A part fell out of my washer door and now it doesn't work

[passatdoc]

@pierreandreply4

I appreciate your point. My machines are 6 1/2 years old. Also, they are in a stacked configuration, which is the only possible configuration for me due to a bollard (concrete filled pipe, required by local law) which sits directly in front of the washer space: it would block a FL door, even on a pedestal. As a result, there were two options should the repair not have been so easy (or free, in this case, since I found the missing part):

1. Buy a new 2140 or 2940 (latter are hard to find; 2140 still sold at Best Buy and Lowes) and swap it out. In my area, you can get a 2140 for $425. It no longer qualifies for gas and water rebates because it is no longer considered economical compared to newer models. So I wouldn't be able to move up in terms of technology. The 2940 has two features I would like to have, namely ATC and variable delay start, and the stacking kit from the 2140 would fit on it, but the 2940 is now very difficult to find.

2. Buy an entirely new set. Cost $1400-2000 or more. The existing dryer would fit only on a stacking fit for the 2140/2940. Newer models have deeper cabinets and the existing dryer would not stack on top.

Fortunately, I found the part that fell on the floor (free) and received great advice from people on this forum plus from RepairClinic.com. The washer works good as new and at no cost.

 

[whirlcool]

It seems that every year newer washers and dryers are being made more cheaply and are less likely to last as long as the set you have now. Plus with the Energy Star ratings demanding less and less water every year it is much more desirable to keep what you have and repair it, especially if it is a cheap repair.

 

[passatdoc]

You can't get much cheaper than free!! And I agree, my little mishap was not a matter of cheap construction. It was a matter of my clumsiness and having dropped the dispenser drawer a few times on the floor. Typically I remove and drain it at the end of a wash day, because quite a lot of water accumulates inside and is subject to mold issues if not drained and dried.

I wouldn't mind something larger (I can't wash a king size comforter, and queen size is marginal), something with ATC, and something with variable delay---a feature I really like and would use more if I had something more flexible than the 2140's fixed eight hours or nothing delay. Lack of ATC on 2140 keeps me from using cold water wash, since ground water here is too cool except for a month or two in late summer. But I'd only replace the present washer if something broke that required a very expensive repair (say, more than half of replacement cost). Even then, a replacement for me would entail a new dryer as well because of the stacking issue.

 

[steved]

Besides

Why spend the money for a new set if you don't have to?

 

[passatdoc]

the German in me (100% on both sides of the family) agrees...