1984 Whirlpool not spinning

[greggandnancy]

Model LA5700XM Whirlpool washer. It is not spinning - we checked the belt, the lid switch and wires to the wigwag, all check out ok. I tested the ohms on the wigwag solenoids - one is zero and one is .55. From my research online they should read zero. So we are leaning towards replacing the wigwag. Would like to know if this sounds correct to you experts. Thanks.

 

[repairguy]

Yes that diagnosis sounds correct to me. If I remember correctly they should be 5-600 ohm coils usually when they fail they read infinite or no continuity. Looking at the back of the machine the left coil with the red wire should be the spin coil.

 

[greggandnancy]

Thanks

Thanks for the quick response. Yes the bad solenoid with the red wire is on the Left. I will order a new wig wag. The old machines are built like tanks!
Thanks again repairguy!

 

[repairguy]

Yes these machines are definitely heavy duty and when they are completely rebuilt, if necessary, they can run another 35+ years. Glad you’re keeping yours repaired. Good luck with everything. Should be a fairly easy repair.

 

[greggandnancy]

Wow! Forgot to mention we have the matching dryer also. It is still running flawlessly. Will that last awhile longer? Is it costing alot more money to run than a newer one?

 

[repairguy]

The whirlpool dryers are built very good as well. The motor may draw a little more amperage than a new one but other than that there’s not much difference, in my opinion anyway. But, I’m probably biased because I wouldn’t have anything new these days. If you keep the vent pipe clean it will run as efficient as possible for many years. This design came out in 1965 and is still being used today although built with cheaper parts. Congratulations for hanging on to a nice vintage set.

 

[combo52]

Power Consumption Of a 1984 WP Dryer

If used correctly [ not running the dryer any longer than necessary to dry the clothes load ] is not a bit more costly costly to run than a brand new machine if you are comparing to a new vented dryer of the same fuel type that you have now.

 

However if you have an electric dryer now you can slash your operating costs by switching to a natural gas dryer, or if you don't have NG you could get one of the new Heat-Pump dryers, but HPDs have not come into common use in this country yet.

 

John

 

[supersurgilator]

Those are very nice machines. The energy difference between that old dryer and a new one would be marginal if anything IMO. I would prefer to just hang on to the older, better made unit!

 

[greggandnancy]

Washer is back in action!

I bought a wig-wag on eBay and installed it and the washer is working great!

Thanks again for the help.

 

[repairguy]

Great news!