Lady Kenmore Portable Washer Has A Bad Timer :(

[pulsator]

Okay, I have decided not to give up on my Lk Portable. When I get an apartment in college, (Still have to get through High School) I want to take some vintage with me. So, I have decided it would be best to take my great little work horse. Unfortunately she has a bad timer. (I think...) After completing the drain after washing, she'll begin to shift into spin but then power off. So the Permanent Press, Delicate, and Regular cycles are not operational. I am left with the Prewash. Is this the timer? I just want to make sure before special ordering one for $90.00 on Reapirclinic.com. PLEASE HELP ME SAVE MY BABY!!!!!!!

 

[fixerman]

I am assuming this is a belt drive with the Multi V belt. If so check the pump. It could be sticking causing the motor to overload. Does the motor try to start again after a few minutes? If so, something is causing it to overload the motor. Possibly a bad motor, pump or idler pulley. Doesn't sound like the timer to me. Also look for article of clothing such as as sock or wash cloth, getting cought on top of the inner tub or between the tubs. You'll need to romove the tub top cover to see. If its direct drive let us know.

 

[kenmore1978]

timer

If it is the timer, go to Johnstone Supply. Got one for my '72 LK portable for about $46. When it came, turns out it was from Midwest Timer.

 

[pulsator]

Pump

It is a Belt Drive, but I don't think it would be the pump because it drains and spins perfectly on the Prewash. But, how do you remove the tub cover? (I know how to take off the top.)

 

[fixerman]

The tub cover is usially a two piece assembly. Remove the top part, usually tabs hold it on, then remove the four metal clips holding the bottom part of the assembly.Also the fill hose and recirculating hose must be removed.

 

[coldspot66]

Does not spin at all? No motor sound? like it's off? Could be the timer. Try jiggling the knob when it stops to see if you get any contact at all.

 

[fixerman]

Coldspot, The reason I thought it was not the timer is because Pulsator stated: After completing the drain after washing, she'll begin to shift into spin but then power off.

 

[fixerman]

Coldspot,On second thought, If it powers off completely the timer would be a logical suspect. I was assuming that the motor would try to start, overload then stop. You are right if the motor doesn't go at all when it goes into spin.

 

[pulsator]

I have tried jiggling the timer after it powers off and it does start again if I move it one click over or if I tap it 5-10 times.

 

[coldspot66]

I'd say you have a bad master switch in the timer. Replace the timer.

 

[kenmore1978]

Outcome

So what was the final outcome?

 

[pulsator]

A series of unfortunate events

Well, unfortunately the night I was going to take apart the Lady Kenmore, my piece-o-crap Haier front loader died. So, in order to keep mom happy with having two washers I had to move my newer Kenmore in place and somehow the Lady Kenmore got demoted to rag washer. This is very unfortunate because now my mother does not see why we should fix it. I can pay for the new timer and all, but she does want a washing machine taken apart when it does what it needs to do fine. I will get to it someday though, maybe when I get an apartment in college. Or, just as a summer thing.