New Addition to the family!!!

[floyde]

Well, I purchased the Lady Kenmore Piano Key washer that was in Shopper Square under Craigslist LA. It's really beautiful. The pictures looked like the tub had some wear but it is sparkling not a bit of wear. I will post pictures later.

It is so quiet. Just a couple questions . The model number is 7004900 and one of the Buttons is Enzyme soak. 3 speed with Variflex agitator.

It's noted that Enzyme soak was changed to presoak in 71. Does anyone have any idea on age of this machine? I'm thinking maybe 69/70.

Also I haven't actually gotten to things down. The variflex agitator seems to not really do what it's supposed to do. The veins are in the 3rd position right after high all the way out being 4. They don't seem to want to lock in place.

Not a big deal because sort of a pain to change them constantly.

Secondly I know you press the keys in and the knob stops, but say I use cotton/linen. It fills and sorta hums for a minute before the washing starts. Is that normal operation?

I did download the piano key from the site operating books, but I think that was a later model. No soak cycle.
Anyway, any help is always welcomed.

 

[alr2903]

Congrats on your New Kenmore! Where does the humming come from down in the works or the console? Check the archives there was info maybe a whole thread on the adjustable Variflex agitator. When you get things sorted out you might enjoy a rotoswirl for variety. Best of Luck -A

You may have already done this enter variflex, also Lady Kenmore alphabet washer into the search-o-lator. Hope this helps.

 

[floyde]

I think it's the solenoid

The humming is after the fill and before the water starts coming through the detergent dispenser. Is there a separate solenoid that operates that feature ? It works just has the humming. Then it is quiet once the water starts dispensing the detergent.

If I put the timer a little past that click, the the water doesn't have enough time running through the dispenser and part of soap is left in the dispenser.

Didn't the later models run the water through the dispenser the entire wash?

 

[ovrphil]

Floyde.....

Congrats, I hope you get it up and running as it should. Glad you found a lady!

 

[floyde]

It's up and running

I've done 6 loads today. It runs like a champion. The only thing is that little humming, but that just right before it click to dispense the detergent. It's almost in mint condition and clean as a whistle. I think it is an April 1970 model 900 series.

 

[rp2813]

Sounds like the solenoid on my mom's '74 Kenmore when the bleach and/or fabric softener dispenser would activate.  The hum would begin when the solenoid opened the outlet and would continue for about a minute or so until the timer clicked over and the solenoid was deactivated and reservoir stoppers closed again.

 

I don't think it's anything to worry about.  Enjoy your "new" quiet and refined Lady!

 

[frigilux]

Floyde- Congratulations on your new, fancy Kenmore! Six loads right out of the gate, eh? These old belt drives really are workhorses. Glad you found one in such great shape.

I grew up with a 1960 Model 80 and recall that if it filled for the rinse in less than 2 minutes, the machine would sit and hum until the timer advanced.

 

[combo52]

Humming LKM Washer

The hum could be the detergent dispenser solenoid or even the agitator solenoid as the motor first starts and the transmission is shifting in to gear.

 

The Det Disp is really only intended for when you are doing a double wash cycle, otherwise is is better to just dump the detergent in the wash basket as you are loading the washer.

 

To reset the Vari-Flex agitator it is easier if you wait till the washer starts agitating and then turn the washer off and then adjust it, this way the transmission is in gear and it is easy the vanes.

 

I had this exact washer as one of my main daily drivers for 25+ years, it is currently in my shop awaiting restoration and re-installation in my new laundry room.

 

I hope you enjoy this cool washer as much as I have, this was truly the most advanced automatic washer sold in the 1970 era.

 

[floyde]

Combo 52 question

If you set the veins once the machine starts agitating are you talking about with no clothes in the tub or with clothes in the tub. Yes, I love this machine!

 

[appnut]

You can adjust the agitator vanes (turned off once it starts agitating) with the laundry loaded in the machine. 

 

[jons1077]

Another consideration

The washer is awesome by the way! I have a 1970 Kenmore 800 that has most of what this one has including the Variflex agitator in brown no less. I had trouble adjusting the veins initially. The agitator is designed like the hand wash agitators of hotpoint or westinghouse. One sits on top of the other and the veins just sit on their respective grooves. Mine had lots of lint and string tangled up in there causing it to lock up. After a good cleaning and reassembly it is much easier to adjust now. Just a thought.

 

[d-jones]

Good heavens Floyde

Some people throw the term "near mint" around a little to easily, but after seeing the photo you just posted all I can say is WOW.  It makes me wonder where this machine's been for the last forty five years or so. It certainly can't have seen much use. Nice score!

 

[floyde]

Thanks everyone.

All what I know it was at an appliance store in Rosemead. Seems it was left with the sale of a house and of course young yuppie couple immediately wanted frontloaders.

I was worried about the tub because the Craiglist ad picture looked like it was worn. I bought it sight unseen. The guy from the appliance store said he ran every cycle and it worked perfect. I then got cold feet about the tub and he said it was shiny and smooth and I said well I trust you. He delivered it and installed it and put my old Maytag A806 in the garage for storage all for $285 machine and all.

he was really nice and said you know there is a club of guys that collect old washing machines. I laughed and said oh really!

It's in such great shape amazing for 45 years old.

It's one of my dream machines. Our neighbors had one growing up and used Lemon fresh Fab with Borax and I loved all the sounds, suds, and smells!

 

[toploadloyalist]

Truly "Sears Best"!

 

[rberryiii3]

Lady

I'm glad you got it nice machine