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Thread Number: 52815
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Just bought a Kenmore 1972 Keyboard and Matching Dryer |
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| Post# 751332 4/19/2014 at 22:59 (3,653 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
I saw a CL posting for a 1972 Keyboard Washer and matching dryer and picked it up today. Both units look sound, but have mechanical and cosmetic issues. I plan on keeping this as my "Sunday Driver" set, having fond memories of my Mom's 67 coppertone rotoswirl and my Father's injunction NOT to buy the keyboard model for fear of reliability issues.
I'll post a few "get to know them" pictures, and then start asking practical questions. I've picked through the "Search" feature but can't find some things and I'm hoping for some pointers. 
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| Post# 751333 , Reply# 1 4/19/2014 at 23:03 (3,653 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Behold the ElectroMechanical Splendour Within... | ||
| Post# 751335 , Reply# 2 4/19/2014 at 23:08 (3,653 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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They even have buttons on the agitator
Again, the glamor piece on the agitator crown looks good. The vanes extend and retract smoothly.
This post was last edited 04/19/2014 at 23:38 | ||
| Post# 751337 , Reply# 3 4/19/2014 at 23:11 (3,653 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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But something's missing | ||
| Post# 751340 , Reply# 4 4/19/2014 at 23:36 (3,653 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Need instruction on Replacing Belt | ||
Post# 751365 , Reply# 6 4/20/2014 at 05:19 (3,652 days old) by goatfarmer  (South Bend, home of Champions) |
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Post# 751400 , Reply# 7 4/20/2014 at 08:24 (3,652 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Bill,
Your machine looks like it is in beautiful condition! I'll have more to contribute later, but here's what I can offer right now that might help you: 1) First, Kenny is right that the belt replacement instructions are usually on the FSP bag. The part number is 96388. Your old belt with the fabric covering subs back to the orignal belt, so don't be surprised when the part you get looks a little different. There are lots of these on ebay right now, and they are still an active WP part, so you could have a parts store order one for you. We can help you do the belt replacement 2) That's a shame about the missing triple dispenser. This is the second Lady K I've seen in the last couple months with this part missing. We will have to ascertain how the person did the dispenser-echtomy before we determine the steps needed to put it back. The dispenser itself is part number 285027, and shows up from time to time on eBay, and yes, you're right, they cost some $$$. Sears shows one on their site if you want one right now. Happy Easter, I'll try to write more later today. Gordon | ||
| Post# 751457 , Reply# 8 4/20/2014 at 12:47 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Thanks for your complements and well wishes
I'm actually pretty excited about this washer/dryer set, far more than I expected.
Here's a few more pictures of the works. Keep in mind that although we've always had Kenmores, this is the first time I've seen the mechanism (dad always did the fixing while I was at school). They're different enough from Maytags of the period that I've taken a guess as to the identities of the non-obvious parts. If I'm wrong, or if there's a bear trap in here (something that breaks easily or is impossible to re-assemble), please let me know. Something that bothers me right away is that the schematic shows THREE solenoid valves to dispense the Bleach, Detergent, and Softener but I only see ONE valve, One set of power cables and one discharge hose. Are these in the "upper works" adjacent to the dispenser itself, and this lower valve is a safety of some kind? Also, I've heard that the self-cleaning lint filter is often replaced. Is that it in the lower right? I always thought they were domed - an earlier version? There's also what looks like a hook adjacent to the main spindle. Is this a quick arrest to stop the tub or hold it in place? 
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| Post# 751458 , Reply# 9 4/20/2014 at 12:49 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Wiring Diagram | ||
| Post# 751459 , Reply# 10 4/20/2014 at 12:52 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Looking up into Missing Dispenser Pocket | ||
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Post# 751480 , Reply# 11 4/20/2014 at 15:55 (3,652 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Answers to your questions:
Before I get into a bunch of answers to your picture and questions, I'll mention that your machine has seen some repair work in its lifetime. The pump is not original (they were black in the 1972 period) and yours looks recent, which is good. Also, you have a replacement lint filter, so the troublesome dome shaped one is already gone. That is also good. Obviously the work done to remove the dispenser is evident too, but A VERY GOOD THING is that all the hardware you need seems to be there to get the dispenser working again.
Onto your picture with the questions: 1) The curtain as you call it is to protect the underside components from leaks or splashing. In later years this shower curtain sort of thing was mounted on the motor to protect it specifically. 2) The "spin cycle pulley" is just that, the basket drive pulley. 3) That is definitely not a hook, its the tip of the spin cam bar which raises and lowers the clutch pads for spin. 4) That big hose is the water supply hose to the dispenser for detergent and softener flushing. 5) That is indeed the valve that turns on and off the water supply to the dispenser. Replacements for these are quite expensive and NLA so its good you have yours. 6) That is a trap - its name at Whirlpool is a Manifold Trap, but other common names are "Pin Trap", "Button Trap", "Pump protector" etc. 7) What you have labeled as a wash cycle pulley is indeed that, but much, much more as well. This is the gearcase drive pulley, which not only allows agitation, but it is reponsible for activation for drain and spin, via the wig-wag/Control magnet. The gearcase runs in agitation the whole time the machine is running, but when agitation is not required, the wig-wag keeps the agitator drive gear disengaged. 8) The lint filter has been replaced, and it too looks fairly recent, but a view above it would help to see if it is clean or dusty. 9) Your question about the solenoids makes sense, because the other two solenoids you can't find are located in the triple dispenser which is missing. One opens the bleach reservoir, and the other directs water from the wash/detergent chamber to the softener section during rinse, to flush the rinse side. Getting one of these dispensers would be fun to return the machine to proper function, but may be pricey. I can't believe that someone plumbed the dispenser supply hose to bleach supply hose, that's somewhat brainy but a cheesy way to neuter a good machine, lol. Still looks like a very nice machine, the mechanicals underneath look good. Gordon | ||
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Post# 751486 , Reply# 12 4/20/2014 at 17:05 (3,652 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia ) |
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| Post# 751500 , Reply# 13 4/20/2014 at 18:41 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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And now the Dryer... | ||
| Post# 751503 , Reply# 14 4/20/2014 at 18:49 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Open Sesame..
Controls:
On left, three paddle switches: Wrinkle Guard (Off/On), Fabric Selector (Air/Knit Delicate/Regular) and Signal (Hi (variable volume) Off) On Right: Control dial: Lower Dial for Timed Cycles 60 /40 /20 mins, Upper Dial Automatic Moisture sensor: Less Dry / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / More Dry. On Far Right: "Push to Start" button. Two advisory lights: Lint - Red (filter full) / Finishing - Amber (I think this is a "damp dry" advisory for ironing). Badge at upper right reads : SOLID STATE / INTEGRATED CIRCUIT 
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| Post# 751504 , Reply# 15 4/20/2014 at 18:55 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Closeup of Dryer Switches
I could never get a feeling of how these switches were arranged from photos... as it turns out they are vertical paddles that are pushed left and right. Not the way I would have done it. They have a chintzy feel to them, plus the constant rubbing could damage the faux wood backing. From what I recall from our 67 Kenmore Dryer (same controls, different switch configurations) once these are set, they are rarely moved again, and this is probably what spared the back panel from scratching.
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| Post# 751505 , Reply# 16 4/20/2014 at 18:56 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Money Shot | ||
| Post# 751506 , Reply# 17 4/20/2014 at 18:58 (3,652 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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For schematics fanatics | ||
| Post# 751545 , Reply# 18 4/20/2014 at 22:47 (3,652 days old) by smartdrive701 () | ||
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I think this is the 1st washer I've seen with its own roller door. Love the retro font styling and fake woodgrain. Hmm looks to be in pretty good condition for its age. You should restore this back to factory new condition! | ||
| Post# 751606 , Reply# 19 4/21/2014 at 08:15 (3,651 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Gordon, thanks for your posts.
Gordon, thanks for your very specific posts. Your assessment that the workings looked in good order makes me feel better about the time and money I need to put in.
Right now I have two things I need to get: the belt, so the machine can actually be tested, and start looking for the detergent dispenser. I found your part number at the Repair Clinic, but their inventory says NLA. Can anybody recommend a repair manual? Will a Whirlpool book of the period get me by or do I need Kenmore specific? Lastly, what "buy on sight" parts should I start to horde? I've picked up in other posts that these machines are staring to become hard to fix because they're at the end of their support life. This post was last edited 04/21/2014 at 12:16 | ||
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Post# 751612 , Reply# 20 4/21/2014 at 09:40 (3,651 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Cool LKM Set
Hi Bill, looks like you found some very restoreable LKMS.
Between Gordon , myself and others these should be fairly easy to get the parts and advice you need to restore these machines. I have in our collection the same washer as yours with suds-saver in white and may everyday driver for at least 25 years now is the gas version of your dryer. As you probably figured out the dryer is at least a year or two newer than your washer, in addition to the styling differences they changed to a completely electronic control for 1974, this was the first fully electronically controlled dryer from KM that also had timed dry setting in addition to the electronic dryness settings. It is a great dryer, you will probably want to make this your everyday driver, there has never been a better performing dryer built since this one rolled off the assembly line. I have several NIB triple dispenser assemblies if you need one, they would be $57 + shipping, Message or Email me if interested. | ||
| Post# 751680 , Reply# 21 4/21/2014 at 16:10 (3,651 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Hi John,
Thanks for the offer about the dispenser, I will definitely be in touch.
Thanks also for pointing out that my washer/dryer is a slight mis-match by year. I was told they were a match by the seller, and frankly I was so dazzled by finally buying one of these washing machines that I hardly looked at the dryer. As I was posting my dryer photos yesterday, a bulb went off that the trim was different, and the controls did not match my 1972 Sears Catalog... but I put the matter aside. Only now do I realize it's probably a 1974 model, similar to Kevin's washer seen in the link on left. CLICK HERE TO GO TO scoots's LINK | ||
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Post# 751681 , Reply# 22 4/21/2014 at 16:25 (3,651 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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similar to Kevin's washer on the left.
Hi Bill,
Yup your dryer is a 1974 like my washer! In fact age wise, my "set" is like the opposite of your set. My washer is a '74 and the dryer is a '70. I also have a 1970 Kenmore 800 washer with the "keyboard" controls I've been using the last couple weeks. It works perfectly so far except the dispenser flush solenoid buzzes loudly when activated.
Your set is beautiful! CONGRATS!!! The harvest gold looks awesome!
One minor point... your set are not just "Kenmore"... they are "Lady Kenmore"!
CONGRATS again!
Kevin | ||
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Post# 751698 , Reply# 23 4/21/2014 at 17:35 (3,651 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Bill -
Regarding the belt --- it should not be NLA. My parts distributor here says that Whirlpool still has over 100 belts in their warehouse, even their website says that. But, if that's not an option, there were more than a dozen available on ebay. I would not hesitate to get one of those. I noticed the dryer / washer mismatch too, but figured you'd noticed too. Actually, you got a really great dryer this way, not that the '72s weren't great as well, but the larger drum of the '74 is going to turn out really fantastic results with the slightly smaller loads from the '72 standard size washer. Gordon This post was last edited 04/21/2014 at 17:59 | ||
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Post# 751732 , Reply# 24 4/21/2014 at 20:05 (3,651 days old) by lotsosudz (Sacramento, CA) |
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scoots
Give me a call as I just had to pronounce my gold 1972 Lady K dead, as the inner basket, as well as the drive shaft for the agi, had bad cancer. I have a triple dispenser, as well as a brand new belt, and a dispenser flush hose. Any other other parts you need just let me know. Give me a call at (916) 421-8339, and ask for David.
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| Post# 751779 , Reply# 25 4/21/2014 at 23:02 (3,651 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA) | ||
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Which cycle has the extra low agitation, Knitted Fabrics or Delicates-Washable Woolens? | ||
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Post# 751803 , Reply# 26 4/22/2014 at 01:49 (3,651 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI) |
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The Delicates cycle is the slowest if I recall. The machine has a 3 speed motor.
The washer is definitely the same as I had, purchased in Jan of '73, so it could be a 72 or 73 model, but the dryer is a different vintage. | ||
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Post# 751872 , Reply# 27 4/22/2014 at 08:28 (3,650 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI) |
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I used to more frequently see a non-covered piano key version of the washer and in gold, at least 3 times...
A family that we'd baby sat for had one (the house belonged to a school friend of mine who'd moved out), at my uncle's house, shortly before marrying my aunt & becoming such, and one at a used appliance store that had the entire dispenser system and even the frame missing...! A family next door to the house I grew up in had both the washer and dryer and in Avocado... Congratulations, SCOOTS, on your find! -- Dave | ||
| Post# 754573 , Reply# 28 5/2/2014 at 21:44 (3,640 days old) by scoots (Chattanooga TN) | ||
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Up date and Thanks for support.
I'd like to thank everybody that contributed to this thread and the support they've shown for my new Mistress with the Keyboard. I've been off the board because frankly this site can be addicting and it was getting in the way of my other obligations. Plus, I didn't get paid until last Friday, so I wasn't able to peruse the generous offers regarding my damaged detergent dispenser.
Update: The dryer has been installed and is in working order. I had to have an electrician come out and put a new socket to match the prong configuration, but now that it's in, the hood light, drum light, heater and tumbler all work. Tomorrow I will dry a few loads to check the sensors and advisory lights. I do have a question... somewhere I think I saw this model came with a drying shelf? Is that right?? Sounds kind of 80's to me. The Washer will have to wait a bit till I can get to it, probably next weekend. That will give me a chance to order a replacement belt. Here are the serial numbers: Washer: Model 110.7204902G Serial C32317369 Dryer: Model 110.76490600 Serial F42104927 Bill | ||
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Post# 754640 , Reply# 29 5/3/2014 at 05:27 (3,639 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC) |
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for the update. I'm glad that the dryer is in good working order, that's a major plus when working with vintage units like this. The dryer did have a dry rack. At the time these were limited strictly to the top of the line models, and nearly top of line. I don't know exactly when they originated, but I think the '72 dryer had one as well, maybe even earlier. You washer was built during the 23rd week of 1973 in Clyde Ohio plant (which is still running and is the largest washer factory in the world). Your dryer was made in the 21st week of 1974 in the Findlay, Ohio factory, which is also still running, but today makes dishwashers. Since the early 1980s Whirlpool's full-size dryers have been made in Marion, Ohio. Good luck with these, I hope the washer is equally issue-free like the dryer. We will help you get the belt on if you need it. Gordon | ||
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