Kenmore washing machine fill problem

[mikecjn]

We have a 10 year old Kenmore Super Capacity Plus 80 series washer that has recently started acting up. When filling up with water (no matter what load level it is set to) it doesn't stop filling right away. It will start to turn the auger and begin the wash cycle when reaching whatever load setting it is set to but water still keeps filling. You can see that it is trying to stop the flow and eventually slows up and stops but a few times now it has stopped when right at the very top of the drum. <br />I looked at the parts diagram of the washer and didn't see a cutoff valve or anything like that. I saw a fill level pressure hose that looks like it goes into the tub in the diagram but not the actual part that would control the water flow. <br />Any ideas what is causing this and what needs to be switched out?

 

[Ron G]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

I cant help youwith parts,but beware we had one just like that 2 weeks ago flood an apartment so keep an eye on it.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

I believe the part you need is called the fill valve. I've replaced them before on my kenmore.<br /><br /> http://www.partselect.com/xq/aspx/Inventory.334646/qx/PartDetail.htm?SourceCode=8 <br /><br /> I say this valve because you say the water trys to stop but keeps filling.

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

That was my worry Ron...I know it is gonna totally crap out soon.<br />Thanks OMC, I will take another look at the diagram and pull up that part. I wonder if the valve is just full of sand (have a driven well point) and can be cleaned. For 20 or 30 bucks I will probably grab one and switch it out.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

Mike, sand will ruin that valve because they are made of plastic. The valve is located right where the hoses hook up. Does the water try to stop flowing at all level settings? If not it may be the level controller but I'm no familiar with that part.

 

[ED21]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

I have a screened washer on the fill hoses & have to clean the cold water side on a regular basis because of grit in the water from my well. I even have a whole house filter, but I think the grit is left in the lines from previous owner.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

I have replaced the same part on a Kenmore washer for the same reason. <br /><br />I am not sure but i think the water level is controlled by a timer that runs a magnetic switch valve in this part.

 

[ehenry]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

My Whirlpool washer did the same thing and what it turned out to be (i think Whirlpool makes Kenmoore) there was a hose under the control panel that had worked loose and the water cutoff wasn't working proper. I reattached the hose and haven't had a problem. COuld be your hose had worked loose or might have a crack in it.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

The hose that senses the water level can get clogged with lint or soap. May want to check that. If the water can't get in or out, it will cause like a delay to the fill valve.<br /><br />We have washing machines in our stores. Many times I have to clean out the tube due to clogs. As the water fills the tube, it compresses the air trapped in the line and presses on the diaphram switch. As mentioned earlier, if the level hose cracks or comes loose, it will not allow the air pocket to be compressed.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

The washer ought to be holding off on the next cycle until the fill level switch "clicks" though. So I don't think it could possibly be that.<br />The vavle solenoids work pretty well the same way, no matter which manufacturer you're talking about. And just about any defect in the diaphram will cause them to be slow at switching or drip. Sometimes it's works to take them apart and clean out whatever gunk has collected, but usually not. The valve solenoids are in the same part as where the water supply hoses screw on.

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

Thanks everyone. I looked up the inlet valve, Kenmore calls it the mixing valve and it is only $26. That feeds a piece called the vacuum break which is $10 or so. What is the vacuum break doing.<br />Sound like I need to replace the 'mixing valve'?<br /><br />I will also look at that fill tube and check for clogs.<br /><br />I tried it at all the different levels. It seems like it tries to stop the water but only slows it just a tad. Then maybe 30-60 seconds later it finally stops. The times vary.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

The "vaccum break" is the part that the mixed water goes into just before it's dumped into the tub. <br />You know, there's something else that might be worth looking at. I didn't know this before but apparently some washers use a thermistor in the vacuum break to control the water temperature, and the wires (orange) on it have a habit of crumbling. That causes all sorts of weird effects, but usually they're slow fill/won't fill type problems. Very much worth looking at though.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

How high above ground is your drain valve. Ours was about 20 inches and it was just enough to create a siphon action at times. By moving the drain hose up to 36 inches it works fine now. That fix came here from iboats and we have not had a problem with it since.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Kenmore washing machine fill problem

WOW Change that valve!!! Trust me I had almost $4K in damages when mine went south. It pumped over 150 gallons over the top. <br /><br />I was told that you should also check the screens in the fill lines yearly.