Back to Finish the GE Clothes Conditioner........

[filterflo]

A busy work schedule did now allow for much free time to finish the GE dryer........The later model motor I had would not fit the motor tray......so I had to re-engineer the bad motor start switch.........

 

[filterflo]

The GE switch was a 5 terminal switch and all the extra ones I had were only 4 terminal. All are very much alike. The extra terminal is the configuration for the "START" switch. Earlier dryers did not have the switch, hence only 4 terminals. I ground the rivits off of both, changed the configuration, and used hard alloy steel screws to hold the replacements on in their new locations.......I did not feel comfortable with riveting them back on as the fiber board is just a little old and brittle.....screws seem to hold much tighter.....

 

[filterflo]

Re-configured start switch........with screws instead of rivets........

 

[filterflo]

Re soldering the switch back to the motor winding........I also always draw a picture of what Im working on, so that I dont forget what goes where. This is especially helpful when you wait 2 or 3 weeks between repairs!

 

[filterflo]

Re-installed motor switch, back in place on the motor cover....

 

[filterflo]

I also mark (with white out) lines on the motor bearing plates so that they can be installed back in their same location. This often helps when putting the motor back together and also with the alignment of the bearings back to their original position........

 

[filterflo]

Motor back in its mount and re-installed back in the dryer. Im NOT going any further now UNTIL I know it works!

 

[filterflo]

Temporarily reconnect the front panel for the door switch, light, and compensated control wires.......and then give it a fast test to make sure the motor works AND the heat and lights come on...........

 

[filterflo]

YEAH! Success!!! It all works.........breathe a sigh of relief>........

 

[filterflo]

All back together, and now ready for another 48 years of faithful service!........

 

[pdub]

Congratulations Jimmy on getting the GE up and running again.
The pictures were great as always and with good play by play action.

Patrick

 

[gewa1054wguy]

Great Job Jimmy

Hi Jimmy,

Congrats on getting it going. Can't wait to see it and the washer! We may be the last generation to know that these well engineered machines can be repaired to provide lasting service. They may not have an energy efficient sticker, but they are kept out of the land fill and save the energy it takes to make the new junk sold today.

Still working on my Eperway,

Ethel Mae Potter

 

[jetcone]

Nice tip on the screws Jimmy!

Thanks, what is that copper screen thing on the start switch??

I grew up with a 61 Clothes Conditioner, one button one dial, auto and timed cycles. Gold back plate. She ran right up to when we sold the house in '93.

 

[filterflo]

Thanks Jon, I appreciate that! The copper screen on part of the start switch is actually a heat sink. Its on the two contacts that control the heat safety switch, as part of the centrifigal switch. I guess the designers felt that adding that screen would help to dissipate some of the heat generated by the 220V on the contacts. I had only seen a couple of those built that way in my past experience working on dryers. Luckily I had a similar switch of the same style. I found the screws really give more mass and holding strength than the rivets.....

 

[Timonator]

Throw Away Society!

Jimmy you do such a wonderful job on saving these vintage machines I Truly do find it amazing how many Older machines are out there and most can be repaired if you really want too! Unforunatley we live in a society today where appliances and automobiles are made to be thrown away other than repaired. Reminds me of A song..are the good times really over for good?

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Great Job Jimmy!
I have always liked these dryers! I love the sound of them at start up!
Happy Drying!
Brent