Calling Norge Experts (20lbs.)

[bobbyderegis]

Hello All:

My Magic Chef/Norge 20 pounder slowly agitates while in the neutral drain. Is this normal? Is there somthing that needs to be adjusted? Do I need to worry about it?

Bobby in Boston

 

[roto204]

Ruh roh

We had one that did this, and after poring over the tech sheets with Robert, we determined that it had a bad torque-spring somewhere in the tranny.

 

The solution:  Wash full loads that fall to the bottom of the tub after neutral drain and help hold the agitator stationary so that the wiggling stops before spin.  Otherwise, the gentle remnant of agitation pushed the load out of balance and wreaked havoc with smaller loads.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Thanks Roto!
I assume this won't do any damage, long term. Full, heavy loads keep the agitator still after most of the water is out and the weight is resting on the fins.
Bobby in Boston

 

[roto204]

So far as we know

Our machine never conked out--it did cry like a puppy as the agitator slowed against the weight of the clothes, which was kind of cute, actually.

 

Ultimately, though, it does mean that the transmission isn't 100%, though whether this would ever develop into a show-stopper, I can't say...

 

[bobbyderegis]

Roto:
This one whines too. Sounds like a kitten crying, and the more water that leaves the tub, the louder the whine. When the solenoid releases the brake, the whine stops until the tub is coasting to a stop. Then each slow turn of the tub has a very similar whine. If you have ever seen Robert's video of the Montgomery Ward Norge, there is no whine and no movement at all during the neutral drain.
Bobby in Boston

 

[combo52]

WHINNING NORGE WASHER

The whining sound is likely the main water seal. You can lubricate it with out disassembling the washer by turning the complete machine up side down and squirting some light oil in the bearing above the transmission and let the machine sit upside down for a few days. This will fix the whine, it will not help the light agitation during drain, but as stated earlier just wash larger loads. One of the most destructive things you can do with any washer is to wash very light loads as this means extra cycles must be run and its the number of cycles that will wear out the machine more than an occasional large load.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Combo:
The whine sounds like it is coming from the top of the agitator. It's more of a low pitched squeal. It is consistent with the oscillation of the agitator. Is there a bearing or gasket where the agitator screws onto the shaft?
Bobby in Boston

 

[combo52]

WHINNING NORGE WASHER

Bobby thats the whine I am talking about, it is likely caused by the main water seal which is under the agitator and inner basket.