Blue box mod1

[supremewhirlpol]

Looking at the following pictures and comparing them, what is different about the Whirlpool BD?

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Ok, Here is picture 2. Also, what do you think these "changes" do? If you need hints, please ask.

 

[foraloysius]

It looks like there is an extra button in picture #2. So what is that for?

 

[akronman]

I'm gonna guess

On 2 of my machines, I added switches to a) stop the timer motor and allow extra time anywhere in a cycle, and b) override the water level sensor to allow me to suck suds back up from the drain tub during agitation.

You've added a switch on top of the main console, and another one at the right side, maybe same 2 ideas as me?

 

[markk290]

my guess

The switch on the side of the console is for shutting off the suds valve so the wash water isn't saved every time. Not sure what the other switch is for.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

1/2

For MOD1 I added 2 switches. One is the toggle switch on the side. The other switch is on the console. This is not a suds saver machine, and I did not add a suds valve or modify the plumbing. Also the switch on the side does not stop current to the timer. So now, what type of switch in on the console? Think cosmetic.  OOOOOOOOO!! First time I've used the editing bar!!  Also, what was special about the TOL model of this machine when it comes to looks?  Here is a hint:

 

[cfz2882]

automatic lighting

so it lights up automaticly when in the dark?

 

[supremewhirlpol]

cfz2882 has it nailed! The photoelectric switch on the console is for the Metal Halide lamp. The toggle switch on the side bypasses the photoelectric switch, as the original light was shut off by the timer. The purpose of the MH lamp is for a tub light. The work light is the 3rd part of this mod. Lets go through the 1st part of the mod.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Originally the timer dial lights up, but has a busted bulb.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

There is some space in the console but not much.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

I could have used a florescent light for this mod, but that would have been too easy. MH lamps get hot, so they need some space. They can also explode when coming it to contact with water. Such an explosion can cause someone to have a bad day. I have to a vapor tight fixture, clearances in the cabinet are tight, so it has to be mounted to the top of the machine.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The cabinet had to be modified too. What this picture does not show is the additional cutting I had to do to the right rear gusset bracket later.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The fixture has been mounted, and console area cleaned.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Here is the ballast kit. I'm going to be very vague for the wiring side, as I don't want future viewers who know nothing about electric to attempt this.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Picture of lamp start test.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Lamp is out of start stage->fully on.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Photoelectric switch mounted.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Just a mess of wires...

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Button up the console->for now

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The first part of this mod is finished.

 

[tolivac]

Now there is a solution for those hard to find flourescent appliance bulbs-replace them with a metal halide bulb!I may have to do that for my WP and KN washers that need the new flourescent appliance bulbs-NO ONE has them here!But the metal halide bulbs and ballasts are EASIER to find!And the MH bulb should last longer,too.Like the vapor tight fixture maounted in the control panel.NEAT!!And the washer chassis serves as a heat sink for the ballast!It will last longer,too!If only light fixtures had better heat sinks for the ballast and igniter.Stay tuned-you may be able to get Digital electronic ballasts for such bulbs,Venture,Advance,are working on them.The photocell is interesting,too.Many fixtures have them so you could use the cell from a fixture.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Hi Rex!
That's interesting, Florescent lamps hard to find? The 25W Incandescent bulb that this machine used cost me $3.50. Feit Electric brand, too bad this bulb isn't going to last 3 months. The MH lamps and ballasts are still widely available. Depending on where you get them the ballast kits can be expensive. Now I have seen MH lamps as small as 20W that use electronic ballasts. Even the electronic ones are costly.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

part 2

Now its time for mod1, part 2.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Here is the underside of the top

 

[supremewhirlpol]

MOD1, part 2 is the modification of the splash guard. I have an extra just in case I mess up. The other is slightly different, but will work.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The plan is to cut out different areas around the splash guard, place plexiglass over them so the light from the MH fixture can shine through. I marked areas around the splash guard to cut out, keeping in mind where the seal meets with the underside of the splash guard. The I've marked boundary areas around the cut-out in the center, as I don't want to weaken this area too much.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Here is a picture of the amount of light in the machine from cutting out places on the splash guard. The plexiglass has not been put in.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The areas have been cut out.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Splash guard drying from being cleaned in preparation for the plexiglass.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Plexiglass placement