*RIP* Whirlpool BD Portable Washer

[thomasortega]

Correcting

I thought you were talking about the Kenmores like the standard size "Lady Kenmore"

The "Lady Kenmore" exactly the same as Robert has a pink was the first Brastemp model here in Brazil in 1959 (with some minor changes on the control panel).

not too much changed from the first to the last model made here, only some minor cosmetic changes and they started using the Magic mix filter, that looks like a brush, instead of the metallic mesh filter.

After that the world washer (AKA Brastemp Mondial) came and they stopped producing those machines, but they still producing the original spare parts.

I was going to restore a sky blue Brastemp from 1979, but the authorized service informed me it's easier if they just assemble a new machine using the spare parts they have (and it also includes a brand new original cabinet, lid and control panel). They don't have only the dial program indicator disk and the water temperature and level knobs as they were exclusive for that year.

It's going to cost me 700 Reais, equivalent to 350 dollars.

Here we never had the portable model with the front panel. There was a portable model in 1979, called Brastemp Minimática, but it was a BOL so ridiculous that it nas no spin option. It fills, agitate, drain, rinse and drain.

As soon as I find the last parts I need to bring the Minimatica I have back to life, I'll post videos and pics of it.

 

[thomasortega]

talking about world washers, UNfortunately we became the World washer country.

Everything launched by Brastemp or Consul since 1990 is nothing more than a world washer with a new dress.

The latest model, Brastemp "Ative!" is one of those craps, with the quality reduced even more.

Believe it or not, the Brazillian world washer was very diferent from the american version, even the design and (now the most shocking information) it was a great machine that used to last for many and many years without service. (many people still have them too).
the portable Kenmore you have now (with a smile on the lid) was the Brastemp Clean launched in mid 90's to replace the World Washer.

 

[jons1077]

If this really goes to the dump...

I might want that agitator.

Jon

 

[launderess]

Well Am Betwixted and Between

Tried doing a wash load on "medium" last night in an effort to determine which water levels won't cause downward pressure on the seals, hence water leaking. Put an absorbent pad under the unit and while there were some small streaks of oil, couldn't find any water. However when lifted the washer slightly forward from the rear to peer underneath, a small puddle of clear water was on the floor after the machine was lowered.

Now don't know if that water came from the current cycles, or from the previous day's repair work (if you can call it that).

Several problems come to mind in trying to repair this unit:

One, simply finding someone to do the job. The repair service that did the inspection does not seem interested, indeed cannot get them to return my telephone call regarding an estimate. So far finding another local repair service to work on this machine hasn't proved easy either.

Next the bearing kit (Whirlpool 285136), is NLA from every source I've tried, including various obsolete part stores/websites. Could be wrong, but form what one has read all seals and bearings should be replaced when doing this repair. Suppose one could get away with only swapping out the "donut" and spin tube seals, but don't know about that. Even if one could find the bearing kit, do not have nor know of anyone who owns the tool for extracting same.

Finally there is the risk of causing damage to the outer and or inner tubs by removing 20+ year old parts. Parts for these units are harder to find than a virgin at a prison rodeo, and if the lip or something else is damaged beyond repair, theres' an end to it all.