse that I have saved that came back from recent sales in the last year. I’ll have to post pictures of them. I’m not gonna keep any of them but maybe you or somebody wants them otherwise I’m just gonna recycle them. I already have too many parts stashed.
If anybody needs some belt drive transmissions, I was sorting them out. This is only about half the pile the other week. These are all in decent shape. None have water in them, etc., my only problem is shipping them. It’s too time-consuming if anybody wants to pick one up depending on the unit it would be between 50 and $100. I also have many agitators and GE FF clutch and motor assemblies that can be sold, I will probably just recycle all but maybe 6 of them soon.
John L
All inlet valves that whirlpool used on their washers in this time We’re dole valves. There are all the same quality there was nothing better about a 358 277. Yes it was a good valve but so were the blue valves and so were the red valves used in the compact machines and none of them exhibited any of the problems you mentioned in your overblown response.
When I rebuilt my 71 lady Ken Moore a couple years ago I put the blue valve in because I wanted the 6040 mix. I wanted a warmer warm since it was a sudssaver machine and I always reuse the water. Although in retrospect, I probably should’ve put the 50-50 valve in because I really don’t wash in warm water. I start with hot and it cools down for subsequent loads and with the 50-50 valve. I would get a little bit more robust spray rinse because my rinses are always cold.
Hi Gordon, I have a couple belt drive machines over at the warehouse that I have saved that came back from recent sales in the last year. I’ll have to post pictures of them. I’m not gonna keep any of them but maybe you or somebody wants them otherwise I’m just gonna recycle them. I already have too many parts stashed.
If anybody needs some belt drive transmissions, I was sorting them out. This is only about half the pile the other week. These are all in decent shape. None have water in them, etc., my only problem is shipping them. It’s too time-consuming if anybody wants to pick one up depending on the unit it would be between 50 and $100. I also have many agitators and GE FF clutch and motor assemblies that can be sold, I will probably just recycle all but maybe 6 of them soon.
John L
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Based on Chet's repeated assertions that valve 358277 is one of the best things man has ever created, I purchased said valve last month and I'm going to install it in my Speed Queen AWN542. Thank you, Chet. I am very much looking forward this potentially life-changing event.
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It is indeed thee best water valve ever created hands down.
My reply is not ever blown. The 358277 is better in that it lets the most water through. Yes the blue and red Dole valves are of the same build quality, however they either restricted the water in the hot and cold inlets, had rubber restirctors in the outlet, or were not a 50/50 mix. Hence why they are a different part numbers altogether. That is not hard to figure out.
I am not going to wait for my washer to fill when I can have full water volume out of the fill flume. A 2 1/2 minute fill time is optimal for me.
The none serviceable valves that came after are total trash. Loud, to restricted, and of course that awful water hammer. Valves should not hammer when closing, hissing while filling, humming, buzzing, ect.
Hi John!
I you set aside a transmission for my machine (LA7800XPN1) I could pick it up the next time me and my wife are in the Baltimore area, but it would be at least 3 or 4 months from now. She broke her tibia back in October and isn't 100% recovered yet.
If possible I would prefer the whole assembly (gearcase/basket drive/wig-wag/pulley) so I could do a quick swap with my machine. BTW I am still using it with the sketchy spring in it...
-Andy
