Thread Number: 21609
Whirlpool belt-drive portable!
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 340416   4/6/2009 at 16:30 (5,470 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

Dropped by the Salvation Army earlier today, and found a harvest gold Whirlpool portable washing machine with the surgiator agitator. I had a Kenmore dual-action direct drive many years back, and really liked that machine. I hardly come accross these, as all the ones I saw on Craigslist were newer, with the electronic controls. Nice, I though! So, I bought.

I got it all rigged, and plugged it in. No problem getting through the cycles, the pump works fine. Water levels, all there. I spun out a couple towels, and they're damp-dry, so it seems to have plenty enough power.

But I ran into a little snag. There was rust comming out on the first drain, so it must not have been used for a while. On agitation, it drains constantly no matter how high I hold the hose. I think there's something wrong with the pump staying engaged during agitation. The wig-wag, perhaps?

Anyway, I pulled out the agitator, and took out the inner tub. Then, I cleaned the outer tub which has some rust spots. I think I can get some Rustoleum to handle that, as it's just surface rust. But I would like to remove the outer tub completely. I started by removing the three base screws, which I though was holding it in place. Apparently not, as it wouldn't budge as I was pulling it up.

Question: Will I have to turn the washer completely upside down, and remove the whole transmission before getting the inner tub out? Or, will it work free eventually? All the screws were easy to remove, it looks all well-lubed and nothing appears to be stuck. So I'm assuming it must be in the design some place.

Any thoughts?

NorfolkSouthern






Post# 340427 , Reply# 1   4/6/2009 at 16:38 (5,470 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Any chance your name has anything to do with the railroad??

revvinkevin's profile picture
Is this the full size, or apartment size portable?? Any chance you have photos?

Seek out KenmoreGuy64.... he has a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding all things Whirlpool & Kenmore!


Post# 340433 , Reply# 2   4/6/2009 at 16:50 (5,470 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

It's an apartment sized portable, not a full-sized. And here's what the little harvest gold critter looks like:

Post# 340439 , Reply# 3   4/6/2009 at 17:21 (5,470 days old) by danelto (State College, PA)        
Commandment Broken

I'm coveting. I'm so jealous. It's beautiful.

Post# 340447 , Reply# 4   4/6/2009 at 18:57 (5,470 days old) by supremewhirlpol ()        
Wow you don't see those very often.

I have a 95 Whirlpool DD that look similar to that though.

Post# 340475 , Reply# 5   4/6/2009 at 19:39 (5,470 days old) by tbolt25 (Kentucky)        
no money shot

What? No money shot(tub, agitator)?

Post# 340491 , Reply# 6   4/6/2009 at 20:41 (5,470 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Money Shot!

Let's go for a ride!

Post# 340637 , Reply# 7   4/7/2009 at 12:07 (5,469 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
Your questions/concerns

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
NorfolkSouthern -

I got your email, thanks for writing. I figured I'd answer here in case anyone else needed a similar question answered.

NO, it is not necessary to remove the tranmission to get the tub out, in fact I would not disturb either unless you must. Don't turn the machine upside down either - oil may well leak out of the transmission and spoil places it shouldn't be.

The outer tubs can sometimes be feisty and not want to be removed. Last summer I had one particularly tough one (in a full-size machine) which required cutting the lower rubber 'donut' (also called the centerpost gasket). The tub had slightly rusted in place, and it gave way suddenly without warning, and I slammed my left knuckles on the washer's left rear corner gusset so hard I needed stitches. My suggestion in your case is to try to turn the outer tub side to side. It may need to be disloged from the outlet hose, and the centerpost gasket may be a little stuck as well. One it is loose, if you put some liquid hand soap on the centerpost, it will be easier to slide up. HOWEVER, if the machine is not showing any signs of leakage, I wouldn't remove it. Pulling these tubs can sometimes cause damage to the tub lip, making a re-seal difficult if not impossible. If you are wanting to address the surface rust I saw in your other post, I'd do it while the tub is installed. That rust is not major, I would be tempted simply to cover the spots (when FULLY dry) with sealant. The rest of the tub looks good. So does your centerpost.

As far as the pump still pumping out when agitating....does the machine recirculate water when agitating? You have a filter outlet at the 11 o-clock position in your photo. My thought is that the pump is not internally switching from agitate to pump-out, at least not fully. Check to be sure the pump lever is secured in the notch on the cam bar, and that it stays there. The pump used in these machines blocks-off water flow outbound in agitate, and opens wide open in drain. The pump should be in one of the two positions at all times. However, if the pump is bad (for example the return spring could be broken so the shift lever isn't engaging all the way) or if it got clogged and imobilized by the rust/crud that came out, the pump may need to be replaced.

Most pumps in these machines, since the mid-60s anyway, are plastic and not worth trying to take apart. Your pump is either a three port or a four port, but my guess would be a 3-port. Accordingly, the proper replacement is part number 285317 and can be found at most self-respecting parts stores as this was once a VERY widely used pump. You may not find a Whirlpool FSP pump, but I've heard ok things about the current SUPCO offering. Don't hesitate to use it if you find a decent one. If your machine uses a 2 or 4-port pump, part numbers are 350365 and 350367. They are still offered by Whirlpool.

Good luck, feel free to let me know if you need more help!

Gordon


Post# 340659 , Reply# 8   4/7/2009 at 13:25 (5,469 days old) by dogboy44 (Los Angeles)        
That is the best machine!

Our first washing machine when we lived in NYC. The laundromant by us was lousy, I saw it in the window of an appliance store down the block and went in and bought it, I think it was 1985. It was expensive for the time, like maybe $350-400? I wish we still had it, I gave it to a neighbor as a farewell when we moved and got a grown up size Whirlpool matching Washer and Dryer. I wish I still had those too!

Post# 340695 , Reply# 9   4/7/2009 at 15:14 (5,469 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

It looks like I'm going to need to take the pulley off of the pump on mine, because it uses a serpentine belt instead of a standard V belt. The pulley is made of plastic, and I'm not sure how I can get it off. There is no allen wrench fitting, so I'm assuming it must be glued on permanently. Does this mean that I will have to change out the motor and transmission pulleys, and get a new belt as well?

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 340720 , Reply# 10   4/7/2009 at 17:01 (5,469 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
The new pumps come with a replacement pulley to fit the multi-V grooved belts of the portables. They also have instructions on how to remove the stock pulley from the new pump. It's a simple procedure as you just put a coat hanger or flexible plastic rod, etc. into the incoming port and block the impeller. Turn the pulley counter-clockwise and it will unscrew. No sweat at all.

I have saved every one of the pulleys that came with these pumps. If you need one, let me know.



Post# 340796 , Reply# 11   4/7/2009 at 22:39 (5,469 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        
Beautiful

Nice! Harvest Gold is one of my favorite colors. A friend of mine had a Sears portable belt drive in coppertone with matching dryer. I used to go to her house and do laundry before I got my portable Whirlpool set

Post# 340840 , Reply# 12   4/8/2009 at 03:05 (5,469 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Thanks for the motivation!

I found a new pump off of EBay, for $20.00. Shipping included. When it comes, I'll look for a socket set so I can get it installed. I don't think the problem is the wig-wag, because the pump is designed to keep running so water flows through the lint filter. Only the valve to the pump opens for draining when the shift lever puts the agitator in neutral. When I unplugged the drain hose and looked at the valve on this one, it was so badly rusted that it wouldn't seal completely. So, I think that settles it.

Meanwhile, I need to find some sealant for the bottom of the outer tub. Perhaps one of the local appliance repair centers in my area will have something that works for porcelain/metal.

There are a few parts that I can use, if anybody has info. I need a new set of casters, and I haven't a clue where to find them. Also, I think I may need a new timer control knob, as mine turns freely whether it's pushed in or not. But I can still move the dial its self. Could it have been designed that way? Also, if anybody knows where I can get a tub ring for an old Whirlpool portable, that would be great because I won't have to improvise a way to fasten one of the tabs to hold down the upper ring.

When this is all done and I'm at my new place, look forward to some action shots with lots of good old fashion detergent suds!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 340845 , Reply# 13   4/8/2009 at 03:33 (5,469 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Top Loader

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Great machine there, love the colour having been used to mainly white for our appliances over here!!!

The Canadian version of this machine was imported to UK and badged by Servis as one of the last top loaders they did....never used one myself but do look cute...


Post# 340853 , Reply# 14   4/8/2009 at 04:33 (5,469 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Casters

launderess's profile picture
Can be found at Sears. Just ordered a set for my vintage Whirlpool dryer (also in Harvest Gold).

Telephone Sears Parts Direct and give them the model number for your washing machine,they can bring up a list of available parts from that information.



Post# 341063 , Reply# 15   4/8/2009 at 22:42 (5,468 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
3-port pump

jons1077's profile picture
When I got my Kenmore Portable it was siphoning water during the wash cycle terribly. The problem was the machine had sat too long with no use (great however because the machine was like new!) but not good for the rubber flapper inside the pump. They tend to warp and lose their seal. I have a spare 3-port pump here, maybe two of them. I went through 2 pumps that I ordered from Sears before finding a good one on ebay. New pumps do not mean they will work because of the same issue I just described.

Let me know how the pump works. I believe the ones I have are good ones so let me know if you need one. The process is a bit of a pain because the portable is built "upside down" compared to a full-size machine of it's type. The entire cabinet has to be lifted off and the mechanism all sits on a baseplate. That means unhooking everything inside, lifting off the cabinet, replacing the pump, THEN putting it back together to test. Repeat if necessary.

When it's all done though, will work like a champ!

Jon


Post# 341094 , Reply# 16   4/9/2009 at 02:54 (5,468 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
You sure got that right, Jon!

I've had the cabinet off for a couple days now, the part's on its way. I have thought about changing the belt, but it looks like it's still in good shape and I really don't want to take any chances. And besides, it looks like it's a lot of extra work. The pump's easy in comparison! I'll take a gandar at what comes in the mail, hoping that the valve will seal good and tight.

Meanwhile, I found a way to fix the tub rings by drilling hole for a #2 screw, and screwing it in where the latch broke. I'm thinking I can probably harden the plastic with some thin CA glue, and then use a little piece of fuel tubing as a sort of lock washer to keep it from vibrating loose during spin. This is often how we mount cowlings on scale R/C model planes, and they seem to stay in place pretty good!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341108 , Reply# 17   4/9/2009 at 05:12 (5,467 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Rustoleum

The best I could afford for now, is some Rustoleum Prime and Protectant Paint to help maximize the life of the outer tub. First, I cleaned the insides as best I could, then applied the primer. I waited until it went flat, then sprayed a good coat of black protectant paint.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341109 , Reply# 18   4/9/2009 at 05:13 (5,467 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
The black outer tub finish

The finish looks a little rough, but it's not something I expect to see on a daily basis. My main concern is that this will stop it from rusting any further than it already has.

Comments are welcome!


Post# 341586 , Reply# 19   4/11/2009 at 14:46 (5,465 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

I just got the new pump, and it did not come with the extra multi-groove pulley. So, I tried to take the one off the old pump, and it shattered. I don't think this machine will be running for a while, at least not until I can find a way to remove the V-Belt pulley from the new pump, and then find a multi-groove that works. If anybody has one lying around, let me know!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341634 , Reply# 20   4/11/2009 at 18:24 (5,465 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
I have spares...

jons1077's profile picture
Can you get a photo of the one you need? I may have it.

Post# 341664 , Reply# 21   4/11/2009 at 20:09 (5,465 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Lesson learned!

First, it's always a good idea to consult with someone who has worked on these things before proceeding. That way, you save on shipping costs! Also, I managed to find a few new part numbers for both parts of the new tub ring. Those will have to wait for another month, though. But I should still be able to use the one I have for now.

Thanks, jons1077. I also got hold of Kenmoreguy64, who was a great help in explaining how to remove a pulley from a pump assembly. The cleaning rod to my Bunn coffee maker came in mighty handy for that task. Every cloud has a silver lining, and this episode will give more time for the Rustoleum protective paint to cure in the outer tub before I plug it back in.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341693 , Reply# 22   4/11/2009 at 22:36 (5,465 days old) by bpetersxx (laf in on the banks of the Wabash River)        

bpetersxx's profile picture
can you tell me all about this machine

I am trying to see if it is similar to my LK portable



Post# 341883 , Reply# 23   4/12/2009 at 17:40 (5,464 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Back together...

I found another pulley packaged with the pump from EBay, so I took a little trip down to "Wally World" and got me a cheap socket set. I put everything back together, and didn't turn up any extra parts. My luck must be runnin' good.

So here it is, working in all its glory! Keep in mind that I'm using an HE detergent, but these machines always seemed to do better with normal/high sudsing. During spin, there are several spray rinses, and there is no trace of any detergent residue when it's done.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341885 , Reply# 24   4/12/2009 at 17:44 (5,464 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Spray Rinse

And I figured I'd add another showing how the spray rinse works. Sorry about the glare; cheap camera.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341903 , Reply# 25   4/12/2009 at 18:23 (5,464 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Whoo-hoo! Great job man! I figured there would be another pulley in that box. I'm glad your problem was with the pump and that you didn't go through all this for nothing.

GREAT looking machine!

Gordon


Post# 341913 , Reply# 26   4/12/2009 at 19:01 (5,464 days old) by dynaflow (rockingham nc)        
lady kenmore

dynaflow's profile picture
i have the same machine same color in a LadyKenmore does a great job only problem the tub leans towards the side

Post# 341914 , Reply# 27   4/12/2009 at 19:02 (5,464 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

Let me tell you, Gordon. It's a keeper! It was quite a bit of work to disassemble compared to the full-sized version, but well worth the effort. I really like how this machine foams up, then flushes the suds away during the spin cycle. It copes very well, and I'm assuming that's how they were designed. It's just amazing how much that lint filter can catch, too.

I saw a few black specs come out of the drain hose after the first wash. Could that have been some of the Rustoleum I used to coat the insides of the outer tub? It didn't create a problem for the cloths, though. Then again, it could also have been some residue from the old pump. It was spitting out quite a bit when I first got it. I may yet go in there again to get another look.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 341917 , Reply# 28   4/12/2009 at 19:11 (5,464 days old) by supremewhirlpol ()        

definitely a keeper,I think they are fairly rare in the shape that it is.

Post# 341941 , Reply# 29   4/12/2009 at 21:00 (5,464 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Dynaflow,

jons1077's profile picture
Your tub should be an easy fix. When we moved to OR this past summer one of the bolts that holds the suspension springs giggled loose and the tub fell to one side. Luckily I found the bolt, was able to line the spring up again and reattach it. Sounds like yours may have lost a bolt.

Jon


Post# 341953 , Reply# 30   4/12/2009 at 21:59 (5,464 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
8 minute cycle results

I hope you all don't mind if I post some results. This is part of the load, after drying. The towels are typically used to clean and maintain a piece of lapidary equipment, in addition to polishing and maintaining Monokote covering on some of my R/C planes. They were also used during the repairs and pump installation, as well as wiping up the rust out of the basin from the defective pump during the initial run before disassembly. So what do you think of the results?

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 342399 , Reply# 31   4/14/2009 at 23:27 (5,462 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        

I wish I would have kept my Whirlpool portable, even though it was newer. But I good friend needed more than I did. I think the Whirlpool and Kenmore portables cleaned just a good as the full size machines.

I think yours is definitely a Keeper!


Post# 342400 , Reply# 32   4/14/2009 at 23:27 (5,462 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        

Plus I LOVE the color!

Post# 342412 , Reply# 33   4/15/2009 at 00:24 (5,462 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
The faulty valve

I ran several loads through this little machine earlier, and there was no evidence of black specs. So, I'm assuming the other stuff coming out was residue left in the drain hose from the old pump. I took the best shot I could of the actual valve, and you can see how the corrosion under the rubber had an effect on the seal. Apparently, this machine must have sat for a long time before I adopted it!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 342415 , Reply# 34   4/15/2009 at 00:36 (5,462 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Wheel caster sockets

There was also a problem rolling the cabinet to the hookup. So in addition to the pump, I invested in a set of sockets for the front wheel assembly. That, and some lubricant for the wheels have resulted in a great improvement. It glides much more smoothly across the floor. There is still some work to be done, but for now the little Whirlpool is fully functional. How else can I get so much for such a small price?

Oh by the way, all your compliments have been very encouraging. Thanks for viewing and responding!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 342435 , Reply# 35   4/15/2009 at 03:30 (5,462 days old) by kenmore81 ()        
excellent work Norfolk

I have been drooling over this machine ever sence you got it.And my favorite vintage color too. My grandmother had one in her kitchen, she had the full size whirpool gas dryer in the corner and the washer next to it. On wash day she'd roll it to the sink and id get to watch the wash untill its 1st spin.(I was 2or3). she came to live with us when I was 4 and rented the house and when she sold the house(I was6) the washer went with it. I was mad she wouldnt bring it to our house lol. I so need to find me one.

Post# 342746 , Reply# 36   4/16/2009 at 14:57 (5,460 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
Fixing the timer control knob?

Thanks, kenmore81. It's a real bummer the machine got sold with the house. I hate the thought of what might have happened to it.

Next, I plan to work on the timer control knob. I got an email from Kenmoreguy64, and he mentions something about a stripped cog, and that a new timer would fix that. However, I'm not sure which one to get. Perhaps someone here may have a later model with one that would fit my cabinet, and that part may still be available through a parts supplier. If you own any of the older Whirlpool portables that have timers, take a look at the photo. Does yours look similar? This one has a "Super Wash" cycle, one that washes for 6 minutes, drains, pauses, then continues for a 14 minute regular cycle.

If I can get this fixed, then find the new tub ring parts, then I could end up with an almost brand new machine!

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 344132 , Reply# 37   4/22/2009 at 11:32 (5,454 days old) by davek ()        
Dial & Panel

I wish that my similar Kenmore portable had that dial and panel. It's light letters on dark background covered by a clear shroud, and you have to bend over to read it. That one looks easy to read. I prefer to have cycles printed on the panel with a pointer on the dial anyway, but they're not set up that way.

Post# 344167 , Reply# 38   4/22/2009 at 16:01 (5,454 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Norfolk Southern -

You really need a model number to be searching for a timer. Matching up one by appearance may lead to dissappointment as timers can vary on machines that even look identical, especially between Whirlpool and Kenmore. I think in my last e-mail I said that if you'll get me a model number of the machine, I will look up the exact timer you need.

Gordon


Post# 344172 , Reply# 39   4/22/2009 at 16:17 (5,454 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

Thanks again for the help, Kenmoreguy64. I sent you an email. For other's reference, the model number is: LFC4900Y0 where Y stands for the color. The stock number is LFC490, where it looks like the last three digits designate the color of the cabinet.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 344182 , Reply# 40   4/22/2009 at 17:26 (5,454 days old) by davek ()        

Try this link. 365941 maybe?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO davek's LINK


Post# 344185 , Reply# 41   4/22/2009 at 17:30 (5,454 days old) by davek ()        

Try this link. 365941 maybe?

This one is the only one that claimed to be able to get it, and it's $87

www.partadvantage.com/store/showp...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO davek's LINK


Post# 344209 , Reply# 42   4/22/2009 at 19:06 (5,454 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
My 1992 Whirlpool catalog says this is a 1978 model, and the timer is part number 357354. It may well sub now to something else. However, I found three of them online through Armstrong's obsolete parts site. One place in Colorado Springs seems to be a great source of these parts and sells obsolete parts cheaply. Let me know if you want their contact info.

Gordon


Post# 344212 , Reply# 43   4/22/2009 at 19:15 (5,454 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

Drop me an email, Gordon. Any source will help in getting as many parts as I can for this machine.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 344331 , Reply# 44   4/23/2009 at 13:40 (5,453 days old) by davek ()        
Agitator

I noticed you were looking for an agitator on the thread about my washer. It was mistereric who had an agitator for belt drive portable. Here's a link to his profile.

I watched my machine do a full cycle yesterday. Mine does not do a spray rinse (I wish it did), and I can't tell where the fill comes from, so this machine probably can't spray the clothes.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO davek's LINK


Post# 344384 , Reply# 45   4/23/2009 at 18:53 (5,453 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        

davek: Your machine should spray rinse. Note the baffles on top of the inner tub, just below the ring. Those are used to catch and distribute (spray) the water while it's spinning when it shoots water through the fill valve. At least the one I had would do it three times between the wash and rinse cycle, and it was made in 1995. I think I recall that it would spray once after the start of the final spin.

NorfolkSouthern


Post# 346632 , Reply# 46   5/5/2009 at 01:45 (5,442 days old) by norfolksouthern ()        
New location and it's doing great!

I have just got done moving to the new place, which has a washer/dryer hookup. I decided to test the water temperature solenoid, and believe it or not it works very well! The hard part of this, though, is that I'm finding it increasingly difficult to resist running this machine. Having run some dusting rags through the newer portable, this old belt-drive beat the World Washer hands down, in spite of the smaller capacity. It's as if it had taken and finished the job that the other newer machine started. Increadible!

Apparently, I need a "modern" machine that matches this one in character and performance. Granted, my little belt-drive will certainly need a rest once in a while. I've heard that the new Speed Queens come close, but I really don't know. So, I would like some input from a few recent Speed Queen owners who have also had experience with the old belt-drive Whirlpool. Tough question, I know. But somebody out there must have an answer.

I'll have a photo of the machine, matched up to my Kenmore dryer of the same era as soon as I can find some batteries. The two were just made for each other!

NorfolkSouthern



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy