Whirlpool LHA 6 800

[wpool84]

Hello, how’s everyoneI don’t know where to start with this washer. I don’t know much about it and I was hoping someone may know about this. I’m also hoping to find the matching dryer and where to repair them as well. Thank you

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! It’s a 1980-1981 model. The serial number determines the exact build date.

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! It’s a 1980-1981 model. The serial number determines the exact build date.

 

[wpool84]

I wasn’t quite sure when I called Whirlpool they told me either 1980 or Fri. May 7, 2010 lol I told her it had to be 1980 because I know they are older than I am.
Model# LHA6800W1
Serial# CO1908386

 

[repairguy]

The washer was built the 19th week of 1980. I think I have the same washer in my collection.

 

[wpool84]

Oh ok thank you so muchshe did say something about the 19th week as welll. I’m not sure how to take care of it lol I’m learning because I want it to last but I noticed it makes a squeaking noise when in the spin cycle. Any tips lol? Do you have any pics of the matching dryer so I can keep an eye out for one.

 

[repairguy]

At this washer’s age it is likely that it needs a mechanical rebuild that repair people these days are not interested in doing due to the time involved and lack of knowledge of the machine. It is older than most of the repair people. Lol Parts are still fairly available which is hard to believe because this design was discontinued in 1986. My advice would be to make sure the belt is tight and use it as is if everything works and it doesn’t leak. As to the matching dryer it would probably be easier to find than the washer. I would recommend the larger capacity model as this is the 18 pound washer which can handle a pretty large load. Mine is a LHA6900 built early in 1980 as well. First picture is the washer I have. The second is a 1980-1981 LHE5800 model dryer from the archives that was built in late 1979. Are you mechanically inclined?

 

[repairguy]

Here is a gas model for sale in summerfield, NC for $60.

 

[DADoES]

 
5800 dryer isn't super-capacity to match an 18lb washer, IIRC.  It adds a hamper door and thermostatic auto-dry vs. the 5700 model.

 

[repairguy]

Glenn you are correct about the standard capacity.

 

[combo52]

Early 80s belt Drive whirlpool washer

Hi Andrela and congratulations on your cool washer. Depending on how much use this machine had you may get a lot of use out of it or it may be near the end of its run. Do you have any idea how much use it had in its prior life.

The machine should be serviced. If you’re concerned about it the belt should be checked. It should be checked for leakage. The clutch pulley bearing should be oiled in just a little bit of tuneup may keep it running for a long time without having to do much to it if you’re lucky.

The standard capacity LH 5800 series dryers are plenty big enough for this machine that was considered a matched pair when it was made some people who consistently did huge loads, like to have the super capacity dryer as well but it’s only one cubic foot difference you’re going from 6 to 7 ft.³

Are you able to work on the machine or do you have somebody that can where you live?

John

 

[wpool84]

Thank you all so much you have been a great helpI’m a little mechanically inclined lol but not much. I finally figured out how to open and clean on top of the drum lol. I couldn’t even tell you where the belt is or anything elseI don’t know anyone near me to fix it. Yes, thank you again for the dryer pic’s I think I might have found some on Facebook marketplace

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

My Sister had a 7800 set from 1984 it was a real work horse for a big family. Those belt drives were great washers!

 

[wpool84]

Oh ok yeah they seem like very dependable/durable washers. I was going to buy a newer one but my grandmother’s friend had one for sale and I’m glad I purchased itThey are way better than the newer ones.

 

[DADoES]

 
The belt can be seen by removing the rear service panel.  Turn it by hand to inspect the full length.

 

[wpool84]

Oh ok thank you I was wondering what that little door was for but I wasn’t going to take something apart and mess it up my luck lol I opened it and dusted a little but I don’t know that much about themI’m currently looking for someone near me to help lol

 

[combo52]

The machine looks good

Did you ever figure out what kind of use this machine had before you got it of course, it likely had light use or wouldn’t still be around, even the belt is still original.

 

[wpool84]

No I’m not sure I would assume moderate use. It wasn’t super dirty inside and a fairly newer belt still had groovesI’m still looking for some one nearby to do maintenanceDoes anyone happen to know the part numbers for the softener reservoir and lint filter? Thank you

 

[repairguy]

The lint filter on this washer is self cleaning. While the machine agitates the filter captures lint and when the machine drains it flushes the lint out of the filter and sends it down the drain. Here’s the fabric softener dispenser:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3633035444...0K3PtllQylxQAFUmxws2Ze2HWW|tkp:Bk9SR97w35mgYw

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

I like this Whirlpool washer model a lot and often see lots of these with four temperature and five temperature settings...  

 

One family I know also had one with five temperatures from the '70's or '80's then got a new one like it in 1990...

 

 

 

-- Dave

 

[combo52]

The drive Belt Is The Original

It has a date code of being made the 5th week of 1980 on it, so the belt was made about 14 weeks before the machine as assembled.

Its a good sign that the machine has not even needed a belt over 40 years so it likely has had very light use.

John L.

 

[dominic20]

very beautiful machine

I like both the washer and dryer.

I have been a Whirlpool fan for years. Congrats to you.

 

[wpool84]

Iyou allthank you so muchyou all are so helpful! I wasn’t sure if there was a lint filter or not because i saw a video of a similar model not exact but it had one attached to the top of the drumI was wondering what the “Magic Clean Filter” actually was about lol. Good to know! Oh wow you can tell all that info with the red stamping on the beltthat’s great news hopefully it will last a while. I also found the parts manual online as well. I wish there was a vintage washer/ dryer restoration school lol I would love to do more to fix them.

 

[wpool84]

DaveAMKrayoGuy

Hello DaveAMKrayoGuy how are you doing? Weird question lol you’re not that far from me. I’m near the Marygrove College area do you know anyone around that works on these beauties?

 

[DADoES]

 
Have you tried running the machine for evidence of problems?

Try moving the belt by hand to check if the mechanism is seized.  It should move reasonably easy if the drive mechanism is in neutral or agitate mode, more difficult if spin is engaged.

Set the timer to the final spin position (the hash mark before Off) on any cycle to check if spin works.

It won't normally agitate without water filled to the set level, but there may be a dry agitate position somewhere on the timer.  I don't know where that position may be, perhaps someone else can advise you.

Possible water leaks can't be identified, of course, unless it's run with water.

 

[wpool84]

It’s not leaking as far as I can see. I just hear a screeching sound for about 5 seconds at the beginning of the spin cycle. I do t know of anyone near me to have it serviced.