Whirlpool belt-drive portable!

[norfolksouthern]

I just got the new pump, and it did not come with the extra multi-groove pulley. So, I tried to take the one off the old pump, and it shattered. I don't think this machine will be running for a while, at least not until I can find a way to remove the V-Belt pulley from the new pump, and then find a multi-groove that works. If anybody has one lying around, let me know!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[jons1077]

I have spares...

Can you get a photo of the one you need? I may have it.

 

[norfolksouthern]

Lesson learned!

First, it's always a good idea to consult with someone who has worked on these things before proceeding. That way, you save on shipping costs! Also, I managed to find a few new part numbers for both parts of the new tub ring. Those will have to wait for another month, though. But I should still be able to use the one I have for now.

Thanks, jons1077. I also got hold of Kenmoreguy64, who was a great help in explaining how to remove a pulley from a pump assembly. The cleaning rod to my Bunn coffee maker came in mighty handy for that task. Every cloud has a silver lining, and this episode will give more time for the Rustoleum protective paint to cure in the outer tub before I plug it back in.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[bpetersxx]

can you tell me all about this machine

I am trying to see if it is similar to my LK portable

 

[norfolksouthern]

Back together...

I found another pulley packaged with the pump from EBay, so I took a little trip down to "Wally World" and got me a cheap socket set. I put everything back together, and didn't turn up any extra parts. My luck must be runnin' good.

So here it is, working in all its glory! Keep in mind that I'm using an HE detergent, but these machines always seemed to do better with normal/high sudsing. During spin, there are several spray rinses, and there is no trace of any detergent residue when it's done.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

Spray Rinse

And I figured I'd add another showing how the spray rinse works. Sorry about the glare; cheap camera.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Whoo-hoo! Great job man! I figured there would be another pulley in that box. I'm glad your problem was with the pump and that you didn't go through all this for nothing.

GREAT looking machine!

Gordon

 

[dynaflow]

lady kenmore

i have the same machine same color in a LadyKenmore does a great job only problem the tub leans towards the side

 

[norfolksouthern]

Let me tell you, Gordon. It's a keeper! It was quite a bit of work to disassemble compared to the full-sized version, but well worth the effort. I really like how this machine foams up, then flushes the suds away during the spin cycle. It copes very well, and I'm assuming that's how they were designed. It's just amazing how much that lint filter can catch, too.

I saw a few black specs come out of the drain hose after the first wash. Could that have been some of the Rustoleum I used to coat the insides of the outer tub? It didn't create a problem for the cloths, though. Then again, it could also have been some residue from the old pump. It was spitting out quite a bit when I first got it. I may yet go in there again to get another look.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[supremewhirlpol]

definitely a keeper,I think they are fairly rare in the shape that it is.

 

[jons1077]

Dynaflow,

Your tub should be an easy fix. When we moved to OR this past summer one of the bolts that holds the suspension springs giggled loose and the tub fell to one side. Luckily I found the bolt, was able to line the spring up again and reattach it. Sounds like yours may have lost a bolt.

Jon

 

[norfolksouthern]

8 minute cycle results

I hope you all don't mind if I post some results. This is part of the load, after drying. The towels are typically used to clean and maintain a piece of lapidary equipment, in addition to polishing and maintaining Monokote covering on some of my R/C planes. They were also used during the repairs and pump installation, as well as wiping up the rust out of the basin from the defective pump during the initial run before disassembly. So what do you think of the results?

NorfolkSouthern

 

[autowasherfreak]

I wish I would have kept my Whirlpool portable, even though it was newer. But I good friend needed more than I did. I think the Whirlpool and Kenmore portables cleaned just a good as the full size machines.

I think yours is definitely a Keeper!

 

[autowasherfreak]

Plus I LOVE the color!

 

[norfolksouthern]

The faulty valve

I ran several loads through this little machine earlier, and there was no evidence of black specs. So, I'm assuming the other stuff coming out was residue left in the drain hose from the old pump. I took the best shot I could of the actual valve, and you can see how the corrosion under the rubber had an effect on the seal. Apparently, this machine must have sat for a long time before I adopted it!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

Wheel caster sockets

There was also a problem rolling the cabinet to the hookup. So in addition to the pump, I invested in a set of sockets for the front wheel assembly. That, and some lubricant for the wheels have resulted in a great improvement. It glides much more smoothly across the floor. There is still some work to be done, but for now the little Whirlpool is fully functional. How else can I get so much for such a small price?

Oh by the way, all your compliments have been very encouraging. Thanks for viewing and responding!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[kenmore81]

excellent work Norfolk

I have been drooling over this machine ever sence you got it.And my favorite vintage color too. My grandmother had one in her kitchen, she had the full size whirpool gas dryer in the corner and the washer next to it. On wash day she'd roll it to the sink and id get to watch the wash untill its 1st spin.(I was 2or3). she came to live with us when I was 4 and rented the house and when she sold the house(I was6) the washer went with it. I was mad she wouldnt bring it to our house lol. I so need to find me one.

 

[norfolksouthern]

Fixing the timer control knob?

Thanks, kenmore81. It's a real bummer the machine got sold with the house. I hate the thought of what might have happened to it.

Next, I plan to work on the timer control knob. I got an email from Kenmoreguy64, and he mentions something about a stripped cog, and that a new timer would fix that. However, I'm not sure which one to get. Perhaps someone here may have a later model with one that would fit my cabinet, and that part may still be available through a parts supplier. If you own any of the older Whirlpool portables that have timers, take a look at the photo. Does yours look similar? This one has a "Super Wash" cycle, one that washes for 6 minutes, drains, pauses, then continues for a 14 minute regular cycle.

If I can get this fixed, then find the new tub ring parts, then I could end up with an almost brand new machine!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[davek]

Dial & Panel

I wish that my similar Kenmore portable had that dial and panel. It's light letters on dark background covered by a clear shroud, and you have to bend over to read it. That one looks easy to read. I prefer to have cycles printed on the panel with a pointer on the dial anyway, but they're not set up that way.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Norfolk Southern -

You really need a model number to be searching for a timer. Matching up one by appearance may lead to dissappointment as timers can vary on machines that even look identical, especially between Whirlpool and Kenmore. I think in my last e-mail I said that if you'll get me a model number of the machine, I will look up the exact timer you need.

Gordon