Slow Spin on Kenmore Washer

[kenmore70]

I have a Kenmore Washer (1971 model) that I rebuilt a few months ago (took apart the gearcase), basket drive, etc..and oiled the bearings. It seems to spin slowly when the load is a bit heavy, like if a few big towels or a blanket are washed. When the load is fairly light, it spins fast. Any ideas of what I should check? The belt tension seems fine. I read in a manual about adjusting the break yoke but I haven't looked at that yet. Before I did anything I wanted to get some opinions.

Thanks

 

[akronman]

water is heavy

You may have some brake trouble or bearing issues, I do not know. But my 3 Kenmore's are also slow to start on heavy thick loads, there's still so much water weight when the spin starts. I adjusted each Kenmore to tilt slightly towards the front left corner, it's where the sump is, and the water gets pumped out more quickly. The pumps on these machines are slower, fewer gallons per minute, than some other brands, so the front left tilt helps a bit. On some of the heaviest towel/blanket loads(they hold so much water) it never gets to full speed until after the spraying is done. Great machines, slow pumps.

After all the spray rinsing is done and all the water is out, does it ever get up to full speed? If not, that is a sign of mechanical/bearing/motor problems, not simply excess water.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Tom -

The first thing I would do is try tightening the belt. Its easy, not at all time consuming, and you'll know right away if it was the culprit.

I have thought about three issues that could cause a slow spin:

1) As I said, a loose belt

2) Worn or out of adjustment basket drive

3) Dry bearings

For item 2, you might want to look in an find the set-screw on the basket drive's brake hub. It should be flush and in-place as it was when you installed it. If this is 'backing out' the first impact it would have would be on heavy loads, it would eventually slow-spin all the time until it doesn't work at all. This is what nearly killed our 1974 Kenmore back in 1981, but from what I've been told there was a period of production where this was common to happen, but I think that was limited.

Dry bearings on item 3 you'd likely be aware of. Severely dry centerposts can howl or scrape as you'd expect in high-speed metal on metal movement. If they are just slightly dry, and I will admit to having to go in several times and add turbine oil after some work, tight bearings will make the centerpost hot to the touch during or after spin. If you pull out the agitator after a final spin you can directly feel the area around the top bearing as there should be enough heat to make the center of the basket warm or hot. Reaching your hand in near the brake drum to touch it will do the same for the lower. I somewhat doubt this is your problem either.

Both items 2 and 3 are most likely to happen all the time, not just on a heavy load, unless you're just on the edge of having a problem. Much more likely is a loose belt, as these can stretch after installation, etc. I'd at least start there, as I said, its easy to check.

Let us know how it turns out!

Gordon