What type of Kenmore washer is this?

[ryner1988]

Hello all,

Just curious which type of Kenmore direct drive washer this is, whether it's an 80 series, 90 series, or an Alete. I know it's a three-speed machine and if I didn't have a direct drive washer already that I'd put quite a bit of money into getting working right, I'd snatch this one and have it fixed up. This model looks a lot nicer than the more BOL Whirlpool I have.

What distinguishes an 80 series from a 90 series anyway? What was different about the Aletes? I know they all had the speed selector switch and most of them were three-speed washers.

Model number for this machine is 110.2889290.

https://www.cityapplianceindy.com/p...892790/1045?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Thanks,

Ryne

 

[maytaga806]

This is an 80 series. It says that on the right side of the Kenmore logo on the lower left side of the control panel. Kenmore Elites have the “Elite” name just under the Kenmore logo in a box. Kenmore Elites have wide lids and open traditionally and not sideways like the other Kenmores and the Elite has its own specific tall dual action agitator.

 

[appnut]

Ryne, this model is a 3-speed 5 wash/spin speed combinations of Fast/Fast, Slow/Fast, Slow/Slow, Fast/Slow, an extra slow/slow. There's an optional 2nd rinse knob (one rinse/2nd rinse), a water temperature selector switch that has 3 settings that are electronically regulated temperature combinations and 4 temperatture combinations that aren't regulated. The water level is fully variable selections.

 

[repairguy]

It was built the 33rd week of 1998.

 

[ryner1988]

Thanks guys. As I said, if I didn't have a DD already, I'd get this washer for sure and have it restored as needed. It's a lot better than the machine I have, which has all the speed combinations controlled by the cycle timer. As it is though, my bro-in-law put a lot of work into fixing the machine I have, and I don't think he'd do it again just because I'd rather have something else LOL.

If I hadn't been in a bind and in need to get something quickly when my Maytag DC washer started leaking last year, I would absolutely have held out for a machine like this one.

 

[bradfordwhite]

This is the same washer I bought my mother in 1999 along with a matching electric dryer. I got them from the Sears warehouse when one could still get actual good deals at the warehouse. They were both floor models and had never been used so they were complete with books and hardware. The dryer had a minor small dent on the side toward the back, an area that never was seen anyway.

 

[DADoES]

 
70, 80, 90, Elite, etc. are differentiated by features.  Number of water levels, temp choices, dispensers, special cycle functions such as selectable automatic advance from soak into a full wash cycle, what type of cool down sequence on the perm press cycle, Triple Action agitator (with spring-loaded auger) or not

There are sometimes multiple models within a given series that also differ on those points.  Such as 90-series models with 4, 5, or variable water levels.

 

[ryner1988]

Thanks for this explanation, Glenn. My granny has an 80 series and it does not have the variable water level, and I believe only has four speed selections instead of five. I think hers is a two-speed model. The model listed above must just be a more TOL 80 series.

 

[lovestowash]

Identical to mine...

Excellent machine! Bought mine last year from a used and refurbished dealer here in St. Pete. Only caveat is the lack of the intermittent ex-slow/slow speed I once had.

 

[ryner1988]

George, I'm glad you have this Kenmore. It's got most of the options one would ever need in a washer. I'm curious, what was your experience like with the refurb job of the used dealer? For me, when I purchased my used Whirlpool washer last year, the machine mostly worked but it had a busted neutral drain assembly and a clutch that was deteriorated. So, I paid to have a new transmission put in as well as swapping out the clutch and coupler. So, while I like this Kenmore better, I'm going to keep the machine I have since I had to pay for an incomplete refurb job. I hope that wasn't your experience.

 

[lovestowash]

To the contrary...

I purchased from a reputable dealer here in St. Pete. They have a barn-like warehouse adjacent to the showroom, where they refurbish the machines. I got the Kenmore for $200, delivered, installed, tested, with a 30-day warranty. I've had it about 6 months, and fortunately, zero problems.

 

[blockeight88]

I've purchased 3 direct drives now all from second hand shops. My first one looked just like this one. My advice is, unless you know how to fully take these apart, pass. The more knowledgable and experienced I became taking these apart, I realized that everything was pretty much "original" except maybe the agitator dogs. In some cases you may get lucky with a new clutch. Every single machine I have purchased as had a bad neutral drain kit. You may get lucky, but considering the age of these, I doubt it. I hope this helps.