Should I repair this Kenmore?

Let me guess that your machine is a 1986 model, 70 series, in Almond? It was made the 11th week of 1987. It is one of the better 70 series machines too. Chronological age doesn't matter, what's more important is how much the machine has been used. I'm also guessing that since you took the time to write in this forum, that you are satisfied enough with the washer to consider fixing it.

If you're happy with the machine's performance otherwise, I think my thought would be to repair it, especially if you have better ways to spend $400. Here's how I would suggest doing that:

Go to ebay like you did, look for motor 389248. There are a bunch available, from a new one for $80 to some used motors for less than $30. They're heavy so you're going to have some shipping charges to pay. I can recommend Balcum Appliance and Good Appliance - they have given me great service lately as I find bargains on ebay or parts that I can't find anywhere else.

You'll need to correct the bleach hose issue, but the repairman's supposition of what happened sounds plausible.

Most DIY guys can swap this motor. It's insultingly easy as opposed to comparable repairs on other brands and the Whirlpool belt-drive machines made before your washer.

Since your machine is 21 years old and has some miles on it presumably, I would try a used motor for $30 and see if I can get 5 more years out of the washer etc. If you were to buy a new direct drive machine, you'd be buying much the same thing, so if you like what you have, you can save some money. The sellers on ebay, at least those I mentioned and a few others, are very cautious of their reputations, and they select only really nice parts to offer there in the first place, and they stand behind their sales if there is a problem. A good motor, unless bleach poisons it again, should last the rest of the life of the machine.

I say give it a shot! If you're worried about doing the work, there are online repair clinics that can walk you through it.

Gordon


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Post# 295221 8/7/2008 at 02:32 (5,734 days old) by gshawen ()
Checkrate/Likes I have a 70 series Kenmore wash machine model # 110.82673810 and serial # C71162877 with a supposedly bad motor. The Sears repairman said the bleach hose got clogged up and poured bleach on the motor and on its connector along with the wiring harness. He quoted my a price of around $350 for replacing the motor with labor but I decided I would pass. I have seen motors on ebay for under $100 but wanted to know if this machine was even worth trying to fix it back or not. What do you think? I did tell the Sears repairman that since the bleach dispenser was clogged up I considered that a manufacturers defect and it should be covered for free. He laughed and said not after 21 years. lol

Post# 295234 , Reply# 1 8/7/2008 at 06:24 (5,734 days old) by jaxsunst ()
Checkrate/Likes 82, I believe that is a belt-drive. I would fix it.

Post# 295236 , Reply# 2 8/7/2008 at 06:58 (5,734 days old) by jeffg ()
Checkrate/Likes Does the motor run? Also, have you seen the damage yourself or relying on what the repairman said? My point is, maybe the damage looks worse than it really is, and these parts can be cleaned up instead of replaced.

Post# 295243 , Reply# 3 8/7/2008 at 07:49 (5,734 days old) by repair-man (Pittsburgh PA)
Checkrate/Likes *1986* This is a direct drive from 1986.

Post# 295275 , Reply# 4 8/7/2008 at 10:56 (5,733 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes A new washer is/was around $399-ish.

Post# 295301 , Reply# 5 8/7/2008 at 13:05 (5,733 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes *My advise....* Let me guess that your machine is a 1986 model, 70 series, in Almond? It was made the 11th week of 1987. It is one of the better 70 series machines too. Chronological age doesn't matter, what's more important is how much the machine has been used. I'm also guessing that since you took the time to write in this forum, that you are satisfied enough with the washer to consider fixing it. If you're happy with the machine's performance otherwise, I think my thought would be to repair it, especially if you have better ways to spend $400. Here's how I would suggest doing that: Go to ebay like you did, look for motor 389248. There are a bunch available, from a new one for $80 to some used motors for less than $30. They're heavy so you're going to have some shipping charges to pay. I can recommend Balcum Appliance and Good Appliance - they have given me great service lately as I find bargains on ebay or parts that I can't find anywhere else. You'll need to correct the bleach hose issue, but the repairman's supposition of what happened sounds plausible. Most DIY guys can swap this motor. It's insultingly easy as opposed to comparable repairs on other brands and the Whirlpool belt-drive machines made before your washer. Since your machine is 21 years old and has some miles on it presumably, I would try a used motor for $30 and see if I can get 5 more years out of the washer etc. If you were to buy a new direct drive machine, you'd be buying much the same thing, so if you like what you have, you can save some money. The sellers on ebay, at least those I mentioned and a few others, are very cautious of their reputations, and they select only really nice parts to offer there in the first place, and they stand behind their sales if there is a problem. A good motor, unless bleach poisons it again, should last the rest of the life of the machine. I say give it a shot! If you're worried about doing the work, there are online repair clinics that can walk you through it. Gordon

Post# 296941 , Reply# 6 8/15/2008 at 14:47 (5,725 days old) by gshawen ()
Checkrate/Likes I got a great deal on a scratch and dent model at a local store, so this washer is done. Anybody want to buy it for parts or need any parts off of it?

Post# 296965 , Reply# 7 8/15/2008 at 17:03 (5,725 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes You may be able to find a used appliance store that would be glad to get it and maybe pay you a few bucks. They can fix it in a short time or use it for parts, that is if nobody here has any use for it.

Post# 297192 , Reply# 8 8/16/2008 at 16:02 (5,724 days old) by gshawen ()
Checkrate/Likes Just in case somebody might want this washer, the only thing that it would not do anymore was work in the rinse and spin cycles, it did fill up and wash. This was the only time this machine has ever had a problem. I am a single male who bought it brand new back in the late 80's, so it probably does'nt have as much use as a machine that was used by a family.

Post# 297886 , Reply# 9 8/19/2008 at 12:46 (5,721 days old) by xyz ()
Checkrate/Likes You didn't need a new motor if it washed but didn't spin. You most likely needed the coupler replaced or maybe a new lid switch. Watch them repairmen, they are slick ole boys.