1986 Sears Kenmore Heavy Duty Washing Machine

My fully restored 26 year old Kenmore washer, they don't make them like this anymore, this is when appliances were branded "Heavy Duty," and that means years upon years of perfect operation.

[@eldorado89176]

So I am proud to say this machine is still functional after it's restore! To boot, it has been outdoors now for almost three years!

[@zstidsen]

Our expensive GE washer crapped out after about 5 years... That day, I happened to come along one of these from 1981. It was from a little old ladys place, and it looked like it had been used about 12 times. The simulated wood grain panels reminded me of station wagons of the same era. I Paid 150 bucks for it, figuring it would tie us over till we found a match to our other appliance. Then, I brought it home... Upon initial inspection by my better half, she was not pleased. I encountered a bit of hostility whilst bringing it in the house. (Remember that this pig looks like a fake-wooden clad box with a ceramic-piss paint job.) After removing the old unit, and putting this one In place, it was time for a test drive. The thing performed flawlessly. Within a week or two, my wife confessed that she had never seen such clean and fresh laundry. The Stigma was instantly gone. We realized that although it will use more water and electricity than an energy star appliance, there are certain places you have to be rational. Will it use any less if you have to wash items twice in a modern machine to get them clean? The fact that the washer is built of quality mechanical controls that are easy to fix or remedy, and made of durable components, means that this can run forever. We have chosen to stay with this one... It's the best washer we've ever had.

[@storypunman]

Best machines ever!! I just replaced the water pump on my 1981 Sears Kenmore and she is running as good as my 29 year old Toyota. Keep these machines going forever, everything new is crap and never lasts.

[@coolbluelights]

I have a similar story. We had an expensive LG all in one washer dryer combo that completely crapped out after 6 years of normal use. the frame that holds the basket just disintegrates because it's made of cheap pot metal. I was lamenting about it on facebook and a friend offered to give me an old Kenmore like this one that came with a house he had just bought. This was 5 years ago and it's still going strong

[@robertroberts9782]

Glad to hear wifey came around🤣🤣🤣

[@coolbluelights]

If I went back to 1986 and told people that in the future, people sit and watch videos of washing machines they'd probably look at me like I had three heads... yet here I am. lol

[@Beefnhammer]

Most would. But the tech nerds back then would be blown away that we now have a database at our fingertips to look at shit like this.

[@MurasakiBunny]

If you went back to 1986 you'd find me sitting up against my running washing me saying, "Yeah, I do that now. Why? Do they not make soothing mechanical sounds in the future?"

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

It would be more like "wow, you mean there's other people like me who enjoy washers and dryers and shit?

[@alexandriasummers9341]

Great Fun.

[@patcola7335]

It's cool to be among people who have an interest in these modern Marvel's. Liked washers my whole life from the very first time I could remember seeing my mom's first automatic. A 1963 Kenmore washer.

[@Sharkie626]

I keep coming back to this video. it is so great to see a REAL washer in action!

[@robk7636]

i uses to listen to the washer to fall asleep 40 yrs ago when i was a kid. Its so much easier with a vidio!!!

[@sithlord1626]

u and me both man

[@mousescorp]

Oh man I wouldnt have even been born yet well that is for at least two years :)

[@cavariousavery9913]

My grandma used to have a washer similar to this...but she got Reid of it and replaced it with a ge washer

[@jamaljones7454]

This washer only 35yr old

[@thartson]

Bought one of these used from the used appliance guy down the street. I do a ton of laundry b/c gym, etc., tossed my Kenmore computer drive after three yrs b/c it gave up the ghost. This one has a smaller basket, but it runs without fail.

[@patcola7335]

These machines had character. Of all the washers over the years that had the best sounds, it was by far the Whirlpool/Kenmore machines whether DD or original belt drive in my opinion.

[@melindasmith8062]

Best washer ever! I've just replaced this washer for a new model. My mother had this washer for @ 30 years and I miss it already. They don't make washers like this anymore.

[@snollygosterous]

I own the Sears Kenmore Heavy Duty 70 Series, which I've used for 17 years, after buying it used from someone else who probably owned it for 10 years! One minor repair and washes like a champ! I can do jeans and small rugs on large loads and it keeps on ticking - the new stuff can't even compare. I'm washing a few small rugs with it right now...

[@zoinks9864]

snollygosterous What a waste of electricity

[@mrbunnyc]

Our GE computerized washer just died this weekend after only 4 years. I found this exact washer at a used appliance store. It must have been frozen in time because it looks like new and washes like no other washer I've had. And the best part , it was only $150 .

[@petermaz701]

zoinks I guess you would wash the scatter rugs with your towels and underwear so you can get a rash. When people make comments about wasting electricity or water worry about your own not somebody else’s!

[@moonshinefuel]

I have this exact same washer, it is absolutely incredible how it's still working. The dial handle broke off a little while back but I remedied that easily, the hood safety switch mount came loose recently and I also had a easy fix for that. It's been used relentlessly since new and I continue to use it. This is one incredible washing machine.

[@storypunman]

Best machines ever!! I just replaced the water pump on my 1981 Sears Kenmore and she is running as good as my 29 year old Toyota. Keep these machines going forever, everything new is crap and never lasts.

[@wolfen1086]

Two years ago we bought a Elba washing machine, biggest mistake in my life, damn thing broke down and nobody can fix it, wife and oldest some went scraping one night and came home with the exact washing machine in your video, I had to look three times to make sure, but the thing was out in somebody's trash, so I figure its probably scrap, but I plugged it in on te back porch and ran the garden hose to it and ran it through every cycle both hot and cold, ten I brought it in the house to sit in the place of honor where the brand new washer was that is now being dismantled for scrap metal, This is 2015 I cant believe the thing is almost 30 years old and STILL WORKS, I did 5 loads of laundry today, you can hear a little sign of plastic wear in the agitator but the dogs are still intact, I'm thinking of replacing it when I get my income tax, but the way it runs I think I might keep it

[@Kuromii3]

Did you keep it?

[@polskadiamond1678]

My uncle has this exact model machine, brings back childhood memories.

[@geswho3346]

Saturday nights I used to DJ... now I drink Jamo and watch videos of vintage machines while the wife and kids sleep... RAD life!🌮🍻🥃

[@robertroberts9782]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 ..im in the same boat

[@lorennicholls5788]

Have a1989 model just like this one! Really gets the cloths clean!

[@cavariousavery9913]

An 1989 model...cool...will you be able to find one

[@XXX_xxxxxxxx]

Wow! Thanks for this old school stuff! I remember when I'd accidentally overload one of the things and it would sound like all hell broke loose in the laundry room! Everything on top of the washer would be thrown about and the washer itself would manage to "walk " all the way across the floor 😅😅😅

[@scooman]

I bought my Kenmore set in 1985. The washer went just last year and the dryer had a fraying cord. I had someone come out to look them over and it would have cost to much to have them repaired. Never once had a service repair in 30 years. I bought a new Kenmore set. I specifically looked for a washer with an agitator. I found one that was also HE. I miss the old set, but am happy with the new set.

[@dianagarbera5512]

This is the same washing machine I have and today we laid the old girl to rest. 35 years old! I've had it for the last 15 years and only had it worked on once. They truly don't build them like this anymore.

[@kirbyyasha]

Oh this brings back memories... My parents had this washer when I was a kid. I miss it :( When we moved from one state to another, it got left behind :(

[@nighthowler8107]

My parents had and still have this same washer, the dryer died many years ago but I grew up with this washing machine and at 25 now it still runs great, I always remember it as when it went off balance it always makes a nice death metal beat

[@royal7654]

Washing machine

[@mxylpx]

The machine of choice for white noise lovers!

[@patcola7335]

The pump sound is very pronounced in this washer. That kind of high-pitched whine sound too I can't describe it when it sucks air through. Sounds really cool.

[@vanni9283]

@tvtimetravel It's actually the slow-speed agitation. On this machine, there's a "Heavy Duty" cycle which features the fast speed agitation.

[@joeb2588]

This is great! It looks like the Kenmore we grew up with. Almost brings tears to my eyes! I had to buy a new washer yesterday. My whirlpool just turned 2 yrs old and it's fried. It's embarrassing they sell crap like this... this machine here will outlast many new machines today!

[@MarilynCrosbie]

I had two Kenmore washers. One bought in 1970 when our first boy was born. It worked like a workhorse from 1970 to 1986 when I bought a new Kenmore simply for the extra features. The 1970 one still worked. I sold it to a friend, who used it for several years. I washed 14 loads a week when we had four sons. I washed diapers daily for about six years. They were both great machines.

[@marciaking7726]

We got ours in 1982 and it has sprung a tiny leak and two companies told me it would be very expensive to repair and may not find the parts it's so old. It had been an amazing washer!!!!

[@matthewbaughman6411]

Repair clinic

[@eldorado89176]

I am glad to see there are others out there who appreciate these great machines as much as I do. Soon I will video the Heavy Duty cycle, it is much faster than the normal cycle. The lid switch is easily bypassed by shorting the wires leading to it. The rubber knobs or tires like I call them came out very very close to 1986, but not sure if that is the exact year they came out.

[@RoyalWulffDry]

Mine was bought second hand in 96' and it is still going strong. My brother and his wife have been through 3 brand new machines in the same time. I do offer him some sympathy, as today's shoddy made washers sure do look sleek, shiny and hip. Today's products are just made to break after a few years in order to get the buyer back into the store to buy another one. Whats worse is that the design keeps them from being repaired at home, once its broke its broke. Great vid.

[@kaylahirsch7904]

Why was this so mesmerizing to me

[@bethnorrod5942]

It's 2022, I have this exact machine. I've only had it about 3 years, but there was only one owner before me. Knock on wood, it runs like a dream and has never needed work.

[@lilibelula2017]

thank you so much. I was struggling with the same machine at the apartment. the control panel has banished because of the years and use. really helpful!

[@msmp90]

I had this exact washer many years ago when I was a kid. I wish we still had it!

[@cavariousavery9913]

That agitator looks very cool...with that big fabric softener dispenser on top

[@michaellowry6924]

I miss these washing machines

[@b.n.c.v5792]

People say new washers are fancy but look at that paint shine

[@lizboz]

Good vid, and great action. We have a 2008 Kenmore DD, and still going like church! No clothing damage that I know of!

[@simplyme6017]

I viewed your tips last night and I thought that could possible do the trick. I wrote to an appliance repair center and asked them what the problem could be and what would be they replied telling me it could also be the coupler, but the cost was estimated to be around $200 to fix. I did a little research sure enough the piece its self it $10. I wrote back to the appliance repair center and told them about my discovery...I can't wait for their reply. Thank you for your assistance!

[@christinesmith7625]

just bought one 50 DOLLARS FIXED THE AGITATOR WITH NEW DOGS WORKS GREAT WHAT A MACHINE LOVE IT

[@eldorado89176]

Yes, this machine will handle a queen blanket just nicely. It tops out with a King size quilt. In the comforters department, no more than full size.

[@alienprepper5918]

I just bought the same one in the same condition for $150. I think i got a good deal. That spin cycle cooks!!!

[@vacman91]

I grew up with this washer. My parents had it up until two years ago!

[@MustangFanNC]

That looks like one NICE, very well cared for washer! It's a 1992 model though, not an '86. This has the console styling of the '86s however. Great model though which has a porcelain top and lid. In 1991/1992 the cycles were redesigned in all better Kenmore washers to split Normal and Heavy Duty such that Normal had low speed wash and H.D. had the fast wash. An all-new timer was required for this. This machine has the second rinse, along with infinite water level and ATC. NICE!

[@cvideo8797]

My aunt still has her Kenmore Series 70 Washer that she bought in 1992. Looks exactly like the one in this video. I am surprised that 6 years after you bought yours the knobs and everything still looked the same. The only issue with my aunts is that it leaks a little bit of water. The water comes from underneath the machine. It is not a lot. Just a small puddle each time she washes. I am not sure at what point in the cycle that the water leaks. Maybe it is a seal or a small crack in the plastic tub? She also has her kenmore refrigerator that she also bought in 1992 and that is still working great too.

[@ssnoc]

Nice 👍 had this exact machine and it was still running when I was forced to move last year 1989 - 2018 .... the only thing I miss is my old washer.

[@XXX_xxxxxxxx]

I love all these heartfelt washing machine stories. Seriously! Long live America🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸!

[@ebell1960]

Wow nice spins! She's spinning fast!

[@chaoscitysbear1594]

Thank you for making this! I'm currently writing a story that takes place in 1986 that has a laundromat scene, so this was very important!

[@Dog-Lover36]

Some matching dryer models like this contained Permanent Press/Normal and Knit/Delicate with Cool Down and Wrinkle Guard II, dark brown and light blue circles on the dials, light brown fabric labels on the giant cycle dial and settings labels on tiny knobs, grey Drying, silver Wrinkle Guard, dark grey and blue Cool Down and Off labels. Each of these models contained Soft Heat, Electronic Sensor, 30 minutes of Air Dry, 70 or 80 minutes of Time Dry with all timer numbers or tiny round 60, 40, 20 minute symbols on some models with 70 minutes, Signal Volume knob with dark brown and blue Variable labels, Wrinkle Guard option, four Temperature settings, which were Cottons, Normal/Permanent Press with Medium High, Knits with Medium, Delicate. Some of these models also contained Auto Dry II or Automatic Fabric Care for tiny Fabric Heat selector knob with Cottons, Permanent Press, Medium, which could be used for denim on Time Dry or Permanent Press, Knits, Delicate with Extra Low.

[@eugeniogarcia3682]

Thanks so much you just save my life

[@termike12]

I just bought a house and much to my delight I discovered this laundry set sitting pretty in the basement looking just like new. So glad I don't have to buy a new HE set..

[@thebranman7516]

luckyyyyyy

[@Sharkie626]

Awesome machine, good to have!

[@elevatorproductionsbymaxpassa]

I think this is a great washing machine. A vintage Kenmore top loader it's around the same year as my Whirlpool washer and I think this machine is direct drive a lot like my Whirlpool machine.

[@SummerSunset2207]

Excellent! I have a HD Kenmore washer/dryer I bought in 1998 and I am looking forward to another 15 years. Looking at the issues with today's HE washers I really do not want to replace this set anytime soon. I hope they fix the issue with the mold build up...that cannot be a good thing.

[@vanni9283]

Great sounding washer!!! ; )

[@Dog-Lover36]

This washing machine model, was actually manufactured around 1992. Those 70 and 80 Series washer and dryer models with white panels were manufactured about three years later and were rebuilt, meaning old-fashioned parts became replaced with modern parts. This model contains a different agitator. Some models like these contained Triple Action dispenser, five Variable Water Level: Extra Low, Low, Medium, High, Extra High or Low, meaning Extra Low, Medium Low, Medium High, High, meaning Extra High, Electronic Temp. Control, 2nd Rinse option for Heavy Duty with dark brown fabric label below 2nd Rinse, light brown settings labels on the knobs and Fabric labels on cycle dials, tiny dark brown and light blue circles on the dials, light grey Washing, grey Spin, dark brown and blue Rinse and Off symbols, Soil Level on cycle dials, including Normal and Gentle, meaning Light on Regular, Super Wash with short Pause on Heavy Duty, Short Wash on Permanent Press and Heavy Duty. Different washing machine and dryer model number Series and design color panels contained different filling sounds, agitation, neutral drain, spinning motors, dryer tumbling and end-of-cycle buzzer pitches.

[@RoyalWulffDry]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@eldorado89176]

Those of you who have contacted Me, just replace the transmission and pump, the rest is purely cosmetic. I am still running the 34 year old motor

[@TJK152]

Had this same washer at my old house. Now at my new house, I have a H.E front load washer.

[@lonestartropicalstx]

I think I have that dryer. Didn't realize it was that old! It gets so hot!

[@dntlss]

Best washers and dryers EVER made,pardon my french but this shit we have these days sucks,my washer belonged to my sister in law when she was in college in the 80s,i recently put a new motor in it,works like a charm and washes clothes in 15 minutes,my dryer is from the same vintage but i bought it about 20 years ago used,my best friend recently bought a new house,the owners had died of old age and the children sold it,the house was immaculate and it came with a avocado green washer and dryer from the 80s,they still had the owners manuals for both tucked in neatly in the back plus a few service records like belts etc, my buddy sold his 1 year old washer and dryer once he saw that pair in the new house,lol, he loves them!!

[@storypunman]

Best machines ever!! I just replaced the water pump on my 1981 Sears Kenmore and she is running as good as my 29 year old Toyota. Keep these machines going forever, everything new is crap and never lasts.

[@stlbluesfan1992]

That's one great washer

[@LoyalmoonieProductions]

Gray washer drums...something we don't see these days...

[@kellysavage9430]

i wish i still had a set of these, today's washers suck

[@Dog-Lover36]

Some matching dryer models contained Auto Dry II or Automatic Fabric Care with Wrinkle Guard II on the cycle dial for Fabric selector on tiny dial, Off labels, grey designs on moisture level, extended tumbling and Off settings, every number on Time Dry, four Fabric Temperature settings, which were Cottons, Normal/Permanent Press with Medium High, Knits with Medium, Delicate.

[@Jackierose415]

All I can say I have never lived where we had such good water pressure...lol yep another Washer Groupie logs in. Stay comfy my friends...

[@cavariousavery9913]

I would get one of these washers and replace the agitator with a super straight vane agitator

[@bsgarey]

Why?

[@patcola7335]

@@bsgarey Straight vanes are more fun to watch and perform very well.

[@Dog-Lover36]

Some washing machine models like this contained tiny Fabric Selector knob, which were Hang Dry, meaning Permanent Press, Heavy Duty, Regular, Delicate, Gentle with Extra Slow agitation or Hand Wash, light brown and blue Agitation/Spin Speed labels, Permanent Press I with Pause Cool Down label, Normal with light brown and blue No Auto Temp. Control: Cold Rinse Only label below, Ultra Clean, which could be used for Heavy Duty, Delicate, Hand Wash. Different washing machine model number series and control panel designs contained different filling sounds, agitation, neutral draining, spinning pitches. Different dryer design control panels different tumbling sounds and end-of-cycle buzzer pitches.

[@johnny-becker]

On a wild goose chase looking for the model number, I found this video. A year is a big, big step, almost to the finish (buzzer, sorry, had to say it) line. This one looks just let me the one I have where my Agitator dogs just failed and I need replacement ones excet the underside of the lid. This one has black background with white text, mine has a white background with black text but I bet that means nothing. What may seem odd and unusual on the surface, like taking a video of your washing machine and posting it up on KZbin, actually is very informative underneath.

[@loricoughenour2286]

My 1991 Sears Kenmore pooped out last month. Went to the used appliance store and bought a new... 1991 Kenmore after a nightmare experience with a new washer. I'll never buy a new one again!

[@Dog-Lover36]

One washing machine model like this contained five Options: Soak Only, Soak & Wash, Wash Only, Wash & 2nd Rinse, Soak, Wash & 2nd Rinse, Off symbol in between Soak & Pre-Wash, no Soil Levels on Pre-Wash. Another model like this with five options contained tiny Fabric selector, which were Heavy Duty, Hang Dry meaning Permanent Press with Fast agitation, Regular, Delicate, Hand Wash or Gentle, meaning Extra Delicate on later models with Extra Slow agitation, dark brown and blue Agitation/Spin Speed labels, Permanent Press I with Pause Cool Down label, Normal with dark brown and blue No Auto Temp. Control, Cold Rinse Only label below Normal label, Ultra Clean after Soak & Pre-Wash, which could be used for Heavy Duty, Delicate, Hand Wash. Those washer and dryer models also contained Quiet Pak and Super or Extra Capacity Plus with dark brown or blue Plus labels.

[@Ilovewashers]

Ah, the classic Whirlpool/Kenmore pump sound.

[@f23948]

nice video thanks!

[@joshuaronau2109]

I bought and old house and this is the washer and dryer I have. They came with the house. Still work

[@eldorado89176]

@MustangFanNC Thanks for the info and the compliments, this is a great machine. You have some impressive machines as well! I also have been looking for a belt drive Kenmore round about 1971 - 1973, don"t know the series, but it was Harvest Gold in color. You seem to know your Kenmores! On a side note, do you know anything about Maytags? I simply loved the 60's/70's Maytags with the florescent lights in the control panel.

[@MrNotorius5500]

My grandma had this exact model!

[@NVHSChadSheppard1]

I still got my 1979 kenmore 80 series BD. it's 37 years old

[@HurricaneForceGaming]

I used to have one that was 10 years newer. than this. And today we got a brand new LG washer

[@Sharkie626]

@MDCeasar do NOT get rid of the Kenmore, you will only regret it later.

[@theodoretepaske8755]

I'd have him look into a Speed Queen. They are still well built and will give him years of service.

[@MrLehnerd]

Nice fills up to white tub plastic ring.....

[@cdcVintage]

I just got a Kenmore 80 series washer from 1999 and I hope to get a few years out of it. Now that it's 2019 I was wondering if yours is still running? That would be amazing!

[@ropeswingify]

man.. if that last spin would have gone on just a little bit longer.. I almost came.

[@doloresleyva8810]

Mine is going strong in 2021 dryer too !!

[@CAbodyboarding2]

We have the same one. It's leaking from bottom when it's refilling any idea what we need to replace. Best purchase ever!!! Over 30 years old

[@eldorado89176]

Moglia-Johnson Lisa If it is leaking only while filling, the water inlet valve assembly needs to be replaced. Very easy to do, plenty of KZbin vids showing how.

[@lizboz]

@eldorado89176 Oh, they were first built in 1985, but then they CAME out in 1986.

[@kiheisun]

That is similar to mine - it still works great. It's almond though and may be a little newer? The control panel is the same though.

[@Tom-dx6ib]

Wait for it.

[@DisneyWay1]

I've got the same model with a loose agitator I want to repair, when I apply a little pressure to the top it works. Did you find a repair and/or parts manual online somewhere, if so can you share it?

[@thisishowirollman]

DisneyWay1 watch this video. It's a different Machine but he shows how to by-pass the lid controll so the agitator will engage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4WlgX6Vp7qonbs

[@alexandriasummers9341]

LOOK AT ALL THAT WONDERFUL WATER!! The washers of today dont use enough water to wash or rinse the clothes. My daughters HD washer uses so little water the clothes have to be done twice sometimes. I look into the window on the door and I swear I see NO water! None. Usually she has to rinse her clothes twice to make sure all the soap is out or otherwise we get a rash. Thats a bunch of crap!

[@zoinks9864]

Alexandria Summers No washer does that. That’s also a waste of water from the old washer. You want to wash a couple t shirts and jeans? Too bad, you’ll waste soooo muchhhh water

[@patcola7335]

@@zoinks9864 These did have water levels on them. So no waste and whose business is it how much water ANYONE uses ? God gave us everything pertaining to this life so let's thank him !

[@brandonsvlog8533]

This machine is from 1992 not 1986, the 92 in the model number indicates the year of manufacture

[@ArcaMids]

I have this exact unit and it started making a super loud grinding noise... any idea where to start looking for a fix?

[@Sharkie626]

Hey eldorado, this is all up to you, but just a word of advice, I usually put cycle change time slots in the video description for full cycle videos like these :)

[@TellYaMammy]

I notice that during the wash cycle the basket doesn't move very much, just the agitator, is that normal? Plus, it works with the lid open? Is that normal? Just curious.

[@StephanieBacks]

the lid has a safety (at least my moms did), its just a pin that gets pushed down by the weight of the lid, you can hold it down with duct tape or hold it down with your finger and it'll keep on going.

[@desireesims562]

have u fixed it yet? I would LOVE to know how difficult it was and if you went with repair guys or not...

[@Myrealtorcristina]

Just got one of these machines but when i put it on heavy duty it doesn't fill up all the way is that what it's supposed to do I don't remember it's been sooo long since I had one of these

[@alyssaarteaga9784]

Okay I know this is a stupid question what what does the water level/ variable knob do? I recently got this washer and have no idea how to work some of it lol I've never seen that knob on a washer before

[@jeromedavis8575]

I'd like to see the high-speed heavy-duty cycle if you still have this washer.

[@magicalintel5867]

I wanted this and the dryer

[@simplyme6017]

I have this exact washer. Unfortunately, it recently stopped spinning and draining. However it does make a clicking sound when it is time for the washer to change into spin cycle. Any idea of what it could be?

[@msRosaLosa]

Does anyone know how to clean these out? Like with the newer ones you have to clean and flush some part of the filter or whatever. Do these have something similar? Kinda like cleaning out the lint in the dryer?

[@lindanevin1249]

Also, you could soak your clothes. It had gentle, delicate and rapid agitation. They have no idea what a gold mine they would have if they resurrected the older machine before the digital switch over was made which is all junk now. With my GE, I constantly have to open and close the lid 6 times to reset the cycles. Hate it!

[@cnnw3929]

At least with the GE, the lid only locks during spin. Other HE top loaders will lock the whole time, even during fill. So you have to push "pause", wait, THEN open the lid.

[@1911beauty]

You are absolutely right about the soaking. I'm still using my Granny's 1986 whirlpool. I have an old blanket that jeep in the back if my old second car. I took it out of the car back in March and left it on the ground. It's so old and ratty that I thought, well I'll toss it. I decided to put it In the whirlpool on super heavy duty. I put two caps of l a awesome, one cup of bleach, and 2/3 cup of borax. I let it run until the first drain. So the whirlpool will running super heavy, heavy duty, and then normal. It drains between each cycle. I stopped it after the first drsin. I let it soak all night and when I got up in the morning I started the machine. The dayum blanket is more spotless then it ever was. No smell and no stains. I don't recall ever soaking anything for that length of time, but it works. I have brand new speed queen s but I never hook them up. The whirlpool set won't stop. I am so proud of that machine. I am really hard on it, because I'm ready to out it outside. But nope no matter what I throw at it, it runs. Plus the gentle cycle is not bad either.

[@guysequim]

My Kenmore Heavy Duty washer is having problems with the flow rate of the cold water....the warm and hot water settings have a strong flow of water...but the cold water just trickles out...what do I need to do to get a solid flow from the cold water setting? Thanks!

[@tvtimetravel]

@vanni9283 This is the fast agitation since it's on the normal cycle.