Whirlpool Imperial Mark 18

[lovepuppy]

Hello -- new here. Didn't know there were fans / devotees of old / vintage washers & dryers.

We inherited the washer and dryer when we purchased our home from the original owner. Model number on the washer is LDA980. The home was built in 1975, so I assume from the looks of them the appliances are at least that old.

Even though everyone told us to dump the washer and dryer and get the new, super-modern ones, I refused -- why add more clutter to landfills when the washer and dryer worked perfectly well -- in fact, better than any of the new machines they sell in the stores today? Well, needless to say, after discovering this forum, I'm glad to know what I own is kind of a classic. =)

So after two years of use, I've encountered a problem. I find a big pool of water on the floor during the wash, and now this weekend, I discovered that the tub no longer drains water away to then spin the clothes. The clothes just sit there with a tub full of water. I'd hate to give my husband an excuse to finally toss the washer / dryer. Any advice on how to fix these problems?

 

[DADoES]

 
LOVE this pair! My all-time favorite Whirlys!!

No drain is likely a pump problem. Or, I've seen the wig-wag pin for the agitate solenoid break, in which case it doesn't shift out of agitation, which also prevents drain (the pump's flapper valve that switches it between drain and recirculate for filtering during agitation is linked to the agitation cam bar). That can be observed by noting if it's agitating when the timer is set to a spin position.

 

[foraloysius]

Beautiful pair! You will never get the same quality when you buy a new set. I hope you can repair them.

 

[lovepuppy]

They ARE beautiful! Completely clean inside and out, not a spot of rust anywhere. I guess the original owner and his wife either took really good care of their stuff or just hardly used them, OR things were just made well back then! I couldn't believe that after 30+ years the washer and dryer would work SO well.

I think the repair is beyond anything I could personally do myself because I have only very rudimentary knowledge of the parts and mechanisms. Whom would I call to diagnose / repair? I live in Los Angeles.

 

[DADoES]

 
Replacing a pump is not difficult. The leaking issue may be related to the pump, or something different. Another consideration, the belt may be worn if it has never been replaced. Any established appliance service should be able to do the job. Tell them you have a belt-drive Whirlpool toploader. These were last produced in 1987 -- belt-drive machines in general, not your specific model.

Your machines are circa 1975-1976 as you thought. The top-of-line models for that year, the last ones with a fluorescent lighted console. Your dryer is the last one that was offered with a choice of tumble speeds. The previous series LAA had three tumble speeds, and three agitate speeds on the washer. The next series LFA after yours (shown below) had an electronic panel on the washer and full-panel mechanical pushbuttons on the dryer.

(the picture has been Photoshopped, they weren't available in that color)

 

[goatfarmer]

That is a beautiful set!
Any reputable company who repairs appliances should be able to diagnose the problem, and repair the washer. It may be something simple, or a major repair. Either way, they should be repaired, and enjoyed for many more years.

 

[appnut]

Absolutely beautiful!! They need to be repaired. They will run for years to come.

 

[geextrarinse]

I'm in Los Angeles!

Hi! I live in Hollywood and can come take a look - I'm a GE guy but I'd be glad to have a look. I'm sure with the help of the guys on this site, we can have you up and running again in no time - I sent you an email....

Matthew

 

[qsd-dan]

Gorgeous machines, and they'll outperform and certainly outlast just about everything made today. Definitely worth the attempt to repair.

Very kind of you, Matt, to lend a helping hand!

 

[70series]

Georgeous set. Yes, fixing them is the way to go, as you will not find anything today with the quality or the aesthetic beauty of the classics you have there.

Good luck,
James

 

[chaskelljr2]

1974-75 Whirlpool Imperial Mark 18 Washer....

@ lovepuppy:

I am with everyone else on this thread. You got to get these repaired. From the looks of the picture above, they look like quality machines, and I can tell you, they don't make them like that today. They really don't.

I'll let Gordon take a look at this thread and let's see what he says. He's a Whirlpool/Kenmore guy. If anyone will get to the bottom of your problem, it's him.

That's a beautiful set!!! Hold on to it.

--Charles--

 

[surgilator_68]

It most likely needs a belt and pump. I would suggest that either an appliance repair company or someone who has done a belt change on a Wpl/Ken perform the operation.

If you go with an appliance repair company try to go after someone who has been in business for a while. Younger techs will look at that machine and tell you to toss it. And they probably won't know how to change the belt anyway.

 

[revvinkevin]

Hey Lovepuppy

I'm in the LA area also and I sent you an e-mail earlier today. Did you receive it?

Kevin

 

[kenmore81]

By all means!!!

Save them..... I love that pair and they are wearing my favorite classic color too=) Like the guys above said you are better of to fix them eve if it costs $300.00 you will probably get another 10 + years out of them.
Another common leak problem is around the sediment trap. Wich not a hard fix is labor costly. But still IMHO its worth it. When my modern garbage(witch works pretty well) dies again Im going hunting for a set like these.
Good luck
Kenny.

 

[chaskelljr2]

@ Kenmore 81

I agree and co-sign with everything you said here.

But I sure like to see Gordon's reaction when he sees how beautiful this set is??? And more than likely, he's going to lean toward repairing them as well.

--Charles--

 

[tomturbomatic]

This was a very special washer because, I believe, it was the first time WP allowed independent agitate and spin speed selections. They were usually built into the timer and controlled by the cycle selected.

 

[lovepuppy]

THANK YOU

Wow -- I feel like I got on the Antiques Roadshow -- you all are chock-full of great information.

Ok, I'm definitely going to try to repair it. I will check my emails now...thank you to both gentleman who offered to come take a look.

(Oh, the picture is from my phone -- honestly, they are much nicer in person. I will try to take a few better pictures and put them up.)

 

[DADoES]

 
Tom, several older models also allowed that flexibility. Not sure on the vintage of this one, may be 1968-ish.

 

[lovepuppy]

here's the inside