Thread Number: 73962  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Kenmore Special Edition Washer
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Post# 977161   1/6/2018 at 15:05 (2,273 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        

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I now have in my possession a Kenmore Special Edition Washer MODEL # 100.82294800 from a fellow Aw member who is moving and wanted to make sure his collection was sent to a good home. Hot water test passed but washing the first load a small trickle of water was noted coming from under the machine. Probably no more that a 1/4 to 1/2 cup for the total cycle and the spin start up speed was very sluggish and needed a little push. Also agitation seemed a little sluggish like under a very heavy load or overloaded. After the cycle was completed, I turned the machine over face down to see if I could get a better look. The best I can say is see the pictures. My best guess is that the water is coming from just below the pulley with the rust, presumably from the leak. The question?? Is this an easy fix or a major tear down. If it is a major tear down who can help/guide me in getting this fixed. It a beautiful machine complete with lights and sound. Time I have, $$ I don't. so calling a repairman would delay me being able to play for a long time. Thank you in advance for any help/guidance/technical knowledge you can provide. BTW my mechanical expertise is very limited, but I am very motivated to learn. Losangeles

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Post# 977163 , Reply# 1   1/6/2018 at 15:09 (2,273 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)        

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I remember the Limited Edition in black, my first thought was "Darth Vader, your laundry equipment is ready."


Post# 977165 , Reply# 2   1/6/2018 at 15:10 (2,273 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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I see the original Dual Action agitator was replaced with a Whirlpool Surgilator. 


Post# 977168 , Reply# 3   1/6/2018 at 15:48 (2,273 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
kenmore special edition

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I have the spiral agitator, just have not changed them out yet. Kind of like the surgilator

Post# 977183 , Reply# 4   1/6/2018 at 17:53 (2,273 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

You are going to have to add water and get under there with a flashlight and isolate the area where water coming from. Is it dripping down a hose? Is there a pin hole in a hose? Is it where a hose attaches to the outer tub? Bad clamp? Is it the pump?
Is it running down the tub shaft? Is there any area that appears rusted through?
This is the kind of thing you have to figure out. Then others can guide you.



Post# 977190 , Reply# 5   1/6/2018 at 19:06 (2,273 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
and

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Sometimes you have to run a load or two with the top open, to watch down the sides of the tub and from the baseplate, to see where the leak is from. And check the incoming water hoses, inlet-to-tub hose, the dispenser hoses, etc, from the top. Get a good flashlight! On more than one or two Kenmore's, I have found the problem to be dispensers and their hoses, NOT a full-fledged tub repair. Inspect carefully so you are SURE and don't fix something that ain't broke.

The machine is overall a strong beast, proper repairs and you'll have years of good service.


As for sluggish operation, tighten the belt, it works wonders.


Post# 977227 , Reply# 6   1/6/2018 at 21:40 (2,273 days old) by potatochips ( )        

Such a beautiful machine too, I'd do what you could to keep it.

A rusty pulley on the basket drive is a tough one. If water was leaking from the top of the basket drive/agitator shaft/center post area and down to the bottom of the basket drive, I have a hard time believing it would wick its way on to a spinning pulley and getting in to the groove, I feel like it would fling off the pulley and find its way to the cabinet and form a rust line there. I would suspect it may have come from a damp basement. But I could be wrong as stranger things have happened. And it could explain why spin and agitate are slow as the bearings and seals could be ruined from the water leak. A bad tub grommet seal or structure in that area could also be an issue too.

Another common spot for these to leak is the drain seal. The outter tub sits on top of the baseplate, and there is a rubber seal that fits on to the baseplate that the outer tub mates with. Even after the washer drains and spins, a little bit of water will pool at the entrance to the sediment trap/seal area, and can, over thirty years, cause corrosion. This happened to both machines I bought, and caused small half cup leak on the left front side of the machine after a wash.

It really could be any number of things, and since the machine is slow to do its work and needs help, a tightened belt, a new belt, bearing kit, or basket drive could be on order.And while youre down there tearing the entire machine apart, you may as well replace that drain seal, tub grommet, tub screws, and any other accessible parts. This will be a heavy job, its not easy. Cost wise, I rebuilt one machine with all new parts for about $70 Canadian, and parts are very easy to find.

Mark has a point, try running the machine with the top up, thats how I discovered my leak. Mark and Steven are right too, try running the machine and comb it all over to find the leak.

The good news is, lots of us, including me, have posted tutorials and videos on how to rebuild these machines. We also have lots of parts to help you out too if need be.

Its worth it, give this bad boy a new lease on life. The link is to my rebuild.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO potatochips's LINK


Post# 977236 , Reply# 7   1/6/2018 at 22:11 (2,273 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
kenmore special edition

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Thanks akronman (mark) and potatochips (kevin) Tomorrow is Sunday and nothing but laundry to do, my favorite thing to do. I will hose her up and give her a workout (nothing to heavy, just average mixed loads) and I will pop the lid and give her a good look see. Thank you for the encouragement, advice and approval of my new arrival. Also got advice to look up kenmoreguy 64 as another resource of information. Will keep you apprised of my findings. Tommy (Losangeles)

Post# 977252 , Reply# 8   1/7/2018 at 00:59 (2,273 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        
Cycle differences

How was the TOWELS cycle different from COTTON/STURDY, as well as KNIT from DELICATE?

Post# 977268 , Reply# 9   1/7/2018 at 02:58 (2,273 days old) by Stan (Napa CA)        
I'm no expert

stan's profile picture
But I've repaired 3 different kenmores, but they were all motor driven.
One (about 3 years ago) had both a leaky pump (very easy fix) and also needed a new tub seal.
The tub seal leak showed up more so with a hot water wash. I was able to get the cabnet off and run the machine and get a good look see for proper diagnosis.
I also got some good advice here when I did the tub seal repair.
let us know what you find.
Would love to see a pic of the control panel and inner tub.
Good luck


Post# 977275 , Reply# 10   1/7/2018 at 07:20 (2,272 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
Kenmore Special Edition

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Cycle Differences

The towels cycle has an additional second rinse added, best I can tell.  Cotton/Sturdy is one rinse only but with a second rinse selection optional.  All rinses are cold with a warm rinse selection optional.  Knits/Delicates differ only by slow agitation and spin.  You can also adjust the wash time in all cycles with a short or extra short wash time.  I will try to send a pic of the instructions printed on the inside of the lid.

 

I'm No Expert

Compared to me, you guys are the king of experts.  I am quite literally in the dark and doing things trial and error style, mostly error, and trying not to break things as I go.  Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

 

 


Post# 977293 , Reply# 11   1/7/2018 at 09:53 (2,272 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
I believe I remember this particular machine...

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If I remember correctly, it was acquired by a member in Florida in the last year or two. He was anxious to use a Roto-Swirl and the Surgilator in it, but had kept the Dual-Action.

The leak had shown up when he was using the machine as well. We evaluated the washer via descriptions and photos, but I do not recall if this was done via a thread here or in personal e-mails.

We concluded that the machine was leaking down the centerpost, instead of through the pump, or outer tub, etc. Repairing the centerpost leak, unless it is caused by a simple agitator cap seal, is a major repair, but can certainly be done. I'll try to look up the history, either in my e-mail or a thread here if there is one.

Gordon


Post# 977315 , Reply# 12   1/7/2018 at 12:19 (2,272 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
Leak

I have repaired many of those machines.From the picture I can see 2 things,the transmission oil has water in it and this is from the outer tub center seal leaking.The clip that holds the wigwag wires looks rusty which was always a dead giveaway that water is leaking thru that hole.Whenever I used to rebuid these machines they always needed a tub reseal with a new centerseal and lots of nonflowing clear silicone around the drainhole gasket and new tub bolt seals.This is also assuming the outer tub isn't rusted out.They can often be patched up.It is possible there is water coming down the agitator shaft but that does not happen all that often.It also sounds like the belt is loose or needs replacing.The transmission may be no good also if it slips during agitation.The transmission should be replaced anyway by the look of that muddy oil on top.I have seen this dozens of times.All this is not that hard to do if you want to put the work in .I would reseal the tub,replace the transmission and maybe the basket drive as well and the pump.I would use the dual action agitator having a whirlpool agitator on there makes it a mongrel, nothing worse.

Post# 1083580 , Reply# 13   8/2/2020 at 12:14 (1,334 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
kenmore limited edition

What is the layout of the control panel and dispenser arrangement? I've never seen these in person before. What are all the cycles? What if I wanted to use the longest wash time on cotton/sturdy with cold water for very dirty darks? I know I'm asking stupid or pressing questions. I'm just interested in these machines. How many strokes per minute for agitation?

Post# 1084607 , Reply# 14   8/10/2020 at 15:43 (1,326 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
My guess would be...

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You probably will need to simply dismantle this machine and replace the seals for both the outer tub and center post. It’s also entirely possible that water has made its way into your transmission. My understanding is the 80’s built machines did not hold up nearly as well as older models because of seal problems. My 74’ model Lady K definitely had transmission issues and required a full test-down and rebuild.

Post# 1084616 , Reply# 15   8/10/2020 at 16:37 (1,326 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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My new ‘63 Whirlpool washer doesn’t leak at all from any of the tub or center post seals at all and I think had to have been rebuilt at some point since it it has a newer pump and belt that is on it. There was a small leak coming from the hose that goes from the pump to the lint filter but that shouldn’t be difficult to fix since it’s a hose.

Post# 1084631 , Reply# 16   8/10/2020 at 17:51 (1,326 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
1963 Whirlpool Washer

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Hi Sean, It is unlikely that your washer was rebuilt at some point, almost every WP-KM got a new pump and belt at some point, this was by far the most common repair.

 

If you post some detailed pictures of the guts of your washer I can probably tell what may have been done. The first thing is the date that is stamped on back of the transmission, see if it matches the production serial # of the washer or see if it is much newer or has been changed to the HD gear case that came out in 1964.

 

John L.


Post# 1084639 , Reply# 17   8/10/2020 at 18:34 (1,326 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        
Reply #8

maytag85's profile picture
Hi John, I will get pictures of the under side of my 1963 Whirlpool washer. Interesting thing Strictlybojack told me is they were used all the way up until 2005 and they were in service from 1963 to 2005. I imagine the elderly lady who owned my 1963 Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII set didn’t use them very much before they were stopped being used in 2005. Yes there is some surface rust but that will be taken care of before anything else on this washer and I have POR15 on order so I will take care of that later this week.

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Post# 1084661 , Reply# 18   8/10/2020 at 21:46 (1,326 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Combo52

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I was actually quite surprised to find my ‘64 Kenmore appeared to be all-original underneath. It really just needed new bearings and seals but the old drive-block tranny, pump and motor were all in great shape and continue to function smoothly.

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Post# 1084662 , Reply# 19   8/10/2020 at 22:25 (1,326 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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For my machine only having 42 years of actual use on it is in fairly good condition despite the surface rust inside the cabinet. The elderly lady who owned my ‘63 Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII set probably didn’t use them all that much bef they were stopped being used 15 years ago. They probably only seen regular use from 1963 up until the early 80’s and gradually started seeing less and less use before they stopped being used in 2005.

Post# 1084664 , Reply# 20   8/10/2020 at 23:04 (1,326 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Washing machine longevity

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Since the very first washing machines more than 100 years ago the root of all problems is WATER, and if it does not get into areas where it is not supposed to be a washing machine could last 50-100 years.

 

This is why clothes dryers can last almost forever and why Dishwashers, water heaters, Garbage disposers and  humidifiers along with washing machines are by far the most problem prone and short lived appliances in homes today.

 

Whirlpool Belt-Drive washers had about the most durable transmission [ after it was beefed up in 1964 ] of any AW unless water gets in, the thing that made it better than about any other AW transmission was NO oil seals that can wear and leak oil out the bottom and cause messy failures like GE, MT, Norge, FD, Franklin, WCI FD and later Blackstones.

 

Early Blackstone, Beam and SQ also did not have lower oil seals that could leak.

 

John L.


Post# 1084754 , Reply# 21   8/11/2020 at 17:38 (1,325 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
Kenmore Special Edition

losangeles's profile picture
Hi everyone,
I sold the Special edition for parts. Tearing down a washer for repair is way above my pay grade. I am not that mechanically inclined and limited tools and even watching all the threads and tutorials, it all just left me confused. It was also going to be expensive to buy the parts needed. So it was sold to a used appliance repairman for $50.


Post# 1084827 , Reply# 22   8/12/2020 at 12:28 (1,324 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Sad

jons1077's profile picture
I would have had fun rebuilding it...

Post# 1084829 , Reply# 23   8/12/2020 at 12:40 (1,324 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture
I saw a version of it and it's matching dryer, both in Almond, at a flea market, which was quite a distance from me in Flat Rock, my grandparents' old home town, and it even sat through two visits a couple weeks apart...

This is likely to be concurrent with what I saw in my old, long-discarded 1982 Sears Catalog, too...



-- Dave



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