bendix temperature switch

[bendixmark]

The temperature switch to my 1949 bendix has a problem,there is no warm only hot or cold.Has anybody experienced this or tried to repair the switch?I blasted it with contact cleaner but that didnt work.This is the deluxe bendix.Anyone have a spare one?

 

[swestoyz]

Are you using the original water valve, or have you replaced the valve with a newer one?

 

[bendixmark]

It is the original water valve with those big heads and much to my surprise it works fine after sitting for 40 plus years.When you select warm you get cold and there is no voltage to the hot valve.This is the last problem I was expecting this machine to have.The Timer works and the pump seal didnt leak.

 

[bendixmark]

59 kenmore

I love your 59 kenmore that is outstanding,I have a 57 I am restoring.

 

[garyl]

Switch

It sounds like the hot terminal is worn, bent, corroded. It may have more pressure on it when in the hot position. Some of those old switches could be disassembled by bending a tab or 2. Contacts are coated with coin silver, and if you file them, they may work for a while, but will burn quickly. I have heard of people tinning them with solder, but I don't know if that lasts.

 

[bendixmark]

warm temp

A thought just woke me up from a sound sleep,does this machine not have a cold valve but a themostatic hot and warm valve instead?I took the switch apart and found it does one or the other.Help!

 

[combo52]

1949 BENDIX TEMP SWITCH

Hi Mark as you found you temp sw is OK, you have a Stuck thermostatic plunger inside the inlet valve. When the warm water coil is energized the valve is supposed to supply a regulated supply of 100 degree water. The plunger is supposed to be able to move back and forth to regulate the amount of hot or cold water entering with the help of a Bi-metal spring that reacts to the temperature of the water leaving the valve.

 

These often got stuck when the machine sits unused for 20-30 years or so [ bad design LOL ], sometimes they will start working again after you use it a while. You can also try shocking the valve by connecting the hoses in reverse to see if this loosens up the plunger. Other wise look for another valve or if you are brave take it apart and see if you can fix it, I didn't have much luck doing this 30+ years ago, but it was easy to get replacement valves back then so I didn't try to hard to fix them.

 

Or you could leave it the way it is and apply for an Energy Star credit from your utility company LOL.

 

[swestoyz]

Thanks John for saving me from typing out the same response! I went to bed too early last night to respond

Ben

 

[bendixmark]

temp switch and valve

I somehow got the switch back together and reinstalled it in the machine and understand how this all works.I cant believe I got played by this machine this way,a hot and warm valve no cold.Things must have been extra dirty in the 40s and fuel consumption was an afterthought.I will have a discussion about all this with my 88 year old father.Thanks for the advice John I will manually control the warm for now and the rinses will be cold which is fine.My bendix repairmaster book calls this valve a VERNATHERM valve.Sounds like some plaingirl at your highschool.I noticed you have this same machine in your collection and I am sure we would all like to hear all about it and see some pics I know I sure would.

 

[bendixmark]

keeps draining

I tried the machine with water and the drainvalve wont stay closed because the armature spring isnt tight enough and was wondering if anybody has had this problem and how do you fix it.