Bendix Washing Machine

[astorobsession]

Hi I just purchased this gem in Melbourne, Australia

Does anyone have a user manual.

This one was only used a handful of times and then stored.

Wanting to use as a daily but do t know how it works

Thanks

 

[rp2813]

You'll have to determine the model number and then check out the link to see which owner's manual applies.  I suspect you'll be needing a service manual as well, no matter how little use the machine has seen.

Washer Dryer Library at Automatic Ephemera

 

[easyspindry]

Bendix made the . . .

. . . first automatic washing machine.  It's a workhorse, but you must bolt it to the floor.  There is no suspension system built in, so when it starts to spin, it will literally walk across the floor.   Washes well, but the spin cycle is a bit anemic.  I think the spin RPM is something like 200.   I had one for years, but it was the diving bell model.  I loved using it.  It was a 1944 model -- same as me.   Good luck with yours.  The operating mechanism is simple, so there's little to go wrong.     In the top center there should be a dial that you move with your thumb.  There is a soak cycle first and then it shuts off.  Then you have to start it again for the wash cycle.  The timer will click and move every 30 seconds, I believe it is.   There were many of these babies sold getting housewives away from the washboard and/or wringer machines.   Enjoy.   Jerry Gay

 

[mit634]

That's an exciting find. Hope you manage to get it up and running.

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Charlie,

Congrats on picking up this machine, I wish you success with the restoration.

I've got a couple of these and with all of them the wiring where it enters the motor has been an issue, the bulk of the machine seems to have an early form of PVC wiring and is in perfect condition, but the Supply cord and the leads that go into the motor are rubber and generally badly perished. Make sure you inspect carefully before you try and plug it in.

On a seperate note, these are a great toy, but I wouldnt reccomend it as your only daily. I have my jumbo Malleys H Axis machine and it does ok, but you do need to go back to old style washing techniques to get good results from these machines. You will need to use the pre-wash every time and pretreat stains, plus with the one directional tumble, stuff can hang on the outside of the tub and not tumble. Essentially these machines are for getting rid of the non visible dirt and oils, anything visible needs to be taken care of before you wash. I use it for Towels and Sheets, anything that isnt generally stained, but I still spin the towels out in a seperate spin dryer before I try and hang. I leave the clothes and heavily soiled items to somthing after the mid 60's.

The low spin speed will also be an issue, you will get detergent buildup and residue on most things, I'd suggest alternating loads between the bendix and something more modern to make sure you get the detergent out.

I dont want to put you off, I'm just trying to make sure your aware of the compromises that go with this.

Cheers

Nathan

 

[slowspin66]

The Best machines ever

Well done on your rescue I think the early machines are just the best and I use mine most weeks .. they have issues but look how old they are !! I’ve worked on all
Of mine and rebuilt them including the motor wire replacement .. which is irritating but needs must .. anything is possible . I think the spin on mine is about 450-500 rpm if I can help just ask ..
Darren

 

[aussie-plugs]

Very exciting!

What a wonderful find. That's the machine our neighbour had when I was growing up. She later replaced it with a Hoover Keymatic ...

Good luck with bringing her back to life - it will be a rewarding project.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bendix

Hello Charlie, belated Welcome to AW and Congratulations of finding your new Bendix washing machine. these are fab and do take time & effort to work on (and money) but are quite easy to work on as opposed to others of the era.

Having visited "The lincoln Launderette" I can confirm how fab these machines are to see fully restored and used.

Find out your model / serial number and you will find all the help you need here to restore your Bendix..

 

[astorobsession]

Hi guys thanks for your responses. The machine worked well right up until it was nearly on stop, then smoke came from the bottom? Something was buzzing?

The machine was not hooked up to water, just without..

 

[brisnat81]

Hey Charlie,

Based on your email and location of the magic smoke, it could be two options.

1) there is a solenoid on the pump that operates the drain valve
2) there is a solenoid on the gearbox that engages spin.

The Drain valve would've engaged right before spin started and run till almost the end. The Spin solenoid would've engaged after the drain valve and run until just before the end. Both solenoids could buzz

Check the two of those for signs of overheating and hopefully you'll find your cause. You could try and test the resistance of both and see whether either is open, or the resistance is high/very low, but assuming you had it plugged into an RCD protected circuit, and it didnt trip anything, it sounds like the insulation on the solenoids is breaking down.

Cheers

Nathan

 

[astorobsession]

@brisnat81

Thanks Nathan.

So if need to replace the rubber insulation? Or add a resistor?

Thanks

 

[brisnat81]

If its the Solenoids, you'll need to see if you can find a replacement. They're reasonably generic, its just a matter of finding a matching part.

It'll look something like this, its not an expart part, but you get the idea.

 

[astorobsession]

@brisnat85

Thanks Nathan. I saw that part sliding in and out. The smoke Was indeed coming from that region. It’s an electromagnetic system for fast n slow notches I take it? Switching from normal rotation to fast spin?

Cheers.

Hopefully I can find one!

 

[astorobsession]

The machine just stopped working today?

Hi guys is there a fuse in this machine?

Solenoid replaced and was working but suddenly just doesn’t respond on any setting of the dial now?

Any clues?

Where and what kind of rubber belt should I buy?

Thanks so much to everyone for their help!