76’ Dispensall restoration

[jons1077]

It’s been a while.

I’ve had this ‘76 GE Dispensall for several years now and it was a rather unfortunate one. No tank, outer tub was a rusted disaster and the transmission lost all of its ability to contain oil.

FINALLY, after a long search, I happened across a new large capacity transmission on eBay remanufactured in 1996. Completely new.

Everything patched up, new belt, new tranny and we’re finally back in business. I’d guess this machine has been out of service for at least a decade.

Last to-do item for this machine will be servicing the diverter mechanism for the Dispensall feature which is something I know nothing about. Any advice is very much appreciated!

 

[trainguy]

Congrats!

What a beautiful machine. Glad you got it up and running!

 

[jons1077]

Thanks Trainguy!

I’m about to wrap up working on the 1970 GE set as well. I have a matching Americana dryer but in white. Should make for a nice lineup.

 

[justjunque]

That is a beautiful machine!

Having only recently discovered that people collect washers and dryers, I've never seen nor even knew such a machine existed.
I like it a lot!
Glad you were able to find the parts!
Good luck with the rest of it!

Barry

 

[bigalsf]

Looks great!

I remember your original post when you first got this machine; you've done a great job cleaning it up! It's such a great feeling when you find that elusive part that's been holding up your project!

I've always loved this model; a great idea in concept, but as you've seen it was executed without thought to long term durability. I especially like that design Filter Flo pan; the flat one is a bit boring from a design aesthetic!

I have the service information for the Dispensall System. I'd be happy to scan and send you the pages if you'd like (it's about 4 or 5).

Congrats again!

 

[jons1077]

Bigalsf

Thank you so much! I’d love a copy of the pages you have on the Dispensall! I think my email address is on my profile here but I can send it as well. Would be fun to have this machine fully functional!

Jon ([email protected])

 

[DADoES]

 
I was always fascinated by the Dispensall but have never seen one operate first-hand.

 

[gansky1]

This is such a pretty machine, one of the handful that was actually attractive in gold.

I had one and was able to get the diverter working properly with just a good cleaning, but I never had the dispenser tray that mounted under the lid - the fun part!

Congrats, Jon!

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Fantastic work Jon! One of my favorite G.E.'s! Hope you post a video of this beauty sometime.

 

[potatochips]

Nice work, Jon! This was one of the first machines that captivated me when I first discovered this website in 2005. I expect a full video on this machine. I love the dispense-all, great save!

 

[jons1077]

Thanks all!

Went ahead and got the dryer cleaned up and tested. Seems to work ok. Needed a new light bulb. This dryer is so wide!

 

[combo52]

They Look Great Jon

I loved these large 8 CF GE dryers, they could really handle large loads and dry without tangling, some of the earlier gas ones also had a 30,000 BTU burner which made for shorter drying times on large loads of clothing only spun at around 600 RPMs.

 

These GE W&Ds are perfect in the avocado and harvest gold colors.

 

John L.

 

[bigalsf]

Hi Jon, just sent you the service notes (guess we know what project you'll be working on this weekend!)

Have fun!

 

[jons1077]

Update

Dryer has some potential issues I will look into this week. Not heating up very much so may need new coils. I’ll test with a voltmeter and do a visual inspect. Clothes are damp as well so need to check moisture sensor and timer to ensure wires are intact. Without moisture sensing the timer will just run without any stops. I’m assuming heating elements are pretty much all the same for GE dryers?

 

[combo52]

GE Super Size Vintage Electric Dryer

Hi Jon, Yes this dryer uses the same heating element kits the regular size dryers used.

 

It uses 2 heaters Pt# WE11X60, from what you are saying you probably have at least one element out and often both have failed and part of the broken element is shorting to the housing and you are still getting a little heat.

 

Its not too bad a job to replace the elements, but you do have to take the dryer rather completely apart [ front has to come off and drum must be removed ] This repair gives you a great chance to clean everything and check for other worn parts.

 

John L.

 

[vacman1961]

WOW we had that same washer growing up as a kid, it replaced a 1962 Maytag Highlander, our laundry room was unheated and on cold days the Maytag wold hardly agitate, so my Dad did his research and came up with the Americana Dispensall washer in Avocado. We had an avocado Whirlpool electric dryer that was purchased a few years before the GE washer. Those machines were still in use until 1991 when we renovated the house after my parents passed away and I inherited the house.

 

[jons1077]

Thank you John

Ordered replacement elements this morning. The dryer element does get red but I believe one of the strings is out so only low heat operates. Will get that replaced and a good cleaning should make it a great dryer.

Thanks to Al, I have instructions for the Dispensall mechanism and I’ll start working on it in the coming days. Any suggestions on the best methods for cleaning?

 

[jons1077]

On a different note...

I was able to get my 1970 GE Versatronic dryer opened up, cleaned and checked. Everything checked out and this beauty looks brand new. I love the backlight timer!

 

[swestoyz]

Way to get all the GE's up and running again! IIRC, it took several soakings in vinegar/lime away to get the dispenser tray/pan, when I had a Dispensal set once upon a time. The diverter will likely need the same if it isn't moving the flow of water.

Love the backlit dial on the '70 dryer. Wish GE had done this more often.

Ben