Bringing an unused direct drive washer back to life. Model 3RGSC9455JQ1

[aussiestayover]

Sometime time ago I purchased two never used Whirlpool Gold Ultimate Care II top load washing machines. Made around 2002.

One still has the yellow shipping strap still connected. I had to fit the front feet to both just to move them.

I wanted to learn if I can just plug them in and see if they will work. I have had old cars in the past and I always thought it better to turn the engine over a few times manually to get the engine lubricated before turning it on. I don’t think I can with a washing machine.

My concern is that the oil in the transmission will be thick or have gone solid. That rubber seals like at the bottom of the plastic tub will have perished. Not to mention other plastic and rubber parts.

Would the fuse just blow? Ahh in the top console panel I think…

I know the motor for this model is no longer available so I don’t want to find it leaks and then destroys the motor.

Any comments from others who have re connected a long time unused washer would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[repairguy]

I don’t think you would have any trouble connecting this particular machine and washing clothes with it immediately without doing anything special beforehand.

 

[washdaddy]

that machine looks like it's never been used

I don't think you'd have an issue running that machine. I would take a hose and pour some water into the tub to make sure it holds water with no problem. Provided that checks out and that it pumps out ok and spins with no problem I'd say you're all set.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Whirlpool

Morning Fenn and a welcome from me to the AW club, great finds you have there, as with many old New In Box items its always worth checking a few things out before plugging in , am not sure if these would benefit for water in the sump pump before switching on so let the US guys who have them advise.

I would check it outdoors for hose leaks , as much as they are new we have found NIB vintage to have as crusty broken pipes over time as a vintage used model.

Check the usual wiring and the plug etc and then see how it goes , looking forward to see your next steps !!

Cheers, Mike

 

[blockeight88]

Direct Drive Washer

Wow this is pretty neat. You purchased 2 Whirlpool washers in 2002 and never used them. Could you upload pictures of your other one, too? I would imagine the transmission would be fine. Maybe run it on heavy duty 2-3 times and inspect things, like others said. How didd you store these for 21 years?

 

[combo52]

Never used 2002 Whirlpool Direct Dr. washers

Just hook them up and enjoy nothing needs to be done.

Even if these machines had sat for over 30 or 40 years, they would probably still be good, modern materials are so good you don’t get the deterioration you go out with older machines when they sat for a long time.

And report back on how you like them.

John.

 

[maytaga806]

I never understood why Whirlpool began to become inconsistent with the style of agitators they’d use on the late 90s and 2000s machines, one has the thin auger fins (xtra roll auger) and the next one has the thick ones. My particular model which was a 96 came with the thick fins, but every other identical model to mine I’ve ever seen online has the xtra roll thin fin auger. I guess when they were putting them together in the factory they threw on whatever was closest to them physically because it’s very inconsistent. Anyways; enough of that. Absolutely beautiful machine! What a shock to have a DIRECT DRIVE brand new in the year 2023! And two of them at that! Incredible, I don’t know how you find them. Wish I could find one that would really be the cats butt. If you ever hear of one let me know asap!

 

[aussiestayover]

New unused Ultimate Care II washers

Hello, Thanks for all your replies. Good to hear that they could be all o.k. to put into use with out searching for parts...

Just to clarify I have one already and bought the other two identical (same models) unused on E-bay back in 2018. Looks like around £ 500.00 each. The joke being I paid about £ 360.00 in 2002 when they were new for my fist one.

A hotel that was being sold was was selling off their bits and pieces. They had bought them as spares and unboxed them but never put them into use as the ones they had never failed. I was so happy to find one let alone two. I prefer direct drives with a mechanical timer. They are so easy to work on. The problem now for me is I'm renting out that apartment so I'll have to put them into storage.

As a passing note I've added a note to the shoppers square looking for a top panel and motor for my original washer that is currently in use. The 218 volt motor is no longer available. Not that it needs one. I just want a spare. I hope I don't cannibalise these two new ones for parts...they are just too good.