Specs on Kenmore washer

[cochise1899]

I need to know the capacity of my Kenmore washer model 110.92598200, bought in 1996. Sears' records don't go back that far. The point is I want to replace it and am under orders to get one of equal or larger size. Thanks for your help.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Of course Sears records go back that far. If someone there told you that, they just didn't want to bother checking. SearsPartsDirect has machines from the '60s, at least as far as parts diagrams, etc.

If your machine is a top loading automatic, and by the model number it looks like it is, there were only two basket capacities then - 2.5 cu ft. and 3.0 cu ft. However, due to a couple variations in the Dual Action agitators that were available in various models, capacity has varied on the larger tub to a recent high of 4.0 cu ft. in the same porcelain on steel wash basket.

All you really need to do is determine if your machine was rated as an Extra-large or a Super capacity, then shop accordingly.

If you want something somewhat similar, I would put my money on another Whirlpool built machine just like what you have. Kenmore, Whirlpool, Estate, Roper, Amana, Maytag, Inglis, or Admiral are all basically the same. You should be able to look at the basket size and see if what you are looking at is similar. Don't let a salesman give you some bull about front loaders, unless that's really what you want. This should not be overly complicated.

Why are you replacing this machine? Is the current machine broken? There are some common very easy fixes that can be done to keep your machine running, as a 1996 machine, unles you've used the heck out of it, may not necessarily be "done" yet.

Gordon

 

[cochise1899]

machine capacity

Thanks for the response, Gordon. Sears has parts for this machine, but they say they don't have specifications. I have the original parts list. It had a gearbox failure. Sears said they could come out in ten days to repair it, so I let a local guy work on it, to get it done sooner. He has put in a used gearbox and motor, and the box seems to be leaking oil into the motor because the smell of hot oil is very strong, which is better than the smell of burning rubber that came out of it after his first attempt. It didn't really need a new motor; I think he had a motor and gearbox already together and didn't want to split them up. It was foolish to hire the local guy because he clearly doesn't know what he is doing. I'd rather replace the machine than deal with the incompetence any longer, even if I could get him to do a decent repair. A new gearbox and motor from Sears would cost as much as a new machine. So I'll opt for replacement. It's a shame, because it's a very nice machine. Only problem in 13 years is replacing the lid twice at about $120 a pop because it rusted out around the hinge pins. Like they say, it's another #@!*# learning experience.

 

[launderess]

Sears Records For Appliance Parts

Unless things have changed since last year most certianly go back to 1996, and even further than that.

Contact Sears PartsDirect last year regarding parts for my vintage Whirlpool portable dryer (Harvest Gold from the 1980's or so), and they were able to give me a rundown of parts available. The tech had to check a different screen/system, but he did find the information I was seeking.

Contacted Sears just this past Sunday for parts to my vintage Whirlpool compact portable/convertible washer (mate to the dryer), and the tech-girl was also able to bring up the parts list.

In short you was robbed!

As for Sears Repair versus local repairman, your best bet is to ask any repair person that shows up if they have worked on the appliance in question before. There are just as many horror stories posted on the Internet reagarding Sears repair service as locals. Indeed Sears often is worse because they do not always have enough or any appliance repairmen in your area that have been around long enough to know about "older" appliances.

A kid or young person who was at school during the 1970's or 1980's is probably only going to know older units from manuals, if that. Whereas a seasoned repair person who was actually around working on units during that time as built up a wealth of real world experience that means he or she knows there way around the thing.

 

[launderess]

If You Have The Numbers For Parts Required

Try searching on eBay before giving up all hope.
(Don't look at me like that) *LOL*

There are quite allot of parts for washing machines, especially older NIB (New In Box) parts for older/vintage appliances. Most often this parts come from repairmen, appliance parts stores and so forth simply seeking to clear space on their shelves.

Also check the archives of this site for posts regarding parts. Again many persons owning repair stores and such have left notices about their stock.

Once you have the parts in hand, summon the repair person and sit on his chest until the job is done correctly.

L.

 

[rll70sman]

Be careful!

If you decide to buy another Kenmore, ask lots of pointed questions, especially if you need flexible washing options such as a true permanent press or delicate cycle and desire water temperatures that aren't "dumbed" by the new automatic temperature control technology that seems to be showing up in top loaders.

I'm still in a dispute with Sears about the shoddy Kenmore 500 series top loader I purchased back in March. It probably is a lemon, but Sears keeps denying that, saying that my washer isn't installed or being used correctly. I paid over $500.00 for what basically is a one-cycle washer with two water temperatures: warm (more like lukewarm) and cold. The "hot" setting is the same as "warm" on an older machine. All in all, this isn't what I'd expect of a machine in this price range.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Cochise1899 -

Looking at your model number, it looks like you have a very high line 90-series machine, does that sound right? The panel would say "90 Series". Looks like a 1995 model, which is completely plausible if you bought it in 1996.

From what I know about Direct-Drive washers (which yours is), gearbox failures are not very common, but if your lid has rusted-out twice, maybe it is fair to assume you use it a lot? I read in detail your explanation of what happened to the old machine. It sounds like your servicer did a plausible attempt at repair, and is what I would do in the same situation if working on a machine myself, though I don't know for sure why he'd replace the motor. Swapping a gearcase/transmission from another parts machine is an economical way to solve problems like yours in nice machines that are otherwise beyond economical repair. I also don't blame you for your conclusion as a result. The hot oil smell could simply be from the motor burning off old oil that dripped onto it while in a parts dumpster or during the repair, but we don't know that for certain.

If the machine is indeed a 90-series, I am nearly certain that it is the largest capacity made. That helps narrow what you should be looking for. If you go to an appliance dealer or Sears, if you ask to see the largest capacity Whirlpool-made top loaders, you'll get the same basic mechanical unit. Best of all, at least how I see it, these machines are MADE IN THE USA, by Ohio residents. To me anyway, that is important.

I think a plausible Sears machine would be their 600 series. Their 700 series is better yet, but I am not sure it's still available. Both tend to be a little pricey compared to other Whirlpool models unless Sears is running a good sale. One of our local dealers here has Amana machines, which are nearly 100% identical to a Whirlpool, but 20-50 bucks cheaper at least. I would not hesitate on one of those if they have the features you like. Take rll70sman's advice in verifying the machine has features you like from your current washer.

Other questions?

Gordon

 

[launderess]

Is this your washer?

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[cochise1899]

Thanks again for all the responses. Somehow I don't seem to have communicated that I know Sears can supply me with parts for this machine. It's their specification records (size) that they say won't go back that far. I want the size because my wife says she loves the large capacity of this machine, so I want to be sure not to get something smaller. I found from Sears Parts Direct that with shipping and tax a new gear case and motor would run about $350. Since I can't know what may go out next, such as the timer or some valve solenoid, I think getting a new one is the best move. I am fortunate that I can afford to write off the $150 spent so far as a dumb mistake, and take the path that provides the least probability for more hassle. This is especially true right now, when I am slowly recovering from the effects of the swine flu that my little granddaughter brought home from kindergarten.

The washer on Ebay is very similar to mine, and may be the same. Unfortunately, Dallas is miserable 250 miles from me, on one of the most dangerous stretches of interstate highway in the country.

 

[launderess]

Like I Say

Check eBay for a cheaper source of NIB parts.

http://desc.shop.ebay.com/s.html?_nkw=Kenmore++11092598200&_sacat=See-All-Stores-Categories&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=m270&LH_SellerWithStore=1&_odkw=Kenmore++11092598200&_osacat=See-All-Stores-Categories&_rdc=1

 

[launderess]

Sears Often Has Some Of The Highest Prices

For parts,especially for older/vintage units where invetory is NLA from the manufacturer.

Sears Parts Direct wanted nearly $100 for a "Quick-Connect" water and drain hose set for my older Whirlpool portable. Can find the thing nearly half that price elsewhere, including on eBay.

Sears figures persons are so happy to find the part they are seeking, they won't mind paying whatever it costs. Should they think otherwise, Sears will keep those parts sitting on inventory shelves until kingdom come.

 

[rp2813]

What About Speed Queen?

Aren't those supposed to be built like tanks (relatively speaking, and maybe even in the U.S.) and super capacity?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

As I said earlier....

There are only two capacities in production on Whirlpool platform machines, at least two tub sizes. Useable capacity varies by the agitator installed. It seems a foregone conclusion to me that you're going to replace the Kenmore, and that's fine and up to you. We need new unit sales to keep our economy running anyway. Just pic a machine that is 3.0 cu. ft. or larger and you'll match or beat what you have now (in other words, don't buy a 2.5 cu. ft. model) and will fulfill your orders. 2.5 cu ft. macines are rare in comparison anyway.

Speed Queen is a wonderful choice too if you have a dealer nearby and accept the prices. Check them out online. They are built like washers were when we were kids. A nice Whirlpool model may be in the $300-$400 range, but the Speed Queen I think a hundred or two more.

About the old machine - you can probably put it on Craigslist, say for $75 and have it vanish fast and not waste it. Cheap machines here in Charlotte have been selling FAST, or if you don't want money for it, give it away and somebody surely will use it and your repair $$ won't go to waste.

 

[jaytag]

Craigslist Get a Used One They are all over

Check out Craigslist, you can get that model or like for $150.