These were posted in Portland, OR as well. Very nice looking too!
Pushbutton Kenmore Pair
- Thread starter jons1077
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70series
Well-known member
Very nice looking pair, minus the dirt and clutter.
Definitely the 900 set from late 60s early 70s with the Vari-Flex agitator. These would likely have the QuietPak which would make them purr like kittens. Hope they are grabbed by a club member.
Have a good one,
James
Definitely the 900 set from late 60s early 70s with the Vari-Flex agitator. These would likely have the QuietPak which would make them purr like kittens. Hope they are grabbed by a club member.
Have a good one,
James
If they're not LKs, they're 900s.
chaskelljr2
Well-known member
1969-70 #2 Kenmores
"jons1077":
I am with "appnut" on what he has said about this set. That's a VERY NICE set indeed. They have everything the Lady K's of that time had except the three-speed motor and the flip down cover.
But other than that, they almost do everything the Lady K's do.
Just like "appnut" said though, those are not Lady Kenmores. But they're the next models down (which I call them #2 Kenmores).
The 1971 version of this dryer has done away with the push-button/dial arrangement and went with the toggle switches and dial arrangement instead. But somehow, the console still matched that of the washer.
--Charles--
"jons1077":
I am with "appnut" on what he has said about this set. That's a VERY NICE set indeed. They have everything the Lady K's of that time had except the three-speed motor and the flip down cover.
But other than that, they almost do everything the Lady K's do.
Just like "appnut" said though, those are not Lady Kenmores. But they're the next models down (which I call them #2 Kenmores).
The 1971 version of this dryer has done away with the push-button/dial arrangement and went with the toggle switches and dial arrangement instead. But somehow, the console still matched that of the washer.
--Charles--
cleanteamofny
Well-known member
That's a first!
A Gold Super Roto Swirl in a wringer?
WOW!!!
A Gold Super Roto Swirl in a wringer?
WOW!!!
These are interesting machines! I remember seeing a few ringers on the Sears floor in the early 70s, they were over in the corner out of the main traffic area. As a kid I wanted to take out the agitators and put them in "real" washers.
The Kenmores in the top photo are are a bit of an oddity. As Charles and James were mentioning, these were the #2 Kenmore machines in 1970. They carry 80/800 series model numbers. The washer had the Vari-Flex agitator.
These are odd or different to me in that they have the old carryover console frame of the 1966 - 68/69 Lady K, but they are only two speed machines. In the Lady K, one of those 14 buttons is the custom-care 3rd speed button. I'm curious to know what replaced it in this model.
Gordon
The Kenmores in the top photo are are a bit of an oddity. As Charles and James were mentioning, these were the #2 Kenmore machines in 1970. They carry 80/800 series model numbers. The washer had the Vari-Flex agitator.
These are odd or different to me in that they have the old carryover console frame of the 1966 - 68/69 Lady K, but they are only two speed machines. In the Lady K, one of those 14 buttons is the custom-care 3rd speed button. I'm curious to know what replaced it in this model.
Gordon
cehalstead
Well-known member
custom care button
We had these machines, in the avocado version. My parents purchased them in 1969, and we used them until 1991 and then I gave them away after my mom's death and the house became mine. (had to keep the Maytags
I had bought in the early 80's and installed in the basement) Giving them away was a huge mistake, but ....live and learn. ...anyway,the Custom Care button slowed down the agitation speed from "normal" to "gentle" on any cycle. I do remember how quiet this washer was......
The salesman told us that the 900 series was simply the previous year's Lady Kenmore, rebadged.
We had these machines, in the avocado version. My parents purchased them in 1969, and we used them until 1991 and then I gave them away after my mom's death and the house became mine. (had to keep the Maytags
I had bought in the early 80's and installed in the basement) Giving them away was a huge mistake, but ....live and learn. ...anyway,the Custom Care button slowed down the agitation speed from "normal" to "gentle" on any cycle. I do remember how quiet this washer was...... The salesman told us that the 900 series was simply the previous year's Lady Kenmore, rebadged.
Forgot...
This is the posting. The dryer is gas.
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/hsh/1014497446.html
This is the posting. The dryer is gas.
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/hsh/1014497446.html
Gosh I LOVE these 900 series machines. I'd take this set over the comperable model year Lady K any day.
Great post Jon, but I am curious. Something against saving a Kenmore? ;-)
Ben
Great post Jon, but I am curious. Something against saving a Kenmore? ;-)
Ben
Ben,
Well, to be honest space is really tight. I only have enough room to hook up 3 washers and 1 dryer. I only have electric power so a gas dryer does me no good. The washer is possible but I would have to seriously shift things and would have to unhook one to hook up another. I went ahead and wrote the seller to see if just the washer is available.
I definitely love the machines and I Kenmore like that is absolutely something I want. It's only about an hour from me so we'll see what happens. The worst that can happen is I've already got some great machines and very happy with them.
Jon
Well, to be honest space is really tight. I only have enough room to hook up 3 washers and 1 dryer. I only have electric power so a gas dryer does me no good. The washer is possible but I would have to seriously shift things and would have to unhook one to hook up another. I went ahead and wrote the seller to see if just the washer is available.
I definitely love the machines and I Kenmore like that is absolutely something I want. It's only about an hour from me so we'll see what happens. The worst that can happen is I've already got some great machines and very happy with them.
Jon
Just $20 for the washer alone!!!
Come on somebody should go for this!!! The seller says they were using them up to a year ago and then got newer ones. I really can't take it but I wish someone would!
Jon
Come on somebody should go for this!!! The seller says they were using them up to a year ago and then got newer ones. I really can't take it but I wish someone would!
Jon
Well, since nobody else wanted it...
I went ahead and picked the washer up today. It's a 1970 model. The man that sold it to me just happened to find the parts list still in the plastic too! It looks to be in pretty good shape...some cabinet rust on the very bottom but otherwise very good shape. Of course has the brown variflex agitator and everything is automatic. Just needs a good cleaning and he said it still works just fine.
Pictures to come!
Jon
I went ahead and picked the washer up today. It's a 1970 model. The man that sold it to me just happened to find the parts list still in the plastic too! It looks to be in pretty good shape...some cabinet rust on the very bottom but otherwise very good shape. Of course has the brown variflex agitator and everything is automatic. Just needs a good cleaning and he said it still works just fine.
Pictures to come!
Jon
Very cool Jon! Let us know how it comes out! Looks like a really great washer.
Too bad you can't accomodate the dryer (or was it already sold?).
Good luck!
Gordon
Too bad you can't accomodate the dryer (or was it already sold?).
Good luck!
Gordon
YAY John!
Looks like another fun machine.
Glad you saved it.
Patrick
Looks like another fun machine.
Glad you saved it.
Patrick
More on the Kenmo...
So we got it out of the car. It is rather dirty and will need a deep scrub. I was able to open up the lid and kind of check out the insides. There's your typical rust on the cabinet from years of use but nothing terrible. The outer and inner tubs look really nice and shiny. The fabric softener dispenser/bleach compartments will need to come out and get a deep clean but they seem to work. The recirculation water for the detergent dispenser is very powerful too. Bypassed the lid switch and fired it up. It is just as quiet as I remember when using the one at Roger's home in Tucson. It really does purr. All of the funtions work. The timer advances fine and all of the selections work. Basically the only thing is the light is burned out. Bummer!!! I'll have to locate a new bulb but otherwise I'm really excited about it. Oh yah...gotta love the vari-flex agitator too. It really does make that machine versatile!
Patrick, hope you'll be available to help us get it downstairs. I'll move the 1-18 out of its slot so I can give the Kenmore some use for a bit while. The Frigidaire needs some cleaning. (By the way...the squealing sounds from the 1-18 have pretty much gone away now. It's running like new!)
More to come...
Jon
So we got it out of the car. It is rather dirty and will need a deep scrub. I was able to open up the lid and kind of check out the insides. There's your typical rust on the cabinet from years of use but nothing terrible. The outer and inner tubs look really nice and shiny. The fabric softener dispenser/bleach compartments will need to come out and get a deep clean but they seem to work. The recirculation water for the detergent dispenser is very powerful too. Bypassed the lid switch and fired it up. It is just as quiet as I remember when using the one at Roger's home in Tucson. It really does purr. All of the funtions work. The timer advances fine and all of the selections work. Basically the only thing is the light is burned out. Bummer!!! I'll have to locate a new bulb but otherwise I'm really excited about it. Oh yah...gotta love the vari-flex agitator too. It really does make that machine versatile!
Patrick, hope you'll be available to help us get it downstairs. I'll move the 1-18 out of its slot so I can give the Kenmore some use for a bit while. The Frigidaire needs some cleaning. (By the way...the squealing sounds from the 1-18 have pretty much gone away now. It's running like new!)
More to come...
Jon
More on the Kenmo...
So we got it out of the car. It is rather dirty and will need a deep scrub. I was able to open up the lid and kind of check out the insides. There's your typical rust on the cabinet from years of use but nothing terrible. The outer and inner tubs look really nice and shiny. The fabric softener dispenser/bleach compartments will need to come out and get a deep clean but they seem to work. The recirculation water for the detergent dispenser is very powerful too. Bypassed the lid switch and fired it up. It is just as quiet as I remember when using the one at Roger's home in Tucson. It really does purr. All of the funtions work. The timer advances fine and all of the selections work. Basically the only thing is the light is burned out. Bummer!!! I'll have to locate a new bulb but otherwise I'm really excited about it. Oh yah...gotta love the vari-flex agitator too. It really does make that machine versatile!
Patrick, hope you'll be available to help us get it downstairs. I'll move the 1-18 out of its slot so I can give the Kenmore some use for a bit while. The Frigidaire needs some cleaning. (By the way...the squealing sounds from the 1-18 have pretty much gone away now. It's running like new!)
More to come...
Jon
So we got it out of the car. It is rather dirty and will need a deep scrub. I was able to open up the lid and kind of check out the insides. There's your typical rust on the cabinet from years of use but nothing terrible. The outer and inner tubs look really nice and shiny. The fabric softener dispenser/bleach compartments will need to come out and get a deep clean but they seem to work. The recirculation water for the detergent dispenser is very powerful too. Bypassed the lid switch and fired it up. It is just as quiet as I remember when using the one at Roger's home in Tucson. It really does purr. All of the funtions work. The timer advances fine and all of the selections work. Basically the only thing is the light is burned out. Bummer!!! I'll have to locate a new bulb but otherwise I'm really excited about it. Oh yah...gotta love the vari-flex agitator too. It really does make that machine versatile!
Patrick, hope you'll be available to help us get it downstairs. I'll move the 1-18 out of its slot so I can give the Kenmore some use for a bit while. The Frigidaire needs some cleaning. (By the way...the squealing sounds from the 1-18 have pretty much gone away now. It's running like new!)
More to come...
Jon
Jon I was hoping you'd get this washer. You had such fun in Tuscon with this washer, I loved watching you bond with it then.
Bob,
You're absolutely right. I really did like that 900 at Roger's house. I was completely sold on the variflex agitator and I love how it's fully automatic with soak, prewash, timed dispensers, etc. You know I like to stand around and watch my machines do their work but sometimes I really don't have the time. This is one that I can start and walk away knowing it'll do everything for me.
I should be able to get it moved to the basement tomorrow. I will take plenty of photos and hopefully a video as well.
Jon
You're absolutely right. I really did like that 900 at Roger's house. I was completely sold on the variflex agitator and I love how it's fully automatic with soak, prewash, timed dispensers, etc. You know I like to stand around and watch my machines do their work but sometimes I really don't have the time. This is one that I can start and walk away knowing it'll do everything for me.
I should be able to get it moved to the basement tomorrow. I will take plenty of photos and hopefully a video as well.
Jon
Jon -
You said the softener/bleach dispenser needs cleaning. I'd like to give you two bits of advise (that I learned the hard way):
1) The dispenser bezel is made of brittle plastic. The mounting screws can cause it to crack or shatter, so be careful not to over-tighten them when re-installing.
2) The solenoid controlled plungers that hold the softener and bleach in can get dried out (bleach) or get build-up on them (softener) which in both cases makes them leak. Make sure that they hold water in the dispenser until they're supposed to dispense before you trust it.
I'm looking forward to seeing this machine in action and all cleaned up! Sounds like it landed softly in a good home.
Gordon
You said the softener/bleach dispenser needs cleaning. I'd like to give you two bits of advise (that I learned the hard way):
1) The dispenser bezel is made of brittle plastic. The mounting screws can cause it to crack or shatter, so be careful not to over-tighten them when re-installing.
2) The solenoid controlled plungers that hold the softener and bleach in can get dried out (bleach) or get build-up on them (softener) which in both cases makes them leak. Make sure that they hold water in the dispenser until they're supposed to dispense before you trust it.
I'm looking forward to seeing this machine in action and all cleaned up! Sounds like it landed softly in a good home.
Gordon
Update...
OK once again thanks to good 'ol Patrick we got this beast down to the basement. I didn't realize how wide these were. My Westinghouse, GE, Maytag, and Frigidaire were all in the 26-27" width range. The Kenmore is 29" wide!
The machine has a really rusty cabinet particularly in one section at the bottom. It happens to be in the area where the dispesers are. Spent the afternoon doing some cleaning and testing. Gordon, I was able to get the reservoir out (very tricky and did have one minor mishap but all is well. It looked like the softener side had clogged at some point and had run over so VERY MESSY. I didn't know that plastic was supposed to be CLEAR!!! After spending some time on it though I got it all spiffy and back in place. Ran a load of whites first so I could test out bleach and softener and they both work perfectly. Very pleased about that!
The panel light was out as well. I was able to get a new bulb today, got it installed, and still no light. Luckily I had a spare fuse on an old GE dryer panel. Swapped those out and voila...light!
Other than a solenoid here and a clank there, this machine is incredibly quiet. It is really unbelievable how quiet this design is.
This machine has some really "top-of-the-line" features. The variflex agitator does a really nice job. Four settings really makes it a flexible machine without the need for 3 speeds. I was quite surprised by the Perm Press cycle as it is nothing I've seen before. It actually does 2 cool-down sequences in which wash water is drained and replaced with cold water along with slow agitation.
I've also noticed this machine does quite a few spray rinses. More than I remember later beltdrives doing. The only not-so-great thing I can think of is softener is dispensed always in the first rinse so if you use the second rinse option your softener gets rinsed away.
I apologize for not taking the time to do pictures or video but I promise I will very soon. This machine was definitely worth the $20 and has already proven to be a very well-made and well-thought out machine.
More to come...
Jon
OK once again thanks to good 'ol Patrick we got this beast down to the basement. I didn't realize how wide these were. My Westinghouse, GE, Maytag, and Frigidaire were all in the 26-27" width range. The Kenmore is 29" wide!
The machine has a really rusty cabinet particularly in one section at the bottom. It happens to be in the area where the dispesers are. Spent the afternoon doing some cleaning and testing. Gordon, I was able to get the reservoir out (very tricky and did have one minor mishap but all is well. It looked like the softener side had clogged at some point and had run over so VERY MESSY. I didn't know that plastic was supposed to be CLEAR!!! After spending some time on it though I got it all spiffy and back in place. Ran a load of whites first so I could test out bleach and softener and they both work perfectly. Very pleased about that!
The panel light was out as well. I was able to get a new bulb today, got it installed, and still no light. Luckily I had a spare fuse on an old GE dryer panel. Swapped those out and voila...light!
Other than a solenoid here and a clank there, this machine is incredibly quiet. It is really unbelievable how quiet this design is.
This machine has some really "top-of-the-line" features. The variflex agitator does a really nice job. Four settings really makes it a flexible machine without the need for 3 speeds. I was quite surprised by the Perm Press cycle as it is nothing I've seen before. It actually does 2 cool-down sequences in which wash water is drained and replaced with cold water along with slow agitation.
I've also noticed this machine does quite a few spray rinses. More than I remember later beltdrives doing. The only not-so-great thing I can think of is softener is dispensed always in the first rinse so if you use the second rinse option your softener gets rinsed away.
I apologize for not taking the time to do pictures or video but I promise I will very soon. This machine was definitely worth the $20 and has already proven to be a very well-made and well-thought out machine.
More to come...
Jon
Congratulations Jon! The Perm Press cycle on that machine is my all time favorite cycle of any washer. That would make a great video when you have the time (Hint, hint).
I know you’re going to have a lot of fun with that machine.
~Jeff
I know you’re going to have a lot of fun with that machine.
~Jeff
Spray rinses
Jon -
Spin spray rinses in all the belt drives I've come across from 1960 to 1986 have been the same, four 7-second sprays in the first minute of both spins. Does yours have more? Your machine may have a 4-minute spin before the rinse, and a 6-minute spin after, is that right? The two machines I got from 1972 this past summer are configured this way, which is a full two minutes of extra spin in each segment as compared to all the 1974 and later machines I've had or worked on. I was surprised at the length of the spins and suspect this is one reason that these machines often exhibit more bearing wear than newer machines.
Jon -
Spin spray rinses in all the belt drives I've come across from 1960 to 1986 have been the same, four 7-second sprays in the first minute of both spins. Does yours have more? Your machine may have a 4-minute spin before the rinse, and a 6-minute spin after, is that right? The two machines I got from 1972 this past summer are configured this way, which is a full two minutes of extra spin in each segment as compared to all the 1974 and later machines I've had or worked on. I was surprised at the length of the spins and suspect this is one reason that these machines often exhibit more bearing wear than newer machines.
KenmoreGuy64,
Our 1962 Whirly had four sprays in the post-wash spin, but only two in the final spin. That's on Normal. Gentle had either 2 or 4 sprays in the first spin, none in the final.
Whirlpool advertised "Seven Rinses" which would be 4 sprays in the first spin, a deep rinse, then 2 sprays in the final spin.
4 + 1 + 2 = 7 rinses
I also recall that our 1976 Whirly had shorter sprays. Maybe four seconds instead of seven.
Perhaps Kenmores were programmed differently, as they typically had a leg-up on features against Whirlpool? I don't recall now if Granny's 1970 Kenmore 70 had four sprays in the final spin.
Our 1962 Whirly had four sprays in the post-wash spin, but only two in the final spin. That's on Normal. Gentle had either 2 or 4 sprays in the first spin, none in the final.
Whirlpool advertised "Seven Rinses" which would be 4 sprays in the first spin, a deep rinse, then 2 sprays in the final spin.
4 + 1 + 2 = 7 rinses
I also recall that our 1976 Whirly had shorter sprays. Maybe four seconds instead of seven.
Perhaps Kenmores were programmed differently, as they typically had a leg-up on features against Whirlpool?
I don't recall now if Granny's 1970 Kenmore 70 had four sprays in the final spin.
Yep, I probably should have qualified that by saying 'Kenmore'. I don't really pay attention to Whirlpool differences, but I do know that at least since 1975, they've never shared a common timer with Kenmore in a full-size machine. Every Kenmore I have used regularly, which would be my mother's 3, from 61, 74, and 83, and all the various ones of mine have four spray rinses, 7-seconds I believe, in the first minute or two of spin, on the Normal/Cotton Sturdy cycle. I had never thought to check a Whirlpool. I do have one in my garage to work on soon, so that will be something interesting to check, for sure!
Congrats Jon!!
I am happy you were able to find room to fit this Kenmore in with the others, what a great machine!
I can't wait to see better photos of it!!!
Kevin
I am happy you were able to find room to fit this Kenmore in with the others, what a great machine!
I can't wait to see better photos of it!!!
Kevin
Finally some photos...
Sorry for the delay. Very busy with work this month but was able to get some photos of the Kenmore after a little bit of cleaning. The tub ring is a bit of an issue that will involve vinegar and scrubbing due to hard water deposits but otherwise the machine cleaned up pretty well.
I have also made a full video of the Permanent Press Cycle. As soon as it is loaded on youtube I will post that link as well. Everything works fine. It will need a tune-up at some point but it does really well otherwise.
Enjoy!!!
Jon
Sorry for the delay. Very busy with work this month but was able to get some photos of the Kenmore after a little bit of cleaning. The tub ring is a bit of an issue that will involve vinegar and scrubbing due to hard water deposits but otherwise the machine cleaned up pretty well.
I have also made a full video of the Permanent Press Cycle. As soon as it is loaded on youtube I will post that link as well. Everything works fine. It will need a tune-up at some point but it does really well otherwise.
Enjoy!!!
Jon
Cycle Selection
This machine has turned out to be extremely flexible with options much to my surprise. One thing I learned just yesterday about this machine is "Custom Care" and what exactly that does. I washed a set of horribly dirty rugs and decided I would use "custom care" on the regular cycle since it uses slow agitation. I figured that meant slow spin too so the rugs would be completely soaked. Turns out I was wrong...custom care only modifies the agitation speed. So it is possible to have a slow wash and fast spin. Totally awesome!
This machine has turned out to be extremely flexible with options much to my surprise. One thing I learned just yesterday about this machine is "Custom Care" and what exactly that does. I washed a set of horribly dirty rugs and decided I would use "custom care" on the regular cycle since it uses slow agitation. I figured that meant slow spin too so the rugs would be completely soaked. Turns out I was wrong...custom care only modifies the agitation speed. So it is possible to have a slow wash and fast spin. Totally awesome!
What a beautiful machine Jon! It looks fantastic! Can't wait to see the video.
Glamour shot...
The panel all lit up. The cycle dial has a slight crack but I'm sure I'll be able to find another one somewhere that's clean and in better shape. Luckily I had a spare fuse for the flourescent light and was able to a get a new bulb at a local light shop in town. It is a VERY bright light. Makes the GEs seem so dim in comparison. Could be that extra 2 inches of width too.
The panel all lit up. The cycle dial has a slight crack but I'm sure I'll be able to find another one somewhere that's clean and in better shape. Luckily I had a spare fuse for the flourescent light and was able to a get a new bulb at a local light shop in town. It is a VERY bright light. Makes the GEs seem so dim in comparison. Could be that extra 2 inches of width too.
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