A Timer-Ectamy

[Unimatic1140]

So my 1957 Speed Queen has decided that he doesn't want to spin anymore. The problem is within the timer. I had this same problem about six months ago so I went in and lightly sanded and cleaned the spin solenoid contact in the timer. This helped and the machine operated properly for the last six months, but now the problem is showing up again and its even worse. I know the issue is within the timer because when the machine goes into spin and the spin solenoid doesn't engage, I giggle the timer knob and it makes the solenoid snap in and out of spin rapidly, it sounds like a machine gun. When I let go of the knob it stops and does not engage the solenoid at all. <br
Now the only permanent option is to replace that contact in timer. So I have two choices, I can pull the timer out and send it to the place in Florida that rebuilds timers or I can do it myself. I don't want to have to rely on these places that rebuild timers because so many of them don't work on old ones anymore and I suspect that it's only a matter of time before there will be no one left who you can send timers to work on. So I've decided to try to replace the contact myself and share my experience with everyone. I've worked on timers before, but I have never actually gone as far as replacing a contact and cam-follower. <br
Before I go into what I've done, here is a basic primer on how a Mallory style washer, dryer or dishwasher timer works

 

[Unimatic1140]

Now here are photos from last night when I actually worked on the timer. Later on I will post pictures from its first washload after the Timer-Ectamy...

http://automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/00ShowCollectionGETD.cgi?dir=/RESTORATIONS/Speed_Queen_Timer

 

[pdub]

Thanks Robert

The pictures and descriptions are great. I wish all repair manuals were as detailed and easy to follow. I can't wait to see more <br
Patrick

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Very cool Robert!
Thanks for sharing your step by step SQ timer surgery. You make it look so easy!
Brent

 

[panthera]

Robert,

Thank you. Enormously enjoyable for us, watching you work.
Question: Would the contact wear be reduced if you used a resistor/capacitor setup such as used to be used in automobiles?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Yay, it now works perfectly, spins like a charm! I reset the timer twice and let it spin for 18 minutes, then I examined the timer and it was nice and cool, no sign of any heating what so ever.

Here are pictures from its first post surgery wash-load tonight...

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-...Queen.jpg&dir=/RESTORATIONS/Speed_Queen_Timer

 

[rickr]

Great job Robert!!
Thank you for sharing your vast appliance repair knowledge with us once again.
I have never been that far into a timer either, although I have cleaned and adjusted contacts in the white 1957 Tower Top I used to own.
It really doesn't look that bad of a job to do, as long as one takes the time, and has the proper parts to do the job. Thanks again! <:

 

[mayfan69]

Some Great Work there Robert

There is certainly a great deal of invaluable advice and pictures there Robert. I will certainly know where to turn if i ever have to do something like that.

Regards
Leon

 

[chestermikeuk]

Timer Clicks & Tired Sudzzz

Hi Robert, nice work on the timer lesson, love the colour stickers, will use that next time, I mangled a bendix timer after getting that wrong!!! are there any issues with using a bigger contact than what was there originally, (thinking electrical power - am not a leccy techy)

Nowthen, I (IMHO) think the problem with the timer is the strain on the motor & circuits when using toooo muuchhh high intensity SUDZ`s, one might have to start using the all new HE Powders at 30d, Smack...Ouch..that really hurt!!!!

Look at that lovely Tired Sudzzz Wash Liquor doing its job!!!marvelous...

 

[gansky1]

Great photo essay of the timer repair! Glad the rivet gun worked so well - much better than when we tried it on the plastic case it came in!

Now what's the address we mail our dead timers to you?

 

[dj-gabriele]

Impressive! Complimenti

 

[easyspindry]

Way to go Robert!!! Fascinating lecture with pictures. Thanks for sharing. You make it look so easy.

Jerry Gay

 

[Unimatic1140]

Question: Would the contact wear be reduced if you used a resistor/capacitor setup such as used to be used in automobiles?
Keven I have no idea what you mean by a resistor/capacitor setup, can you elaborate?

It really doesn't look that bad of a job to do, as long as one takes the time, and has the proper parts to do the job.
Rick it was actually very easy. As for the spare parts, most of us already have them. Anytime you are getting rid or parting out a vintage washer, be sure to save the timer. Most of the timers in the machines are Mallory timers and all the parts are interchangeable. 5 or so spare timers should be enough parts to keep many machines running for years to come.

are there any issues with using a bigger contact than what was there originally
I can't imagine that there would be, it will just make it run cooler when the contact eventually gets dirty again. Of course the original cam follower and contact lasted 49 years, so if this new one lasts for a few more years than that I wont have to replace it again until the 60's, YAY!

I (IMHO) think the problem with the timer is the strain on the motor & circuits when using toooo muuchhh high intensity SUDZ`s
Smack is right Mister! If sudsing were the problem the spin solenoid circuit wouldn't have burned, it would have been the motor circuit and those parts were in fine shape, now lets not even think about those wimpy, tired suds detegents of yours and bring on the real stuff, with suds!

Now what's the address we mail our dead timers to you?
1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights.

 

[jetcone]

Nice lesson plan!

I need to do the same thing with my KDS-14. The drain solenoid sounds like a machine gun going off. And since it is in the kitchen you can't hardly hear the TV!

 

[bobbyderegis]

Lovely!
Robert, thanks for the step by step. Now I am not afraid to tear apart the old timer on the Maytag 142. The rinse fill contact is bad, so now I will do surgery.
Bobby in Boston

 

[mistereric]

Nice job. I fooled around with the timer on a nearly dead portable belt drive kenny i had a while ago... much more sensitive to mucking about with, it didn't respond well.

I got my frogeye kenny working but the motor on the back of the timer is toast... anyone have a spare?

 

[funguy10]

Unimatic1140. I thought you got rid of all your washers and shifted attention to vintage vacuums.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I fooled around with the timer on a nearly dead portable belt drive kenny i had a while ago... much more sensitive to mucking about with, it didn't respond well.
Yeah, they are kinda sensitive Eric, that’s why I found its important to test every circuit at the end when you've put it back together. Many times one or two of the contacts need to be bent slightly to make them operative again after taking the thing apart.

Unimatic1140. I thought you got rid of all your washers and shifted attention to vintage vacuums.
Oh darn, I knew I was forgetting to do something, thanks for reminding me Funguy, every last washer is going into the trash tonight when I get home.

 

[golittlesport]

Thanks for the great pictures and explanations, as usual! That is one beautiful Speed Queen. I love the older, high-vane agitators.

 

[rickr]

Good to know that the timer contacts can usually be swapped out Robert. I do not have any extra timers, but you can be sure that I will start collecting a few to have around for parts. <:

 

[swestoyz]

Great stuff here Robert - thanks for the tip on the Copper Rivets from Grainger. Now to find where escapement gears are stashed....

Ben

 

[mickeyd]

Yay for Aworg Academy now back in session

It will take many re-readings to master this but I'm up for it.
Amazing that a black dot the size of a hat pin could cause so much trouble.
That machine-- a genuine queen; just look at her crown, ie, the control panel
Love the early color coding in pink/2&4 for the short cycle and gold /7&11 for the regular.
How cool is it that both the 47 GE and the 57 SQ have separate controls for the wash time, pretty unusual, Huh?
And starting the machine by choosing gallon usage--that's fabulous. you must love this guy to death.

Thank you so much for sharing such hard work. It must have taken a good chunk of time just to compose and shoot the pix and even more to write all that text. You may not read books, but you're sure making them.