Leaky Lady Kenmore Portable

[geextrarinse]

Hi everybody! I'm glad to have something to chat about on here since my collection is back in storage for the time being. My Programmed GE is now hooked up at my mothers in place of the Dispensall. She loved the Dispensall but was using it - to death! I wanted to give it a break so I put another one into service for her. She really does love the GEs!

Anyway - I did pick up the Kenmore Portable machine I previously posted about. I got it to my parents yesterday and took it apart. Some very interesting things…

I first noticed that the fabric softener dispenser that it came with was some how chewed up - it looked like it had been melted by something in certain spots. Then on the side of the dispenser, I noticed that there was a gouge cut into it. It is really abused. I then though that this would cause the fabric softener to leak out during spin instead of staying inside and releasing after the spin cycle stopped. Well, my ideas were confirmed when I opened the top up and found EVERYTHING coated in years of splatterd fabric softener. It's a total mess! And it's started to make the cabinet rust. I tried to wipe it off but it was endless. Made everything slippery and hard to deal with. I did my best to wipe it off though. There were dried chunks of it where it had puddled in the base of the machine.

They sure son't make these easy to disassemble - remember i'm used to my GE's!

[this post was last edited: 8/10/2015-21:46]

 

[geextrarinse]

Other than the mess, it runs really well...

except I noticed a small leak. It doesn't leak with just water in the tub, it only leaks when the machine is running, so only when the pump is on. This is how I realized where it's coming from. I examined the whole outer tub for leaks and couldn't find any. I wanted to see the pump with the machine running but had no way of doing it since I had to take it apart to get the cabinet off. I'm sure there is a trick but this is my first time playing with a Kenmore, so some tips from you pros would be appreciated.

I noticed that the pump leaks only when its washing. I'm assuming that there is a valve in there that switches the water flow from the drain to the recirc. nozel and vise versa. I'm guessing that the seal is bad because it leaks when it washes and I also noticed that when it drains, the water still flows out of the lint filter. And that when it's washing and recirculating, the a small amount of water continuously comes out of the drain hose as well. I snapped a few pics for you all, to see what you think… The pic of the agitator and the int filter was taken during the drain period after the wash, you'll see a significant amount of water is still coming from the filter as its draining…

What do you guys think? And what should I do? is it fixable? Or do I need to find a pump? (I fear the impossible here) Or do I just put a towel down when I wash and enjoy it while I can? I do believe it can be fixed and I'd love to just replace the pump but I am very inexperienced with these, though i do love a washer challenge!

 

[launderess]

Have two extra NIB FSP/Whirlpool pumps lying about spare

From when I had my WP portable/convertible. If they suit let me know as am willing to move them on as no longer have the washer.

In my case the machine leaked but it was the tub seal. You can search the archives for that disaster. *LOL*. Once fixed however the machine worked like a champ.

 

[geextrarinse]

OMG!

Fantastic! Wow - that was easy! I'd love to get a pump from you! I can email you to coordinate!

I'm hoping it is indeed the pump, id still like to have one anyway. Very excited! Then the challenge of changing it :-$

 

[launderess]

First find out the model number of pump needed

IIRC mine are three port pumps as my machine had a recirculating lint catching system.

Here is what one has stashed (some where):

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?48008

Last Shout! NOS Whirlpool/FSP Three Port Pump

Listed this before but no takers. Need to find homes for many things lying about and if the thing isn't taken here in the group will see if any locals want. Pump On Offer: Though the box says FSP... Pump-Water-AW 285317/code 941107, contents are: 357729 Water-Pump (3-port) Kit contains also...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[washdaddy]

If the machine is anything similar to its full sized counterpart, the lint filter will continue to circulate water as the machine is draining. Once the machine has drained the water out of it naturally the lint filter will stop operating. The valve in the pump only affects whether the machine drains or not. It has no bearing on the lint filter.

 

[launderess]

Oh I don't know

Seem to recall quite vividly that when my WP compact/convertible (in Harvest Gold no less) stopped agitating for rinse or wash cycles water stopped coming through the lint filter. As the machine drained and began to ramp up to spin nothing was coming out of the filter as well. Spray rinses, yes, that I had in spades.

 

[geextrarinse]

Well, I don't know the part number...

but they look like what I need - only think is the belt pulley doesn't look like a match - wonder if I can change them out? LOL I'm so completely green to these machines. Not a clue!

 

[geextrarinse]

Thank you Washdaddy!

I will keep this in mind asI also recall certain machines that did the same thing, so wouldn't be surprised it it was just part of this machine too. I just want to fix the leak.

 

[DADoES]

 
May be wrong, but I believe 4-port pumps run the filter during drain until the water level drops below the intake, 3-port pumps do not.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

The pump you need...

Is part number 285317 and is still quite common. It is considered a three port pump.

This pump pumps water in one direction only whereas all other belt-drive WP / Kenmore pumps reverse water flow between agitate and drain. In agitate position, water flow through this pump is cut off and flows only in the front chamber where the third little port is for the filter hose. When the machine shifts into neutral drain, the flow of water resumes though the pump body. This should immediately cut flow to the filter and third port while the machine drains.

The two most common ways that I have seen these pumps fail is either via leaks at the impeller shaft, or internally when they no longer fully shift from one mode to another. Sounds like your pump is doing both, so I would toss it pronto. Not long ago my 1979 Kenmore's pump started to fail internally and eventually never cut off flow to the filter line. This makes the spin nearly ineffective as the machine re deposited a great deal of the spun out water back into the basket.

If you don't get Laundress' pump, these are widely available on ebay and at many parts stores. Whirlpool no longer makes this pump, but Supco makes a decent aftermarket one. You will need to change the pulley for use with a portable's belt as the pulley installed at the factory is for the most common full size machines. Most Whirlpool and Supco pumps have a second pulley that comes as an accessory in the box.

Good luck!

Gordon

 

[geextrarinse]

THANKS GORDON!!!

Ok awesome! God I LOVE this site!

Thanks again - I'm much more confident in doing this now! think Launderess' pump will fit but I will look some up on ebay as well!

I'll keep you all posted!

 

[launderess]

Oh, and have these as well:

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?47323

Could have darn near built new machine couldn't I? *LOL*

 

[kenmoreguy64]

About Washdaddy's filtering comment...

Back when four-port pumps were used in all manual filter models, the machines did indeed continue to filter until water dropped below the filter supply line funnel on the side of the outer tub. It was not uncommon for the filter to burp a bit of water during spin if it was ingested into the supply funnel.

When the redesigned portables came out in 1974-ish, the new three port pumps came with them. They were also introduced into fill size machines as new models were developed. The main benefit is the machines can be equipped with manual filters without that tub side funnel port which was an extra manufacturing cost and a source for leaks.

At this point, the four port pump was only used in models with water powered detergent dispensers and in suds models with manual filters, which need the four port pump's ability to reverse water direction to return suds water.

That ends today's little belt-drive pump lesson.... Lol

Gordon

 

[geextrarinse]

I LOVE IT!

Thank you - I'm glad to learn about different machines. My next machine will be a version of my mothers from when I was little. They had a 77 Whirlpool with magic clean filter but I'd love to find of from that era with a manual lint filter as they are more fun. Aaah! the sounds of a Whirlpool! Some day….

That washer in the link is EXACTLY the one I'd like some day...

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=27zVIxbaBqU

 

[extmaxspin]

Laundress - Parts Surplus

Hello Laundress--I've recently acquired a Whirlpool compact machine that I'd like to keep running long term. I'd definitely be interested in the other pump (that geextrarinse doesn't take, if he does), and any other of your spare parts that you'd like to be rid of.

Please shoot me an email and we can discuss costs for what you have and shipping details.

Thanks!
Mark

 

[bellalaundry]

Keeping a watch

on this thread. My avocado green portable is doing the same thing. Last year I did replace the pump, but it still leaked. I haven't found time to look under the skirt since (so much more difficult with the portables). I'm wondering if the cam bar isn't shifting enough to fully switch the lever on the pump...

Guy