Thread Number: 75854  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
OH Lady be good.... please??
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Post# 996978   6/12/2018 at 16:48 (2,116 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Remember all the grief I went through with my beloved turquoise Lady Kenmore washer for over a year now? (A link to my never-ending thread of woe is shown below)

 

Well, it ain't over yet, it would seem....  

 

Not having the strength I once had plus a tricky staircase to navigate, I wanted to wait until I had some help to wrestle M'Lady back upstairs from the basement.  Phil came over today and helped me with that. No problem!

 

I had to get the console back together and the top back on the washer.  No problem!

 

Both Phil and I thought - test the spin before installing the washer.  We did. It spins. No problem! 

 

So, the Blackstone was dragged, kicking and screaming, from the bathroom laundry alcove and back went the Lady K.  Hooked up the drain and the water hoses and....  Problem! 

 

Water was leaking from the machine when it wasn't filling.  It wasn't just a case of loose connection either; I could hear water spraying inside the cabinet.  FFFFF....phoey!  Now I'm scared.  That's one of the old thermostatic valves that supply hot, medium, warm, and cold water.  The temperature ranges still seem OK so I am hoping it's a leaky gasket and not a cracked valve body.  Although Her Ladyship has been in heated quarters since her first re-bearing procedure the machine was rescued in March and had to ride in an open coach all the way from Manchester NH to Ogden.  I'll pop the lid tomorrow to investigate...

 

But it gets better... I tried spinning with water still in the tub... Problem!   The water went round and round and round as if in a plugged up garbage disposer.   That, I will bet, is due to me not having engaged the pump control arm properly.  Given the number of times I had that blessed gearcase in and out, this is (knowing me) is almost to be expected. 

 

So, what do we think Hubby is going to say when he sees a washer in the guest room again?  I say 'who needs a guest room'....  

 



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Post# 996983 , Reply# 1   6/12/2018 at 17:59 (2,116 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
what washer did you put as replacement for now?

pierreandreply4's profile picture
just wondering what washer did you put in st lib as replacement for now just wondering?

Post# 996991 , Reply# 2   6/12/2018 at 18:33 (2,116 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I'm still using the '66 Blackstone BA600.  However after today, I am very seriously considering bringing the '66 Inglis set back from Ogden!  


Post# 997000 , Reply# 3   6/12/2018 at 19:16 (2,116 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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wise choice to bring back the 66 inglis set that way you would also have a matching washer dryer

Post# 997057 , Reply# 4   6/13/2018 at 13:03 (2,115 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Got the water valve out of M'Lady today... of course I managed to tear the fill hose while attempting to remove it fron the valve.  Dang thing was stuck but good...

Turns out the valve isn't a thermostatic one. I don't have a proper test area in St-Lib and I don't want to mess up this one so I'll be working on this as soon as I get back down to Ogden.  Fingers crossed it just needs a good cleaning!


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Post# 997061 , Reply# 5   6/13/2018 at 14:42 (2,115 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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So, what do we think Hubby is going to say when he sees a washer in the guest room again?

 

Sometimes a guest room is useful for a valued member of the family to use temporarily. I am quite sure that a turquoise Lady Kenmore would certainly qualify as a valued member of the family!


Post# 997063 , Reply# 6   6/13/2018 at 14:53 (2,115 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

I concur.... LOL

 

So.... it seems I've been down this road before with the Naughty Lady of St-Liboire.  Back when I was ready to put her into active duty, I was troubled by a leak from the water valve.  Tightening a few screws seemed to do it, but I think I would still be wise to listen to my 'inner nag' and inspect and clean each solenoid and plunger assembly.  I vow that I will be working on this on the weekend.  No, really....  LOL 




This post was last edited 06/13/2018 at 16:29
Post# 997070 , Reply# 7   6/13/2018 at 16:43 (2,115 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
big question where will you hide the inglis set?

pierreandreply4's profile picture
Lol if you manage to sneak back the 66 inglis set where will you hide them?

Post# 997073 , Reply# 8   6/13/2018 at 16:57 (2,115 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

It won't be easy here.  In Ogden, I can just an another machine and say 'Oh, I've had that for years!'

 

There's a lot of room in the basement but they'd be kinda obvious...   Still, the KDC-7 dishwasher has been there for nearly 3 years now without TOO much commentary. LOL 


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Post# 997093 , Reply# 9   6/13/2018 at 22:21 (2,115 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
Oh Sweet and Lovely Lady be Good...

washerlover's profile picture
Perhaps conjuring up Ann Sothern might help...? I’m really dating myself...

Thank goodness you have the room to put these things is your saving grace!

Best,

Todd


Post# 997098 , Reply# 10   6/13/2018 at 23:38 (2,115 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
Fingers crossed...

hippiedoll's profile picture
I hope you get the lady up & running without anymore problems!
She sure is a beauty!
;o)


Post# 997107 , Reply# 11   6/14/2018 at 06:02 (2,115 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Leaky Inlet Valve

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Hi Paul, you can just use a standard FSP 358277 yellow inlet valve on this washer, just leave the wires disconnected for the warm coil and attach the wires to the hot and cold coil as normal, this will give you hot water when hot is called for and warm when medium is called for and cold water for everything else.

 

The inlet valve in the machine now is a thermostatic valve.

 

John L.


Post# 997165 , Reply# 12   6/14/2018 at 15:51 (2,114 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

John, thanks for the info! I was wondering what would happen if I was to replace the valve with a 2-solenoid one.

 

Some good news today - I have convinced M'Lady to drain.  Using a bouquet (can't say "bucket" to M'Lady...lol) I managed to get water in and, more importantly, out again.  Doing repair work in the guest room has given me a true appreciation of how in-the-field repair work can be challenging!!

Oh and the problem? Mr.Know-It-All managed to bypass the pump pulley when the belt was re-installed.  John will give a C minus for the sloppy work...LOL 


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Post# 997417 , Reply# 13   6/17/2018 at 10:32 (2,111 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Not having a workshop in St-Lib is annoying to say the least, however once the troublesome valve was whisked down to Ogden, I was able to determine exactly what the trouble was. And it happened before!


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Post# 997418 , Reply# 14   6/17/2018 at 10:38 (2,111 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Bonus points if you noticed the water scale residue on the plate for the water outlet.  It leaked when M'Lady was first put into service; tightening the screws holding the outlet plate more or less solved the problem.  This time I checked the gasket. It was flatter than a crèpe...

Blue goo to the rescue!  I'll test the valve again today and hopefully M'Lady will be up to some laundry this week.


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Post# 997428 , Reply# 15   6/17/2018 at 11:15 (2,111 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

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Paul,
Since closing the faucets after every wash in St-Liboire isn't something you'd want to do with the current location of the valves, I think you should consider new fill valves for this machine! I'd be afraid of a serious mess caused by any kind of leak when you're not around for a few days! I remember what happened at my parent's home when I was a kid from a fill hose that failed while I was at home to shut the valves off! In a matter of minutes, there was a mess in the wardrobe below in the basement! I can't figure how bad this would have been if it had kept leaking water like that for hours!


Post# 997612 , Reply# 16   6/18/2018 at 17:13 (2,110 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Some further progress

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I took a chance and tried re-installing the repaired original water valve in M'Lady today.  I had some trouble testing the water temperature ranges though. Unlike with a lower-end washer, you can't just flip the water temperature selections from hot to warm to cold. I found I had to push the appropriate button for a preprogrammed selection then dial the right spot on the timer dial.  Maybe I am just too dumb for a fancy washer like this...LOL 

Anyway, I do still have a leak somewhere. I will have to observe the washer running with water in it to find out exactly where; I may not get to that until Thursday now though.   

But I'm getting closer!!


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Post# 997731 , Reply# 17   6/19/2018 at 14:38 (2,109 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Leak located...

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It looks like the leak is coming from one side of the pump, actually right at one of the cover screws.  First shot will be to see if I can tighten it. If not the Leaky Lady will be dragged out of the bathroom...again.... oy!

 

Edit: nope. The pump fibre gasket is shot. I guess having been out of service for years, then used again, dried out, and being  in a washer which has been thrown to the floor several hundred times has taken its toll.  Off to Canadian Tire for some Form-A-Gasket tomorrow.

 

Further edit: when turquoisedude says, "Oh that's an easy fix", run like hell...


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This post was last edited 06/19/2018 at 15:31
Post# 997883 , Reply# 18   6/20/2018 at 22:26 (2,108 days old) by 114jwh (Vancouver)        
Pump

Glad you found the leak! Is it still the original pump Paul? If its the original or old enough that the gasket failed I might just be inclined to replace it and save yourself potential hassle down the road. Based on what I know about BD washers, pumps seem to be a common failure point and I don't think they are often serviced, just replaced. I believe they are still pretty easy to find and aren't too expensive either.





Post# 997906 , Reply# 19   6/21/2018 at 06:02 (2,108 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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James - I don't think the pump is the original one but I can say for sure I didn't change it since I've had this washer.  I do have at least 2 new aftermarket pumps left in stock down in Ogden, but the Lady is in residence in St-Lib....   

Today's plan is to get the washer out of the bathroom and redo the gasket. I am already planning on bringing a spare pump back from Ogden nonetheless.

Dang I need more washer space in St-Lib!!!

 

Edit: the Lady is undergoing a pump procedure in the kitchen today. A tile floor in case of leaks and a sink nearby for testing.   Wish me luck!   This washer restoration/repair stuff is definitely a young person's game. . gawd I feel old!


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This post was last edited 06/21/2018 at 07:31
Post# 997943 , Reply# 20   6/21/2018 at 14:34 (2,107 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I'll keep it G-rated but the Naughty Lady of St-Liboire just can't seem to contain her water... 

I took off the pump cover, coated it with Form-A-Gasket, let it set as directed, reassembled the pump and tested the washer in the kitchen. No leaks!

 


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Post# 997944 , Reply# 21   6/21/2018 at 14:45 (2,107 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Being the foolish optimist, I dragged M'Lady back into the bathroom, hooked up the hoses, and threw in a load of laundry.  All seemed fine during the wash, but after the wash spin, the Nile wanna-be reappeared... GGGRRRRR!

Now, wait for it, the pump was leaking at the same spot as before.  After scaring Canyon and most of the birds in the neighbourhood with a string of carefully chosen and colourful expletives, I threw my hands up in the air...  I will be putting in a new pump next week.  Yes, I came to that conclusion all by myself...LOL 

I am heading down to Ogden tonight - after I retrieve the new pump, a very large Manhattan and some Paul Weston records on the ol' hi-fi will no doubt ease the pain....

 

There is some good news... Lady K can still wash nicely and wow, does that newer braking system ever bring a spinning tub to a grinding halt!


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Post# 997950 , Reply# 22   6/21/2018 at 15:09 (2,107 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Still a beauthiful

1965 (correct)? set. Trying to keep it clean, but,
with all due respect should she still leak a bit, please don't nick name her Sybil. At least you're not an abusive mother, to say the least. She could have ended up on youtube being blown up for back yard kicks.


Post# 997961 , Reply# 23   6/21/2018 at 16:21 (2,107 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Well, I was chanting something that kinda, sorta sounded like 'plug it up! plug it up!' when I saw the 2nd round of leaks...LOL 

 

And you are correct -the set is a 65.


Post# 997971 , Reply# 24   6/21/2018 at 19:26 (2,107 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Wasn't that Carie,

creepy Carie, creepy Carrie?

Post# 998030 , Reply# 25   6/22/2018 at 14:02 (2,106 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
Still following...

hippiedoll's profile picture
Your progress & keeping my fingers crossed! I hope all is well once you get the new pump in.

I was wondering...
What kind of agitator is in your Lady?
Is it the one that (to me) looks like an octopus? If so, that's one agitator that's always caught my eye
:o)


Post# 998041 , Reply# 26   6/22/2018 at 16:22 (2,106 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Thanks for the encouragement Christina! I am maybe a little too stubborn about swapping out parts if I think I can salvage them. I should stop thinking...LOL 

 

The agitator is the 'octopus' style - I remember being surprised at this when I got the washer!  I think there is another name for this style too


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Post# 998043 , Reply# 27   6/22/2018 at 16:49 (2,106 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Roto-Flex


Post# 998153 , Reply# 28   6/23/2018 at 13:41 (2,105 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
THE OCTOPUS!!

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I LOVE IT!
;o)

Knowing me & my quirky self, I'd be looking for some EYE & SMILEY MOUTH stickers to put on the agitator cap
:oD


Post# 998229 , Reply# 29   6/24/2018 at 08:24 (2,104 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
MORE LIKE

jetcone's profile picture
Bare naked agitator- its got no bottom on it !!!!


John swears by those but he’s never let me play with one!!

I was in water valve hell all weekend too with the ‘56 Duo and after all the shuffling on the floor and reaching in and turning - it turns out the condenser valve was solid but a connection had worked loose, it must have been a fine spray causing water to drip from the condenser valve but it wasnt the valve. Once I got it out I water tested it.
Now to crawl around again and reinstall. Oh what a world!



Post# 998232 , Reply# 30   6/24/2018 at 08:32 (2,104 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Nice work, Paul. That's a beautiful set and worth the effort, despite some "blue air" (turquoise air?) around them now.


Roto-Flex was one of the best KM agitators, but it's rather rough on clothing. Still is one of my favorites along with the Surgilator family.


Post# 998582 , Reply# 31   6/27/2018 at 15:22 (2,101 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Another week...

turquoisedude's profile picture

Another attempt to get Lady K fit for her duties as head launderess in St-Lib.  The Blackstone has been moaning occasionally about having been put out to pasture; let's see what happens today.

The kitchen is becoming my new workshop it would seem!


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This post was last edited 06/27/2018 at 15:42
Post# 998584 , Reply# 32   6/27/2018 at 15:31 (2,101 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

No messing around this time... the pump that was giving me grief is out.  I think this may well have been the original one for the washer.  The exit ports are rather well-corroded.  I swapped in a pump from an 80s Inglis that Phil and I rescued from a side street in Montreal a couple of years back.  Yes, I know... I said I was going to use a new pump but the last NOS Whirlpool pump I have is a 4-port model. Goodness knows why I bought that!

Well the new pump went in and during the first kitchen test, no leaks were observed.   And it was probably a good thing I swapped the old one out; during the neutral drain, I heard a grinding sound. The "new" pump is nice and quiet.


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Post# 998587 , Reply# 33   6/27/2018 at 15:38 (2,101 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Feeling brave, I dragged M'Lady back into the bathroom for a real test with laundry.

She did just fine, much to my relief.  Funny but this washer always seemed to go out of balance on larger loads; today I threw in a fairly big batch of permanent press shirts, slacks, and shorts and the spin was nice and smooth.

And better still, the 'Tray of Shame' contained no evidence of Madame tinkling while washing.  She needs to talk to that GE of mine about this 'spinning while agitating' nonesense....

So it looks like I can sleep in peace again, knowing I have a matched turquoise washer and dryer set again here in St-Lib!


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Post# 998618 , Reply# 34   6/27/2018 at 21:21 (2,101 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
WOOOO HOOOO!

hippiedoll's profile picture
I'm so happy for you, that you got the blue LADY up & working properly with no signs of leaking with the new pump!

I can't help hearing the little mermaid song "UNDER THE SEA" with that "octopus" agitator surrounded by that turquoise/aqua blue cabinet.
:oD

Happy dancing for you on this side of the computer...
;o)


Post# 999267 , Reply# 35   7/4/2018 at 08:29 (2,094 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
And she's still washing....

turquoisedude's profile picture

I didn't want to jinx it, but the Lady K has just completed several wash loads with no leaks, stalls, or other misbehaviour!   I can't help but notice that the washer is spinning better than before - the last load I did was a set of queen size sheets and the washer spun them nicely with no shaking, shuddering, or going out of balance.  I am going to guess that I did something really,really wrong when I put the washer back together after the first bearing job I did on it.  It is a bit odd to see the rapid braking on this model but I've gotten used to it quickly.  

 

Christina, I am still doing my Happy Dance when each cycle completes - here's to at least a few years of trouble-free service!

 

The Blackstone looks lonely, though.... 


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Post# 999633 , Reply# 36   7/7/2018 at 16:03 (2,091 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        
Roto-Flex

There was an interesting article in "Popular Mechanics" magazine back in the mid 60's explaining how one man gradually developed the Roto-Flex agitator. The right angles/length/blade count/flex,etc.

Pretty cool. Helped me talk my dad into getting a new white '67 piano key LK.

Knowing what I soon found after we got it,I think I'd preferred the next model down with Roto Swirl. The lowest water level with 'Flex was just below top row tub holes. And that was NOT low. I LOVED the LK's look,but I think a machine with the 'Swirl and lower allowed water levels would've been more "Kenmore-ish". Woo-woo.


Post# 999644 , Reply# 37   7/7/2018 at 18:02 (2,091 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
That's wonderful, Paul. Your ladies are stunning, winners of the LK pageant!

Tray of Shame. Love that.



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