Whirlpool Imperial Seventy washer needs a new pump?

[Soozcat]

Hi, folks. Shortly after hubby and I were married, my dear mother in law bequeathed to us her Whirlpool Imperial Seventy washer. Not precisely sure when it was made, but my best guess is the late 1970s (the model number under the washer lid is LFA7800N1). For the better part of two decades it's kept our clothes clean with few problems (it needed a new belt a few years ago, and we just had the belt tightened a few months ago).

Alas, today our proud beauty will not drain. From what I've been reading online, the problem is likely with the pump, but how difficult would it be to find a replacement pump for this machine? I've never done this level of maintenance work on a household appliance before, but I'm willing to give this fix a shot -- I hate the idea of getting rid of the Whirlpool after the many good things I've heard about its durability, especially if the fix turns out to be an easy one.

Thanks for your expertise!

 

[gansky1]

Nice washer - you're right about the performance, this is probably one of the best cleaning "large capacity" washers.

 

Here is pump on ebay for the belt-drive Whirlpool - Kenmore washers that might work.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Pump----

I think that model will use the 2 port water pump as it has the "magic clean filter", part # 350365. Ebay has several for sale.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[wayupnorth]

I had a Kenmore 80 series, right around that vintage that developed the same problem. I was given a GE and I gave the Kenmore to my brother in law, thinking the pump was gone. The problem was over the years, the self cleaning filter was totally clogged. He simply disconected the filter and problem was solved.

 

[washdaddy]

That's definitely a machine that's worthy of keeping. They don't make them like that anymore. You can easily get a pump from e-bay or other sources. replacing the pump on your washer is not overly difficult and there are members on here that could easily guide you thru replacing it on your machine as well as answer any questions that you may have about it.

Rick

 

[combo52]

BD WP Washer With A Self-Cleaning Filter

These filters seldom failed if you used plenty of detergent, the reason they clogged was users mineraled up the machine, the mineral despots caused lint to get stuck and clog.

You should NEVER bypass the filter because it will cause the water pump to clog and fail. I serviced many washers where the filter had been bypassed and the pumps were jammed with lint and then they had to be replaced.

 

[Soozcat]

Well, I bit the bullet and picked up a replacement pump on eBay. Now waiting for it to arrive. I'm hoping we can suss this thing out.