Recent content by browncow

The first CFLs were horrible -- large, expensive, slow and dim. They didn't really become acceptable in terms of light quality and ramp up to full brightness until the compact units with electronic ballasts became prevalent. The first one I bought that met that criteria, a Philips Marathon...

Thanks for the suggestions. I extracted the broken one and it looks like it uses the same type of metal clips, so I just might be able to cut one of the new ones to length and reinsert the clips, provided they're not glued-in or something. I didn't want to be hard on the counter person since...

The rubber over door seal on my old Magic Chef range has fallen apart. I've given the local parts house all the stamped numbers I could make out from the ID plate (D416B2G), but the person I was working with couldn't find a matching model # and seems paralyzed without one. It's a 36" gas range...

Why or why not? I'm clearing the pile of stuff off my desk, and came upon the info packet for the washer I bought months ago. I usually register high $ products like computers, where they also require it for support, but for this cheapo washer, I'm not so sure. I know that they can't legally...

I have one of these, the WP 5500 model. The Lowes and Best Buy 5540/5530 variants are slightly different. I think the BB has an extra load size setting, and the Lowes has an extra cycle, but minus one water temp setting. I prefer the wider tub on my old Frigidaire. I doubt some of the larger...

The storage vs. tankless debate is almost as good as top-loader vs. front-loader. As with washers, understanding the weaknesses, as well as the often over-hyped strengths of each type, and then matching them to one's circumstances is the best course of action. From what I've found, Bradford...

I took a quick trip around the stores. Most of the heaters now have plastic drain valves, except for the TOL 12 year models, but I understand they're not too difficult to swap out for a metal valve. The TOL Kenmore claims to have dual rods and 2" insulation; the display materials for the GEs...

Thanks for the tips. I've discovered that GE=Ruud/Rheem and Kenmore=AO Smith, and both seem to have good reputations. And Whirlpool is problematic to be sure. I know of the tankless advantages, but their cost and hassle factors are too high for a straight replacement. If this was a renovation...

I'm looking for recommendations for a replacement water heater -- natural gas, storage, tall. Among the big boxes, Home Depot=GE, Lowes=Whirlpool(!), Sears=Kenmore. As with everything else, I'm sure they're only a handful of manufacturers that make most everything, and sell them under...

It seems that for laundry pairs, both old and new, the washer is depicted occupying the left side and the dryer the right side, almost all of the time. What's the logic or history behind this? I can see where it would make sense with machines with side hinges. Still, the engineers had to have...

Except for the cosmetics, the Inglis and Roper machines are substantially the same as the lower end Whirlpools. Inglis is "exclusive" to Best Buy in the U.S. They carry the MOL 4300 and BOL models. I haven't seen the TOL 4400 model there. Lowes sells them under the Roper brand. They have a...

So, it took two attempts, but my new washer is in place and churning away right now. I let the deliverymen set up the first machine, which was wise; not like I had the option anyway as they insisted to protect themselves. As with many things today, speed seemed to be of more important to them...

I've got a new washer on the way this week (yay). It's not a fancy front loader, nor a classic new old machine, just a modest Whirlpool DD that should suffice for now. I just had a few questions for the washerati, since it's been a long time since I've bought a washer. 1) I know that the...

Well, I took the front cover off to take a peek. The pump isn't blocked. The motor runs fine when it's moving the agitator. However, when rotating in the reverse direction to spin the tub, something in the transmission mechanism is straining the motor and causing it to shut down. Oddly, the...

Hey folks, new here. It's incredible how the internet allows people to indulge in their passions, and more importantly, share it with others. I never knew there was such a love for these GM "1-18" washing machines until I found this place. In any case, to cut to the chase, I have a 1-18 that...