Sears Dears, the Lady needs your help

[yogitunes]

the detergent dispenser gets its supply of water from a "J" tube connected to the main drain sump....there are a few configurations for this, but all the same in function....

the bleach/softener dispenser for some machines drain directly into the outter tub, and some models pipe it into that check valve to be distributed throughout the load...

I would venture into that check valve and pump for replacement options....

granted the dispenser flushes for about 2 minutes into the wash portion and during the agitation part of rinsing, any other time, it should be off....

keep us posted...

 

[mixguy]

Is this not a 3 speed machine?

Does this machine have 3 agitate speeds? Custom Care button activate the third slower speed to agitate? This is my favorite Kenmore Model, my local catalog store had this model set up for demo with water and red, white and blue poker chips in the tub.

 

[bajaespuma]

Martin,

 

I think you're right about the additive dispensers emptying into that check valve; it seems that the bluing that I've used to test the Bleach and Fabric Softener dispensers shows up first in the flow from the Detergent dispenser and judging from the loud banging solenoid sounds I've heard, both of those dispensers seem to work when the cycle dial is working. The Detergent dispenser flow remains reliably OFF during the pre-wash cycle; it's on at all other times during all the spin periods and all the other agitation periods so at least I know that the solenoid controlling that valve works positively during that period. And, BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 

What effect would/could the keys have on the control dial besides providing stops to force the user into setting the correct cycle? I'm wondering if there's some kind of problem that they're responsible for because, so far, every system on this machine(besides the cycle control BUT including the timer motor) can and does work when the control is working and the dial is moving automatically.

 

Yes, Russell, this is that model and I've seen the extra-slow speed work when I've pressed the CUSTOM CARE key. One of the nice things about this purchase in that the nuns or the little old lady who owned this machine saved all of the paperwork so I was able to read everything from cover to cover while I waited for help getting it off of the truck and into the basement. Those options keys make sense and are somewhat useful.

 

I think this machine also has a complicated mixing inlet valve that is being affected by whatever the big problem is. I love the idea of the nuns and finding more religious artifacts preserved in the machine. Maybe I'll write a script for "Indiana Jones and the Lady (Kenmore) in White".

 

In this latest short video the machine is successfully shifting from NORMAL to SLOW agitation speed in the middle of the wash period. It does this without a hitch whenever the control dial is moving on its own, either after nudging or on the rare times it starts up from the beginning. I can tell because I'll either hear the familiar clicking sounds I hear on other automatics, or not:

 

http://https//youtu.be/505QbbgWawU

 

[yogitunes]

interesting.....'heavy duty' is missing from the one control panel.....it by-passed the step-down agitation speed at the 4/6 minute mark.....high speed washing at all times...

in place it has the 'cold rinse' option.....I would have thought all rinses would have been cold unless a warm rinse was selected...

thanks for the wishes Ken.....we will hook up one day and view all the 'Alien' movies....maybe a weekend wash-in/video event?

 

[lordkenmore]

>I think this machine also has a complicated mixing inlet valve that is being affected by whatever the big problem is.

As I commented on the thread talking about finding this washer, my mother had one. One of the few breakdowns that machine had was the inlet valve. Charmingly, it broke with the cold water inlet open... And, predictably, that was the evening the handle on the cold water tap decided it was time to snap off... It was thrilling adventure resetting the washer to drain endlessly, while trying to find a way of getting the water to shut off. At least, the clothes were well rinsed. (And thankfully no flood!)

That aside...the valve was expensive to replace. Even the repairman was stunned. (I hate to say it, but I later wondered, due to a news story, if he didn't scam us. Although now I have to think that the valve probably was more expensive.) I also recall someone was stunned that we fixed due to the cost. The repair was probably quite a bit cheaper than a new machine, but, of course, there was that argument of "well, a 20 year old washer, and you might as well just cough up 2, 3 hundred more and get something new with warranty!" The "throw away when it breaks" attitude existed ca. 1990 as well as today.

It's also fun seeing the slowdown video. I had no idea (at least consciously) until recently that the machine did anything but run at "normal" until the end of the cycle. Interesting to find out otherwise, and now that I think of it, I can remember the sound of the washer changing when the speed dropped...

I have to admit mixed feelings about the LK. On one level, it is a washer I'd really, really, really like to have. Partly because of personal history, and partly because it is one of the more interesting machine from a collector view. BUT I find myself disliking the complexity, which can create problems--when things Go Wrong they may Go Really Horribly Wrong. It's also probably not the best washer for the Laundry Room Control Freak, although I suppose it's better than that TOL Maytag. At least, the LK does allow some control. (I even remember the "Selective Dialing" button--my mother would use that to shorten some cycle times.)

 

[lordkenmore]

Not sure if this repair method would work, but it might be worth a try...

Get a picture of a brand new Kia and hang up in the laundry room. Tell the LK "If you don't behave, you might become one of these!"

Sometimes, threats--even empty ones--can get action...

 

[delaneymeegan]

 

 

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">LordKenmore </span> , I think this holier-than-thou washer, that apparently came from a nunnery, is territory for your divine providence.   I question not your words and theology.  

All I ask and pray, is that I not be bestowed with similar washer that is so possessed by unknown spirits.

 

[alr2903]

Best of luck with getting your Lady fixed up bajaspuma. I always admired this model in the Sear's catalog. A