Beat Up Kenmore 5012 12-Pint R-12 Dehumidifier | Will It Run?

Here is a beat up Kenmore branded 12-pint dehumidifier. The model number on the top considers this machine 'The Blotter', and gives it a model number of 5012. The information tag on the back of the unit calls it a Coldspot and provides the model number of 106.850125. The unit features an Aspera reciprocating compressor with R-12 refrigerant. I believe this is a mid-1980s unit, perhaps made in 1984.
At some point, something terrible happened to this machine which absolutely mangled the evaporator coil. The bucket is long gone and the cord is frayed at the entrance point. There are multiple bends and kinks in the evaporator coil. Will it still run, hold a charge, and dehumidify? Of course, it was made in USA and built to endure just about anything!
This piece of equipment is such a fine example of the quality and durability that was put into even the most basic of appliances years ago. While I'm sure this is beyond what it was intended to withstand, the unit was designed to last. It was intended to be serviced and kept in service for decades. Appliances of this quality grade are simply not made anymore.

[@waltknox]

This is such a crazy dehumidifier! I cannot believe how torn up it is! Is so very amazing that it still is working good and works well properly!

[@andrewg593]

What a tragedy that the evaporator became mangled like that but absolutely no surprise that it still works flawlessly. These machines were built so well. I agree with the other commenters that the risk is too great to attempt bending the coil back into shape; it will run for decades in the condition it's in now.

[@LemontTheFanMan]

glad to see it working like i knew it would bro vintage last forever good product i enjoyed the video

[@electricboyo]

I have a much older R12 dehumidifier which is still fully charged. It dates from 1965 or so. This unit was originally in the basement my aunt's home for many years. The oilite bearings in its fan motor are totally shot so I need to find another motor before I can use it.

[@jeffsmith846]

In 1992 I bought a "CROSLEY" de humidifier and it looks almost identical to that. The evaporator coils should all be lined up in a row with identical turns. Problem? They often rattled against each other even brand new. We had a finished basement in Missouri and that machine would take the entire bucket full every 24 hours during the spring wet season. Although we moved, I still have it and do use it often during the damp times of the year. I took it apart once to clean the condenser coils as they got dirtied up.

[@gearmelugin3424]

viewers replied "hello jordan'

[@ardiemclelland2039]

I bet a curious kid did that damage to the evaporator lol.

[@JordanU]

The sharp bends seem more like a fall to me.

[@ardiemclelland2039]

@@JordanU very cool to see it still functioning regardless!

[@redleader6442]

That's a rebadged Tecumseh AE. Tecumseh owned Aspera for a while, as I understand it.

[@JordanU]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@MinecraftPro97k]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, the evaporator does it's job, so don't bother bending it back.

[@Tokaisho1]

As long as no coils are vibrating and rubbing together

[@JordanU]

It's definitely broken, but I agree it's not worth bending back into shape. There's too much risk of making it worse.

[@jaedenspider877]

Sad to see that in such poor condition

[@JordanU]

It's unfortunate it wasn't treated with the respect the design calls for.

[@WesleyistheBest]

Are you going to restore it?

[@JordanU]

I will clean it and oil the motor, but that's it. There's too much risk in trying to bend the coil back in shape.

[@BesthanddryerakaWDA]

Poor Kenmore

[@connorm955]

March 1989 maybe?

[@JordanU]

I believe 1984.