They aren't pretty, but they are mine now!

[revvinkevin]

Well I can NOW say I actually have a "collection" because I now have two washers and two dryers! I am very pleased!! Whoo Hoo!!

Today I acquired an older Kenmore FL washer and a Gibson electric dryer! In reality they are both re-named Westinghouse units. Yes they both need some T.L.C., but they work and I cannot complain for the price! All it cost me was the time to pick them up and lunch for my buddy Rich who helped me move them!

The washer is a Kenmore model #417-84988100 with a production date of June 1990.

The dryer is a Gibson model # DE18S6WKA. I couldn't find a production date on it.

The washer was the latest, updated version of the old Westinghouse design, because it has a variable speed, reversing DC motor, separate drain motor and pump, etc. So that means it has two-way reverse tumbling and no loud, clunky solenoids when it goes into a spin.

And now… some photos (of course!).

Kevin

 

[revvinkevin]

Close up of the washer controls.........

 

[revvinkevin]

Close up of the dryer controls.....

 

[revvinkevin]

Interior shots of the washer and dryer...

The washer has the timer actuated door lock solenoid, if I want to open the door during the cycle (except the last rinse) I have to turn the timer to "OFF" before it unlocks!

 

[revvinkevin]

Me (and my bald spot - EEEK!) disconnecting the washer.

 

[revvinkevin]

They staircase we had to take them down to get them out! Also me having a little fun in the next shot.

 

[revvinkevin]

My buddy Rich helping move the H E A V Y washer...

 

[tuthill]

Nice score! Never seen a Kenmore badged Westy.

 

[revvinkevin]

Now both in their NEW home in my garage!!! Whoo hoo!!!!!!

 

[a440]

Very Cool!

These are very fun machines. I have a couple with the older "Potato Pulley" design. Lot's are fun.
I have only seen one like yours with the DC motor. I thought they were very well built machines. Not to mention a very improved spin.
I think you got them for such a great price!
Thanks for the pictures.
Let us know what you think of the washing results.
Brent

 

[revvinkevin]

I wasted no time plugging in the washer and playing with it!!! Here are photos of the washer tumbling one direction, then the other during the wash!

 

[revvinkevin]

One more actually showing the "Kenmore" name one the control panel.

 

[peteski50]

Westmore!

This is a real nice washer. I wish they made simple things like this today. They were such simple machines and got the job done quickly. And also used pleanty of water.
Best Of Luck with it,
Peter

 

[revvinkevin]

Yes it's pretty neat! I like the fact it has the water lever adjustment with the "reset", I can hold it to "reset" and it just keeps filling and filling!

Another thing is, on the "normal / cotton" cycle, the first "rinse" after the wash is an "overflow" rinse of sorts, I suppose. It tumbles as it drains and water is flowing / flushing as if it's preparing to spin, but it doesn't. Then the drain pump stops and the water continues to flow in filling the drum again. Interesting. After this next rinse it then spins.

 

[launderess]

That Rinse Action

Is also featured on Speed Queen coin-op H-Axis washers.

Local laundromat had the feature before each of the three rinses on the uber sized unit. However think the owner shut the option down when machines were reprogrammed with higher prices.

Bascially after the spin ends, washer tumbles the drum one way as the machine continues to fill with water. Since the drain (dump) valve is open, water just goes into the tub and flushes out. Still it is allot of water and rinses laundry clean.

L.

 

[Bearpeter]

They look like fun!

Your buddy and the nice kitchen behind him!!!!!

 

[goatfarmer]

I had that washer in the Kelvy version. Nice machine!

 

[revvinkevin]

Oh by the way, the reason for all the surface rust is......

This stacked pair has been living in a house right on the ocean all their lives! Other friends who live right on the beach like this have told me, constantly being in the salt air is just murder on ANYTHING metal and it doesn't matter what you do to try and protect it!

The photo is the view from the backyard of the house where I picked up this set yesterday.

=========

BRENT... I have to add a hot water line as there's not one there for the washer now. But when washing the sheets in the photos, I tried adding more and more soap to get a foamy wash (didn't work) and once the cycle was complete there was no soapy residue! It must be because of all that water!

=========

Modifications I plan to do: Disable or change the door lock connection so I DON'T have to turn the timer to "OFF" if I want to open the door for any reason.

I also want the option of having the tub light on during operation and both of these mods should be pretty easy to do.

 

[gewa1054wguy]

Oral Roberts

Hi Kevin,

Glad someone wanted to save those. The best thing about the Oral Roberts house is the view and of course being right on the ocean. The house is a tear down and has no redeeming qualities about it what so ever.

Happy washing. And by the looks of your garage, you have lots more room for more machines!

EMP