Belt Drive Whirlpool

[autowasherfreak]

I found an almond belt drive Whirlpool with the waterfall lint filter at a used appliance store down the road from me. He is asking $95.00 for it, but said it has issues there's a leak somewhere.

I thought of offering him $50.00 as is, but since I don't know where the leak is coming from I decided not to.

 

[goatfarmer]

With a leak, I'd offer $5.00! People are nuckin' futs, $95.00 for a belt drive with issues? I don't pick up BD's any more, unless they are MINT! I probably turn down 5-6 a month.

 

[launderess]

Well My Vintage Whirlpool Convertible Washer

In Harvest Gold, has a leak, to which the seller did not disclose. Do not know if he didn't know or was trying to pull a fast one, but will put in a claim to Paypal and see where that gets me. Other than that there is also going to my CC company and file a complaint with them for action.

More likely than not it is the pump that is leaking, a pretty normal thing for a washing machine of this vintage.

Yes, I'd haggle the seller down on the price, unless you just happen to love BB Whirlpools and must have this washer. A new pump will set you back at least $30, more or less, then there is your time and labour for the install. If you plan on hiring a repair service, then I'd offer nothing more than $5 or $10, as you surely will spend > $60 to have the repair work done.

L.

 

[autowasherfreak]

I think I would like to do the work myself. I really enjoyed working on my Maytag. He gets the machines for free on junk day then repairs them and resells them. He hasn't done anything to it yet, just knows that it leaks. I'm going to stop in on Monday and see if he will take $10.00 as is for it.

 

[goatfarmer]

As Laundress says, it "might" be the pump. Or it might be a leak down the center, or as that machine is in the 25 YO or more range, the tub may be rusted through.

Proceed with caution.

 

[launderess]

Only Way To Tell

Is to pop the cabinette off, failing that trying to determine the source of the leak via where, how and when water leaks.

For my machine water leaks only when the pump is running (recirculating water or pumping it out), so feel pretty sure it is the pump. Plus the area of the floor that is wet is almost right where the pump is located.

In the end gave up nearly $70 for mine. Paid more,but after contacting the seller via Paypal, he refunded much of my money.

Although both machines are belt drives, I would agree that paying more than a few shills for a full sized unit, unless near mint prolly isn't worth it. The vintage "Contertible" models or even portable models are another story as far as one is concerned. Long as the machine does not have major issues such as the timer, transmission or a serious rust/holes through the tub, these machines offer far more bang for the buck than any portable sold today.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Just a couple thoughts....

Keep in mind what the machine is worth in scrap value. It would probably get $10 at a dump where they pay by the pound. A couple years ago, belt drives and GE FFs were getting $35-40 I think, though scrap steel prices have dropped since then.

As to the leak, my experience has been that the most common leak comes from the centerpost gasket, followed by the pump and bleach dispenser hoses. Used to be when I was working on these regularly for re-sale (in the late 90s), pulling a tub and installing a new gasket was a straight forward operation, at least usually. Now, as the machines have aged another decade, care and caution should be taken when pulling the tubs due to rust and weakening at the gasket neck.

Good luck getting the machine and good luck with it if you do!

Gordon