Thread Number: 10149
58 Four Star is back in action!......
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Post# 186839   1/28/2007 at 20:37 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        

.....and running like a top! Silly me, I thought I'd just go out there, plug 'er in and she'd take off. Was I ever wrong!

Anyways, I wrestled with her one day last week and then today we got her into the washroom and hooked her up. She now runs great and ever so quiet. I plan to make and post a video soon.

Also worked on the 76 belt drive big tub dual action agi today and got her back on the road. AND found out what has to be done on the 68 Vari-Flex. Had a very productive day. Would love to go out and wash a load or two, but I'm bushed.





Post# 186840 , Reply# 1   1/28/2007 at 20:40 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        

Another club member Merlin from DHS lent a helping hand.

Post# 186841 , Reply# 2   1/28/2007 at 20:41 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
And I've got........

....another lighted console! ((--::

Post# 186842 , Reply# 3   1/28/2007 at 20:43 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
...and....

..... a lighted tub!

Post# 186843 , Reply# 4   1/28/2007 at 20:45 (6,269 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Oooh! Nice job, well done! Looking forward to the video!

Post# 186844 , Reply# 5   1/28/2007 at 20:49 (6,269 days old) by pturo (Syracuse, New York)        

Holy Crap that is one great washing machine! Sexy and worth the wait.

Post# 186849 , Reply# 6   1/28/2007 at 21:03 (6,269 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Oh wow - now that is what a machine machine should look like! I had no idea how good looking the 1958 Kenmores are - unbelievable. Thanks for the shots, it is very much appreciated.

Ben


Post# 186850 , Reply# 7   1/28/2007 at 21:05 (6,269 days old) by westytoploader ()        
YEAH! WOOHOO!

Congratulations Dick, and a big YAY for weekend fix-ins...this past weekend has been very productive indeed! That 1958 Cycla-Fabric is just stunning. She looks brand new!

Who is standing with the machine in the first picture? I'm assuming a club member? LOL


Post# 186851 , Reply# 8   1/28/2007 at 21:17 (6,269 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
What a beautiful specimen of sexy Kenmore! Those colors around the dial just make you shiver.


Post# 186853 , Reply# 9   1/28/2007 at 21:20 (6,269 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Wowza!

Post# 186855 , Reply# 10   1/28/2007 at 21:25 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        

That's Brad, a friend of mine and not a club member. He just loves to come up and play with the machines and I let him! He helps me a lot wrestling with heavy things as I am still recuperating from a dislocated pelvis from Jan. 2nd.

And it looks like you also had a very productive weekend my friend. You have a very nice collection Austin.

Dick



Post# 186857 , Reply# 11   1/28/2007 at 21:29 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
Oh, and I forgot to mention.....

.....the 58 matching dryer is so happy to finally have a mate! ((--:: He survived by himself for 13 months tho'.

Post# 186864 , Reply# 12   1/28/2007 at 21:43 (6,269 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Great '58! Looking forward to video. What year is the other Kenmore in the pic? The next door neighbor had one of those 'alphabet' machines. Is it a '63, maybe?
Any possiblity of a picture of that one?

Glenn-- That's quite an address, bud! How on earth do you fit all that onto your return address labels, LOL?


Post# 186865 , Reply# 13   1/28/2007 at 21:43 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
Thanks guys.....

....I also find it a very sexy looking machine and thought the same when I was a kid and my Aunt bought a new 58 LK which is one level above the Four Star, however both models bear an uncanny resemblence to each other. I finally got mine after 49 years.

Dick


Post# 186866 , Reply# 14   1/28/2007 at 21:43 (6,269 days old) by westyslantfront ()        

Hi Dick. Love the pregnant Roto-Swirl.


Ross


Post# 186870 , Reply# 15   1/28/2007 at 21:47 (6,269 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Great machiene! Love the lighted tub!

Post# 186876 , Reply# 16   1/28/2007 at 21:52 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
The other machine in picture...

.....is a 60. In fact it is the same machine Mom bought from Sears in '60 and I've had with me ever since. If it could talk! ((--::

We had the 60 and my Aunt had the 58 LK which I wanted so badly.


Post# 186878 , Reply# 17   1/28/2007 at 21:53 (6,269 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

wow~ a true vinatge macheien

Post# 186881 , Reply# 18   1/28/2007 at 22:00 (6,269 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Dick congratulations. All that dazzling porcelain, LIGHTS, chrome, and Sex appeal!! I can't wait to see the matched set together, that will be a first for me, otehr than LIghted Control's matched LK of the same year.

Post# 186882 , Reply# 19   1/28/2007 at 22:03 (6,269 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Stunning

pdub's profile picture
Dick, just stunning!!! Can't wait to see these in person.

Patrick


Post# 186883 , Reply# 20   1/28/2007 at 22:03 (6,269 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
My aunt who had a 1968/1969-ish Kenmore 800 had it paired for many years with the match (in gas) to your 1960 washer. An alphabet dryer, timed cycles marked by the letters. She replaced the dryer in 1974 when they built a new house.

Post# 186887 , Reply# 21   1/28/2007 at 22:08 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
A true vintage machine.......

....yeah, and just like its owner! ((--:: But it runs great and so do I so I shouldn't complain.

Bob, I'll see what I can do about maching them together (the dryer faces the washer) but the washroom is so small and I've got it cramed with so many machines that I don't know if I can do that. I'll try for you tho'.

Wait till you all see what my Auntie Carla had in her garage and I have waiting in the wings to be set up. One big item is that I have to pour a cement pad for it first! ((--::

Dick


Post# 186897 , Reply# 22   1/28/2007 at 22:38 (6,269 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Great Washers!

peteski50's profile picture
Dick,
I just love both the 58 and 60 washers. Both are real awsome.
Best Of Luck with them.
Peter


Post# 186902 , Reply# 23   1/28/2007 at 22:46 (6,269 days old) by dick_s. ()        
matching dryer to the 60.........

.....I had for many years and it run fine until one day I went out to the washroom and found the motor on fire. In those days I wasn't thinking about ever starting a collection of these machines and in my mind the dryer was "disposible". I knew tho' that I'd never get rid of the washer. Of course, I could kick myself over and over now.



Post# 186907 , Reply# 24   1/28/2007 at 22:58 (6,269 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Dick, thanks. And if you're not able, take excellent total and upclose pics for me. Ooh, I"m on pins and needles what Carla had in store for you!!

Post# 186918 , Reply# 25   1/28/2007 at 23:57 (6,269 days old) by tlee618 ()        

Dick, what a beautiful machine. You have sure done her proud!! Love that lighted tub and console.

Post# 186952 , Reply# 26   1/29/2007 at 06:24 (6,268 days old) by harvestgold (Deland, Florida )        
Kenmore machines

Dick just beautiful machines it still amazes me that kenmore had so much chrome trim with the tub and console lights and all the wash options. I love Maytags but i have been buying old kenmores as well and must say they are really great machines Thanks for all the pictures John

Post# 186953 , Reply# 27   1/29/2007 at 06:31 (6,268 days old) by retromom ()        

Dick:

That has got to be the most gorgeous Kenmore that I have ever seen! The lighting is fab, and the pristine exterior is to die for! That lovely streamlined look gives nothing away about the aggressive agitation underneath the hood!

Happy washing and hope to see you in Tucson!!


Post# 186966 , Reply# 28   1/29/2007 at 07:37 (6,268 days old) by spiceman1957 ()        
Re: 58 Four Star

Dick,

These are great pictures. What a beautiful machine. How
much work did you do on this washer, (motor and outside)
It looks practically brand new!

John


Post# 186973 , Reply# 29   1/29/2007 at 08:57 (6,268 days old) by gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

Beautiful!

Post# 186978 , Reply# 30   1/29/2007 at 09:19 (6,268 days old) by dick_s. ()        

And good morning Venus, I am glad you like the 58. Yes, I have always loved its styling and you are right about the agressive action that old roto swirl kicks up underneath the lid. ((--:: I do believe that the other washers in the room are going to enjoy a little time off for a while. ((--::

I've got Tucson on my list at this time! ((--::


Post# 186979 , Reply# 31   1/29/2007 at 09:22 (6,268 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

How about a close-up pic of the timer dial? I love those multi-clored Kenmore cycles!

Thanks,
Les


Post# 186983 , Reply# 32   1/29/2007 at 09:41 (6,268 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Beautiful Kenmores Dick! Thanks for sharing. You know how I love the 1950's Kenmore styling! <:

Post# 186985 , Reply# 33   1/29/2007 at 09:45 (6,268 days old) by 48bencix (Sacramento CA)        
Love the V

Who knows what the V on the front means. On a car it meant you had a V-8 engine.

What a beauty!

Martin


Post# 186989 , Reply# 34   1/29/2007 at 09:57 (6,268 days old) by dick_s. ()        
Work done on 58

John, I was very fortunate in that the exterior of the machine (console, lid, and front) were in good condition to begin with. The machine needed a good cleaning and I worked at getting the gunk out of the wash basket.

The original power cord looked good but was getting very warm to the touch so I replaced that. Then I discovered that most likely the reason for the cord heating up was a frozen pump. There were also issues with the infinite water control-water not shutting off and the 5 temperature inlet water valve not functioning. I think it's neat to have a "cool" temperature setting in between warm and cold. AND of course I love the "medium" setting!

It's also great to be able to slow the agitation down in any cycle including the "Normal" 12 minute cycle.

I've got one issue left to face and that is excessive vibration in spin cycle. I've already worked on the snubber and self adjusting legs at length so now all that I can see that is left is to work on the suspension rods. The tub seems to list a bit to the rear right. I've never had this problem in any Kenmore (the 60, 53 and the 56 are steady as a rock in spin). I've only heard of one instance were Sears replaced the entire guts including the suspension rods on a friend's Kenmore and the machine still got up and walked. I'm not ruling out this possibility on the 58 but am hoping not.

Oh, and John in SD-would love to hear what Kenmores you have in your collection.

I've got to start "branching out" here and start learning about the mechanics of the other machines I have collected over the last three years, like the Frigidaire rapid dry and the 118's, the Westy front loader and the GE mini basket that all sit waiting for repairs. I don't know-I just keep going back to Sears for some reason. I just love 'em and they all have different "personalities".

Dick


Post# 186995 , Reply# 35   1/29/2007 at 10:05 (6,268 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Boy is that washer every pretty Dick. It looks like its right out of the box!

Post# 186998 , Reply# 36   1/29/2007 at 10:19 (6,268 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
WOw Dick

jetcone's profile picture
Nice Kenmore,that is a sexy machine for sure! I love the stainless steel band around the front and that Garrison Colonial Backsplash is just heavenly!!

Enjjoy!

Jetcone



Post# 187011 , Reply# 37   1/29/2007 at 10:35 (6,268 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN)        
A beautiful machine...

scoots's profile picture
I particularly like the quilted metal accents on the face and the space-age dials that say "I'm going to the moon today".

I've always wondered, how do you guys handle restoration on rare units with damaged graphics on panels, etc? So many of the 50's models use sophisticated back cut glass and foil accent dashboards, you'd practically have to have an artist's shop to bring them back


Post# 187056 , Reply# 38   1/29/2007 at 13:14 (6,268 days old) by agiflow ()        

Beautiful Kenmores Dick. You did an excellent job.

Post# 187144 , Reply# 39   1/29/2007 at 18:14 (6,268 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        
not familiar with 4 star lineup?

4 star would of been a Lady or like a 800 or what? Sure did clean up, shine up, and light up.Looks like new. Nice Job.

Post# 187151 , Reply# 40   1/29/2007 at 18:44 (6,268 days old) by danelto (State College, PA)        
A Beauty

Give this pretty thing a crown and we'll have the next Ms. America!

Graham, are you looking at this?

dan


Post# 187158 , Reply# 41   1/29/2007 at 19:00 (6,268 days old) by mcmodern ()        
****

Those old four-stars were absolutely beautiful. Dick, your's looks like it's in even better condition than the one Aunt Helen had when it was new! Even then, I knew it was something special.

I'm curious too about the four-star designation. Surely sounds TOL, but the LK bests them? What was the difference? What years were we treated to the four-stars?

Great job there!
Kelly


Post# 187168 , Reply# 42   1/29/2007 at 19:23 (6,268 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks for the picture of the '60 'alphabet' washer, Dick! That is the same one our neighbors had. Love the preggers Roto-Swirl and the waterfall lint filter. Brings back many fond memories of the '60 Model 80 I grew up with. I had a lot of fun pushing all the rocker cycle buttons when I was a kid.

Post# 187182 , Reply# 43   1/29/2007 at 19:53 (6,268 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Looks like summer, so bright and nice in the sunshine state

mickeyd's profile picture
That machine is gorgeous, Dick.
Are those buttons gold ?


Post# 187222 , Reply# 44   1/29/2007 at 21:22 (6,268 days old) by jamman_98 (Columbia, SC)        
I remember

jamman_98's profile picture
My Aunt had this machine on her back porch when I was growing up. Brings back some wonderful memories. I still love Kenmores because they remind me of my mom so much.

Jamman_98
Joe


Post# 187240 , Reply# 45   1/29/2007 at 22:03 (6,268 days old) by dick_s. ()        
1958 Lineup

I'm posting a pic of the 58 Lady Kenmore set from the 58 Sears catalogue and then I will post the Four Star models advertised which were on the opposite page to the LK's in the catalogue.

You can see how similar in basic design they both are, with the exception of the timeline cycle modifier on the LK and some cosmetic differences. Mechanically there were some differences as the LK had a self cleaning lint filter, a fabric softner dispenser, and a chime signaling end of cycle. But I'm so happy and satisfied with the Four Star.

I really don't remember that much about the "Four Star" models or how many years they were featured as a model by Sears.

Mickeyd-the control knobs are I guess you could say "gold" plated and I believe the backsplash is some form of plastic or maybe even eisenglass. Not sure. I have been fortunate in that all my old Kenmores have had decent control panels and all the plastic and knobs have been in fairly good condition right from the start. You might as our leader Robert as he did considerable work on the control panel of his 57 LK.

I do know that I'm still trying to figure out how to get to the front of the console panels on both the washer and the dryer so I can check the flourescent lights on both of them, which at this time are both working.

Dick



Post# 187242 , Reply# 46   1/29/2007 at 22:07 (6,268 days old) by dick_s. ()        
and now for......

....the Four Star

Some member asked about the "V". I do believe Roberts 57 LK also has a "V". I could be wrong as I don't have the time to go look for a pic of his 57.

I don't remember seeing the "V" on too many Kenmore models back in those years.

Dick


Post# 187255 , Reply# 47   1/29/2007 at 22:24 (6,268 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Love the fact they tote the dryer as being able to warm up a room with the "Built in Air Flow"

Post# 187354 , Reply# 48   1/30/2007 at 07:28 (6,267 days old) by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA)        

jamiel's profile picture
two things:

1. Built in airflow was a feature discussed a couple months ago--you removed the lint screen, and put in a deflector. Someone on here had pictures.

2. Four-star was their "buick" in the day---nearly all the functionality of the LK, but in a slightly de-contented way. Compare the two here: LK was all porcelain, had a softener dispenser, automatic lint filter, colors, signal. 4* was simpler to make, simpler to sell (only white), and probably more profitable.


Post# 187366 , Reply# 49   1/30/2007 at 08:22 (6,267 days old) by dick_s. ()        

....and I might add, a bit simpler to repair and keep running, while still retaining the basic design and look of the Lady Kenmore. The bottom backsplash strip (if that is what its called) is the same stamped design as the one used on the LK.

I guess you all can tell that a big portion of the attraction to Kenmores for me is their design and cosmetic features.

I'll be posting close up pix later this week and get some video footage of her hopefully by this weekend.

Dick


Post# 187624 , Reply# 50   1/31/2007 at 12:14 (6,266 days old) by sheerlookhomes (U.K.)        

GORGEOUS,GORGEOUS,GORGEOUS, well done saving it...can't wait to see it in action!
Thanks for pics.


Post# 189044 , Reply# 51   2/6/2007 at 21:06 (6,260 days old) by dick_s. ()        
As promised, here 'tis in action.....

..plus pictures of the console up close for those of you who asked for some.

Does any of you know HOW to disassemble the console???? I got to a certain point this morning and couldn't figure out how to remove the front panel. I need to find out as I might need to be taking out the timer in the near future.

I really need to talk with someone who understands these old machines. I've come a long way in diagnosing and fixing them but there are some areas I am still in need of a lot of guidance. This machine has got a few issues that are really confusing me. Thanks

John from SD came up last weekend and we braved the cold temps in the washroom to run a few machines and take this video of the 58. Hope you enjoy.







CLICK HERE TO GO TO dick_s.'s LINK


Post# 189046 , Reply# 52   2/6/2007 at 21:09 (6,260 days old) by dick_s. ()        
one more pic

..of the infinite water level control

Post# 189058 , Reply# 53   2/6/2007 at 22:11 (6,260 days old) by rickr (.)        
Great Video Dick!! Almost like being there! Thanks!

rickr's profile picture
Try roughing up the snubber on the sidewalk. The snubber needs to be rough in order to grip the tub ring so it can limit the movement of the tub. Also make sure there is enough pressure on the snubber bracket.

You should also check the spin bearings for wear.
Put the timer on the spin cycle,with the machine turned off. Hold the spin basket, then turn the machine on. Let the machine on for a few seconds while holding the spin basket, then turn the machine off, while still holding the spin basket still. The machine will now still be in the spin cycle, without the brake on. Grasp the spin basket at two places directly across from each other, then see if you can rock the spin basket back and forth.
A VERY small amount of movement could be considered normal. Howewver, if you get a CLUNK CLUNK with a lot of movement you need spin bearings replaced, and also a replacement spin shaft.

From your video I did not notice excessive cabinet vibration, however you know your Kenmores, so if you say the vibration is excessive, I take your word for it.

Another thing that could be a problem would be the suspention balls. I have rebuilt 6 or 7 old KM/WP machines, and only had to replace the balls on one machine. That machine had sat out in a junkyard.The balls on the junkyard queen were hard as a rock. Usually the balls do not need to be replaced, but your machine might need them. They are available yet, and are not that costly. Or you could try a ball transplant from a newer parts belt drive machine, as they are the same size. If you replace the suspention balls, be sure to replace the lower balls as well as the upper. (6 balls) Also make sure the tub is centered before tighting the balls down. Otherwise the rub will not be centered when the machine is level.

The other probem you are having sound like it might be the timer itself.

Best of luck Dick, and hit me back if you need me.

Rick


Post# 189066 , Reply# 54   2/6/2007 at 22:24 (6,260 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Whoops... Forgot about the panel. Have never worked on a 1958 model, but the whole top comes off a 1956 and 1957. Just remove all the knobs, then remove the rear panel and gently push the whole console forward. It comes off as an assembly, and all the controls stay mounted to a grey plate on the top of the machine. I would think a 1958 would come apart the same way.

R.


Post# 189071 , Reply# 55   2/6/2007 at 22:46 (6,260 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Dick, that is a great video, both the 1958 and 1960 Kenmores sound like they run flawlessly, and who can forget what beautiful machines they are as well. Thanks for sharing!

Post# 189090 , Reply# 56   2/6/2007 at 23:08 (6,260 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Dick thank you so much. The video brings back so many memories. And beautiful machines as always

Post# 189107 , Reply# 57   2/6/2007 at 23:29 (6,260 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Kenmores

peteski50's profile picture
Thanks so much for the fun video. What a real pleasure it is to hear that wonderful belt drive sound again.
Best Wishes
Peter


Post# 189110 , Reply# 58   2/6/2007 at 23:42 (6,260 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Blast from the past! I love the spaceship-esque "wooo-wooo, wooo-wooo" sound they make during agitation. The dashboard on that '58 is gorgeous. Growing up with a 1960 Model 80, it's funny how decades later a person remembers every idiosyncratic sound those belt-drive Kenmores make... Thanks for the video, Dick.

Post# 189113 , Reply# 59   2/6/2007 at 23:46 (6,260 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Great Video.. Love the B/D sounds

Post# 189140 , Reply# 60   2/7/2007 at 02:08 (6,260 days old) by agiflow ()        

Great video Dick! Considering the amount of suds in the wash, i am surprised the rinse water is as clear as it appears to be.

Kenmores are always fun to watch.


Post# 189147 , Reply# 61   2/7/2007 at 05:13 (6,260 days old) by hotpointwf220 ()        

Nice videos Dick.

Post# 189162 , Reply# 62   2/7/2007 at 07:31 (6,259 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Very nice, Dick. That machine is so quiet!

Post# 189165 , Reply# 63   2/7/2007 at 07:50 (6,259 days old) by tlee618 ()        

Thanks Dick for taking the time to share that video with us. You just have to love the drama of that water filter! Beautiful machine.

Post# 189170 , Reply# 64   2/7/2007 at 08:34 (6,259 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Great pictures Dick. Sure looks like you have a wonderful machine there, looks like new. Gary

Post# 189195 , Reply# 65   2/7/2007 at 09:57 (6,259 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Hey - thanks for the photos and video Dick - good work!

Ben


Post# 189208 , Reply# 66   2/7/2007 at 10:22 (6,259 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Replacement?

Dick,
Listening to the machine on my computer speakers, I hear the ubiquitous whine of the newer drive system Kenmore/Whirlpool used from 63/64 on. Is it possible that somewhere in this machine's history it had the transmission swapped? Could that have anything to do with the machine's behavior? I was never sure of the exact date of the tranny change, but I know when the drain hose port moved from the bottom of the cabinet to the the top the sound of Kenmore and Whirlpool changed and the oscillation of the agitator became slightly faster.
Kelly


Post# 189303 , Reply# 67   2/7/2007 at 18:43 (6,259 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        

pdub's profile picture
Just watched the video Dick. Great work. It's wonderful to see those two machines running.

Patrick


Post# 189359 , Reply# 68   2/7/2007 at 21:10 (6,259 days old) by dick_s. ()        
Replacement

Hi Kelly, When I was first working underneath the machine putting on another pump, a quick "once over" made me think everything was original. But your post posed a very good question so I went out this evening to look at it closer and take a pic and it appears from the date stamp that everything is as it was when it was manufactured back in 58. Well, at least it was until I took off the frozen pot metal pump that weighs a ton and replaced it with a much lighter plastic one. And the copper color on the motor casing is stunning! ((--::

I have to agree with you that this machine along with the 53 Kenmore has agitator oscillations comparable to the Whirlpools which I have always considered just a bit fast than Kenmore.

I'm going to put on suspension support braces and check out the suspension rods as the tub lists to the back right of the machine.

I have already played way too long with the snubber adjustment and front and rear legs adjustment until I'm blue in the face. I will get this vibration prob. narrowed down tho'.

Thanks so much for questioning that and it is so good to hear from you.
---------------
agiflow-Yes, I do not like a lot of suds but these old Kenmores seem to kick them up with Tide. My big tub BD Kenmore doesn't do that. I wished Sears had never stopped making that non-sudsing detergent they made back in the 60's and 70's. It cleaned like hell, had a faint lemon odor and rinsed great.
---------
Rick- I thank you a million for all your advice and am emailing you this evening.
-----
Patrick-We will talk sometime this week

And a warm thank you to all members who posted such nice comments. You are all a great group. ((--::

Dick



Post# 189371 , Reply# 69   2/7/2007 at 21:42 (6,259 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Dick that 58 KM sounds about like my 56 KM. I just love it!! I just went down the basement and put the 56KM and the 56WP on the suds return setting on the timer. So both machines were on agitate without any water in the tubs. The 56WP is slightly faster than the 56KM. Both these machines agitate faster yet, than my 65 KM. All three of these machines have their original transmitions.

By the way, of the three WP built machines I have(2KM&1WP) none sound exactly alike. They each have their own unique personality. The fifties machines are the most fun to hear running. WP figured out a way to quiet down the wig wag sound by the mid 1960's.


Post# 190247 , Reply# 70   2/11/2007 at 15:15 (6,255 days old) by spinout (Phoenix)        
RE: Kenmore suspension

"....I've got one issue left to face and that is excessive vibration in spin cycle. I've already worked on the snubber and self adjusting legs at length so now all that I can see that is left is to work on the suspension rods. The tub seems to list a bit to the rear right. I've never had this problem in any Kenmore (the 60, 53 and the 56 are steady as a rock in spin). I've only heard of one instance were Sears replaced the entire guts including the suspension rods on a friend's Kenmore and the machine still got up and walked. I'm not ruling out this possibility on the 58 but am hoping not...."


If the tub is listing, it is a sure indication that you need to replace the rubber suspension balls that are located at the end of each [suspension] rod. This will tighten up the suspension and eliminate many annoying problems with these machines.


Post# 190966 , Reply# 71   2/14/2007 at 09:09 (6,252 days old) by dick_s. ()        
RE: Kenmore suspension

Thanks for your input Spinout. Yes, replacing the suspension balls will be a task for one of these Saturday mornings when it warms up a bit. In the meantime, the other old Kenmores in the washroom are taking a rest, watching the newest addition run thru load after load! ((--::

It was so much fun the other day watching it turn out snowy white vintage 50s percale cotton sheets and pillowcases that had never been used and had turned brown from being stored away. What a treat for me.

Dick_S.



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