1-18 Update--Almost there!

[westytoploader]

Almost done--FINALLY got that dreaded tub nut off!!! Lowered the agitate arm and put the impact wrench on it. Changed the spin seal (that probably should have been replaced 20 years ago) and put a thick coat of POR-15 on the rusty spots!!! Left my camera in the workshop, but I grabbed a few "before" shots that I'll post tomorrow. When the POR-15 is dry and everything is re-assembled (will put a new oil bellows on as well), I'm going to water-test and hopefully there will be no leaks coming from the diverter tray...if that happens then it's back to square one, but the old spin seal didn't look too good...

Also, I have a question. I don't have the "spacer" tool for determining the clearance between the agitate arm and wheel...what would the required clearance be? I believe I have it pretty close now (I "eyeballed" it to the pics in the manual) Also, what is the estimated "ideal" height of the agitate shaft (that connects to the Jetcone) when fully raised? I don't want to "stretch" and break the bellows due to improper adjustments...and with Frigidaire everything has to be adjusted properly to work properly, IMHO...

--Austin

 

[westytoploader]

Now everything is re-assembled and ready to go!! Will post a new thread with more info tomorrow, but for now, here's a "teaser" shot!

 

[gansky1]

yay! Welcome to the "Frigidaire Club"!!

Can't wait to hear more of what you found with the dribble from the agitate shaft... I'm glad you figured it out - congrats and have fun!

 

[appnut]

AUSTIN!!!!! YAY!!

 

[rickr]

I will keep my fingers crossed...

That your water test and maiden wash goes great,and without any leaks!

 

[tlee618]

Great Job Austin!!

 

[westytoploader]

Thanks guys!

The spin seal is holding up great (no more dribbling off the diverter tray) which is the most important part, but during the first water test, a very small amount of water slowly dripped from the agitate shaft. As much as I am tempted, I'm not taking any chances by running it before the silicone (I used it to seal the water bellows support and some other leak-prone areas) has cured...better to wait the full 24 hours before attempting any wash or water test. I applied it around 8 last night, so at 8:30 tonight it should be fully cured (will take the pulsator off again to make sure). If not then I'll wait until tomorrow! Too bad I didn't notice the agitate shaft leak and apply it in the early afternoon...but as long as it works properly in the end, time doesn't matter!

I did notice it was also a little "wet" around the water bellows mounting ring, but I didn't see any holes or "stretching" (after lots of pounding, I did mount the agitate arm correctly...probably even more than the required clearance). This led me to believe it wasn't mounting properly because some corrosion stuck to the bellows. Cleaned the mounting ring and washed the bellows in the BD Kenmore on low speed (chalk that one up with the cucumbers, LOL) to loosen the residue, then scraped it off. If it keeps dripping I'll be mystified as to why! That's one of those problems that's not difficult to correct but extremely annoying!

--Austin

 

[westytoploader]

Also, if someone brings back this design (which they probably will...just watch!), I'm going to voice a strong opinion to PUT THE AGITATOR SHAFT IN A CENTERPOST AT LEAST 14" ABOVE THE TUB!! A low agitator shaft is definitely the source of a few problems on a GM Frigidaire, IMHO. I don't believe this would be difficult at all; just make a one-piece pulsator/agitator instead of using separate parts. Would definitely give some safeguarding against leakage, at least on small loads.

 

[geoffdelp]

Austin ... beautiful job!! It must be a very rewarding feeling to get it all done; can't wait to finish my restoration.

I think part of the fun of this process is each step; it's like when something works out, it's fantastic!! I know, for myself, it's all a learning process and you can see how these machines were built.

Very nicely done!!!

Geoff

 

[peteski50]

1-18 Update

Austin,
What a Great job! The 1/18 is my favorate washer of all time.
Peter

 

[goatfarmer]

Which seal did you replace? The brass/rubber ring,on the bottom of the tub support? Or the big seal that goes in the piece bolted to the outer tub,and which holds up the transmission?
We always replaced both years ago,and then they said run it through a spin,to "seat" the brass seal.

kennyGF

 

[westytoploader]

Big Step Backwards...

Yes, I replaced the 2-piece tub support seal...nothing leaks now which is good but ran into other problems.

Everything worked fine yesterday, but this afternoon, I was concerned about the pulsator clearance and got the bright idea (not really) to adjust and pound the agitate arm up a little bit more. It knocks during high speed agitation (did this yesterday though); thought it was "Cone Hop" but after reading the manual it seems to be in the shaft itself...OY. Doesn't make any noise on Gentle. Another new problem: after today's water test, it absolutely refuses to drain. If I lower the hose it is fine and drains manually, but it refuses to pump the water out into the standpipe and trips the motor protector. It's almost like *something* is preventing the motor from getting up to speed. I pumped the water out with an electric pump and was able to do a full spin to get the rest of the water out, but it takes a long time for the motor/tub to get up to speed and kick out of the start winding. Probably has to do with my unnecessary adjustments; the belt seems fine. Just when you think all's well something else goes wrong, and it could have been prevented by just leaving it alone!!

Amidst the frustration I threw the load of rags (planned 1-18 test load) in the BD Kenmore...going to take them out now. At least 3 machines are mechanically sound!!

--Austin

 

[westytoploader]

Another quick post...good news this time

Adjusted the agitate arm downward again, and now no more thumping!! Turns out that was it! Now it's pulsating very quietly (with only a slight rumble), but the question is, will it spin without tripping the motor protector? We'll find out! If I can get it working properly tonight I'm re-washing the load of rags!!

 

[roto204]

Congratulations on all your hard work, Austin, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!! Frigidaires are not the easiest creatures to work on, and you've done great!

:-D

-Nate

 

[westytoploader]

OK guys, last post for the evening, a big WOOHOO!!!!

Not only is it pulsating great, but is spin-draining SUPER-FAST as well and not kicking out the motor protector!!! At a speed comparable to my MAYTAG!!! So now I'm going to do one final water-test and then re-wash the blanket/rags!

The agitate arm affects all...it was draining quite slowly yesterday as well. Will post a new thread tomorrow with pictures, etc.

 

[scott55405]

Aus, I'm so glad to hear things are working out with the Frigidaire, kudos on all your hard work. Enjoy!

 

[westytoploader]

Washed a load of rags and it came out perfectly!

However, I stripped the threads in the agitate arm. Since it's probably impossible to locate a replacement what kind of Loctite should I use to hold it in one place?

 

[lavamat_jon]

Yay!!!

Congrats Austin! I'd love to see a Frigidaire in action one day. Do a load in honour for me

Enjoy your 1-18, it sounds (and looks) a cool funkydoody machine! Glad you got it working again!!

Take care,

Jon