Bendix question anyone?

[northwesty]

Well, I was able to get the Bendix to be a little more responsive. The timer dial had completely froze up so with a little TLC I was able to get it moving again. It goes through the cycles, with solenoids clanking, etc. However, it doesn't seem to be advancing on its own so it looks like it will have to be rebuilt anyway.

Here it is on the operating table

 

[appnut]

congrads!! Brian!!

 

[northwesty]

Here is the question

This unit, some sort of regulator, leaks like crazy between the top and bottom parts. Can I fix this, tear into it and put in a gasket or something, or do I start looking for some sort of replacement part? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I did put some water in the tub and the pump shwooshed it right out, so that seems to work.

 

[neptunebob]

That unit looks like the solenoid water valve unit. It is probably leaking where the shaft goes into the valve body itself. I will let the more expert members answer but I would think it could be replaced with a modern water valve. I won't be original, but it should work the same.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Brian, the timer motor is for sure bad that is why it is not advancing.

As for the water valve, yes you can take it apart clean it and see if this helps, you might need to use silicone around the edges of the rubber diaphragms. The unit on top is simply two solenoids welded into a package.

 

[tumbler]

Mystery part

The "regulator" you mention is actually a vintage version of a solenoid water valve; today's valves have two distinctly visible coils whereas the one you picture has both coils inside the housing. Unless you can find an exact replacement (online, perhaps) I would suggest simply modifying a modern one to fit the machine-shouldn't be too hard. Probably the rubber diaphrams are rotten, which is responsible for the leakiing.

 

[northwesty]

Solenoid Water Valve

Well, I tore the water valve apart - it was not easy. I was encouraged, though, that the rubber gasket was in such good shape that I think the machine is not worn out. The copper/metal thingy that held the "bullet" was deformed so I carefully hammered it straight with the tools pictured. I put it back together with a little sealant and JB weld and put it back into the machine. Thank you John, Robert, and NeptuneBob for the info.

 

[northwesty]

I hooked it up to some water again

I have to do the routine of advancing the dial by hand as the timer is broken. It seems to be filling fine, no leaks. Yea!

Here it is filling

 

[northwesty]

I don't think it has seen this sort of action for a long

Here is water filling the insides. So far so good.

 

[northwesty]

Well, why waste water

I'll put some work clothes in it and some soap. It seems to be working fine.

 

[swestoyz]

Yeah Brian! Way to be a super-sleuth and solving the water valve mystery leak. I bet you were as happy as a kid in a candy store when you took that last photo. Congrats!

Ben

 

[northwesty]

Lotsa Suds

Well the first wash was a success! I did somewhat anticipate this thing taking off in spin cycle. Forgive my ignorance, but I assume this has to be bolted down? Part of the cabinet is off too, if that makes any difference. I had to ride on top of it to keep it from bouncing out of the garage, I think it won though. Anyway how do you bolt one of these down? It looks like it has regular feet on it like my other washers. I didn't notice any instructions on the matter in the on-line manual posted on this site. Thanks.

 

[jetcone]

Brian

Yes that definetly has to be bolted down into cement. There are two holes in the chassis where the machine was mounted onto bolt shafts and nuts were screwed down to hold the machine down against the concrete.

Nice to see it washing again it must be very "happy".

The trickiest part on those were the tub bearings,when they gave out nothing moved. So I would say you are right about it not being overly used. I had a machine once that the bearing races were rust-welded to the back plate and would not come out, not even with red hot flame. Actually I have never seen another machine as rusted out as that one. Too bad as I got it from the original owner so I took it from its first install here in Melrose.

 

[waterstreet]

Bendix Boltdown

My parents bought a Bendix like yours in 1947. Workmen had to come and drill holes in the basement floor and set bolts in a special cement.

My mother had wanted it to be upstairs but my father did not trust it to be fastened to a wood floor.

As a kid I loved to watch it wash through the glass door, so I am enjoying your photos very much.

David

 

[Unimatic1140]

OMG Must Bolt Down!

Hi Brian, yes it must be bolted or it will take off and head for the moon.

I have instructions on how to bolt it down, I also posted pictures of where the bolts go in an old thread for Nathan (link below).

I have instructions on how to bolt the thing down, but I'm 1700 miles from home so I can't scan them right now. Maybe someone else has these as well who can scan them.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2006/5130x13.htm

 

[easyspindry]

What a wonderful machine!!!! I'm delighted for you. My neighbor had a Bendix in the basement. Whenever I was "lost," my mother soon learned that I was a Kate's "watching the Bendix."

Another neighbor had one of the round style and it was bolted to a wooden floor in the kitchen. It would literally take me for a ride when it went into the spin mode.

Congratulations on your find and your hard work. Wish you were closer so I could see it in action.

Jerry Gay