Whirlpool Portable Dryer Model LXE4900

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Just when I thought I was done with compact, vintage dryers, this one showed up last night. Now I have no more use for another dryer, but I just couldn't bare the thought of it going to the crusher. So without further ado, I present  Mr Coppertone:</span>

 

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<span style="font-size: x-large; color: #0000ff;">HI</span>

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yogitunes]

See.....I put the WHAMMY curse on you....once you get one....more follow!....it never fails!

but that is cute.....

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">If I am reading the code correctly, he was manufactured in 1972. I plugged it in, the the motor runs, and the heating element started to warm up, but the drum did not move. It moves freely with my hand though. So I suspect a snapped drum belt. </span>I know, I know, I need  another project like I need another hole in my head. Needless to say, hubby was not pleased.

 

Nevertheless, I  think this one is going to need far less TLC that the Harvest Gold Whirlpool. Even though it's older, it seems like it saw far less use. The drum is immaculate. Stay tuned!

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">LOL Martin, you naughty boy! I ought to put you over my knee and spank you.</span>

 

[yogitunes]

Oh PLEASE!

Don't make promises one can't keep!

 

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Oh PUUUULEEEESE!

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">You know what I REALLY want next Martin don't ya'? A nice Kenmore Elite (Calypso) pair in white. LOL! </span>

 

[yogitunes]

I'll add you to the list.....I think there is more of a demand for these now then when they were in production....

http://reading.craigslist.org/app/4027359587.html

 

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I saw that ad earlier...

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">That's exactly what I am looking for. I want to lessen the the load on the Maytag and move up to a full sized 220V dryer.  You're partly to blame for the demand Martin. After seeing yours in action, everyone wants a set!</span>

 

[gansky1]

That's a cute model - color and graphics are great. It does look well cared for and rather low-use. I love that it says "Portable" - just in case.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Very nice find.

Salvador del secador

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Well this one isn't that "portable", no casters. I guess they were replaced at one time.</span>

[this post was last edited: 9/5/2013-14:49]

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">The filter is shot, and the housing is warped. Let the ordering begin. </span>

 

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Well I got around to removing the rear panel. YIKES!</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">There's a good 1/8" of lint and dust on that pan.</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Notice how thick the power cord is. At first I thought it was after market, but it seems original. The plug however is not. </span>

 



 

[this post was last edited: 9/5/2013-23:05]

 

[washdaddy]

Considering the state of your holy filter...

The back could have been in much worse condition. Does look too cute for words though. Just one quick question. Is it my imagination or has the door handle and door hinges been painted? I would have anticipated them being chrome colored or silver, not the matching color of cabinet coppertone.

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">The hinges for '72 were of a different design than the '74 model that I have. And 74's were chrome plated. The hinges of the '72 are a superior design. They don't let the door swing all the way and bang against the cabinet. They're also invisible when the door is closed, giving a tidier appearance. As for the handles, they were body colored for '74 as well. Here's the link for the 1974 Whirlpool and a 1987 Kenmore:</span>

 

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?45817_4

[this post was last edited: 9/5/2013-23:28]

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">After a quick vacuuming, it's beginning to look a little better.</span>

 



 



 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Two things I've noticed here, half of the blower housing is in (black) plastic. Unlike the '74 which is all metal. Now there's a switch, replacing plastic with metal. And another odd thing, notice under the the heating element housing. There is no asbestos heat shield like in the '74 model, nor a metal shield like the '87 model. </span>

 



 

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Popped the top off today.</span>

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">The timer is filthy.</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">The belt is not broken, in fact looks kinda new. It certainly is not attached to the motor or the pulley. </span>

 



 



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<span style="font-size: medium;">After a quick vacuum.</span>

 



 



 

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Now the front panel has been removed. </span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Odd, I see why the belt is loose, what happened to the idler pulley?</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Wow, a bit linty in there. </span>Notice the pulley under the motor. How did it end up there?

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">That has to be the dirtiest motor I've seen to date. I can't believe it hasn't burned out. </span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Some vacuuming later, doesn't look too bad. </span>

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">I'll be removing the motor to air blast it clean and to oil. </span>

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">The pulley has a groove for the belt. Never seen that before. </span>

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">I figured out why the pulley was dislodged. The dryer must have been dropped on it's bottom left side (see first 2 pictures of this post).  I think I can straighten the bottom out.
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[this post was last edited: 9/7/2013-00:10]

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Most of the edges of the fan blades have worn away. Apparently they have been rubbing up against the housing for a long time. </span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">I don't think the fan needs to be replaced.</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Here you can see the rub mark on the housing.</span>

 

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[this post was last edited: 9/7/2013-00:12]

 

[combo52]

1972 WP Portable Drayer

Cool little dryer Louie I remember these well, The lint filter may be NLA if it isn't it may be expensive, I may have one if you cannot find one.

 

The grove in the white idler pulley was worn there by the belt, it means the bearing is not in good shape, you need a new IP.

 

The blower rubbing on the rear housing is caused by the motor mounting brackets being bent so the motor is back too far, the motor mounting bracket is easy to straighten when you have the machine apart.

 

This dryer may still have the 240 volt 5600 watt heater element in it, on WPs early 120 volt portables they just put the regular 240V-5600 Watt elements in instead of making a special 120V 1400 watt element just for the 120 volt portable dryers. If you run the 240V 5600 Watt element on 120Vs you get exactly 1400 watts of heat, but the element runs very cool [ it will never get red hot ] this is why they did not need the asbestos insulation under it and best of all the 5600 watt element should have a life expectancy of about 3000 years of normal use.

 

This dryer with the older style door hinges will allow you to add a window door which I have several of if you want to add this valuable feature, unfortunately I do not have have a brown door but they are easy to paint, John.

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey John! Would having the 240V heating element explain the heavy gauge power cord? Thanks for all the info! </span>

 

[combo52]

1972 WP Portable Drayer

Hi Louie, No older cords just had thicker insulation, and the 240 volt heater draws the same 1400 watts on 120 volts as your other two 120 volt dryers.

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Well, I have been searching for coppertone touch up paint, but so far zilch. Would anyone know where I can try next? Thanks!</span>

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">I removed the heating element from it's housing. </span>

 



 

Just like John said.

 



 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Wow.</span>

 

 

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<span style="font-size: medium;">Straightening bent corner of base. (See reply 19, second image.)</span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">The bottom isn't too dirty, well compared to the others. I've removed the feet. Going to replace them with castors. </span>

 



 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Removed the side panel. Better access for motor removal. I've decided to completely dissemble the dryer for a thorough cleaning. </span>

 

 

[stainfighter]

Go for the Window!

Our beloved '62 Imperial WP had the window, exact hinges as John said. Go for it, give her the full treatment, the window would look lovely

Robert

 

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I'd love the window...

 

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">But I'd have to paint the door and the machine. That's just not in the cards now. </span>

 

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Timer troubles

 

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">I've made some progress in the rebuilding of the dryer but I've run into a snag. The timer does not line up to the cycles on the knob. For example, the machine will turn off at the 60 minute mark on the regular cycle. I reinstalled all the wires as they were. So I'm wondering, was the timer installed incorrectly by the previous owner? It advances fine. Just does not match up with what the dial says. Any ideas what may be wrong? </span>

 

<span style="font-size: medium;">Pictures and video to follow soon. </span>