Cleaning Timer contacts?

[dustin92]

I picked up a '92 model Admiral (Norge) top load washer tonight (Free!!) but they said it only works "sometimes". I brought it home and tested it out, filled fine, agitated fine (smooth and quiet), and the timer ran fine... But when it got to the spin/drain, it gave a quick weak grr.. And stopped... The timer continued to advance, but no power was getting to the motor. I gave the timer a spin to the next spin cycle, same thing. I then thrned the knob while it was pulled out, it started up and completed the spin just fine. I was thinking lid switch, but that is fine; and it definitely is not a motor issue. It started and ran perfectly, multiple times actually. I took the control panel apart and extracted the timer, and upon further investigation, found arc/burned marks on several contacts, which I'm assuming are the spin contacts. I'm thinking of using some contact cleaner on them, but ideally would use some fine sandpaper- but I can't get to them without major disassembly. Does anyone think this will work? Hopefully- the machine is in perfect working condition otherwise, and one owner, never moved. Not great cosmetically, but fair. The timer seems to be NLA from some sources, and $100-200 from others- the machine isn't worth putting that much into. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks! (and apparently *I'm* Vintage too.... Born in '92, I feel old now LOL...

 

[gansky1]

The washer was free, so it owes you nothing.  At minimum, you'll have a good learning experience.   If you post pictures of the timer here, we will be able to give more advice on opening it up and, if it's possible,  how to correct the problem.  

 

[dustin92]

I've got the plastic cover off, and can see the contacts and down between them, but can't see how the housing actually comes apart- and not sure if I really want to take it completely apart if I can avoid it.

 

[realvanman]

Timer Contacts

I successfully cleaned up the contacts on a 1984 Maytag that I got for free. I folded a small piece of sandpaper into a long, narrow strip that was able to reach down in between the contacts. No idea if that might work on yours though, but it did work on mine.

Good Luck!

Keith

 

[arbilab]

I wouldn't "sand" contacts. Sand is a fantastic insulator and some of it inevitably sheds. Use a point file if you can still find one, cars haven't had points for a generation.

If sand is the only thing you can wedge in there, follow it with lintfree cloth to remove the sand.

 

[tolivac]

Go to an electrical or electronic supplier and obtain a relay cleaner tool.It is like a very tiny file type device.If the contacts aren't real dirty-a regular clean,paper filing card will work.It is just abrasive enough to remove dirt films from the contacts.

 

[combo52]

Contact Cleaning Is Not Needed

Contact repair is needed, you may be able to file and bend the contact arms to make this timer work, this can be difficult to  impossible to do on these newer "quick-disconnect " timers, but with a little luck and skill you might get it to work again for a while.

 

[kb0nes]

If the contacts are in really bad shape they may not be repairable. You can attempt to sand/file them into shape and they may work for a while. I have had good luck using products from Caig labs (DeOxit and DeOxit Shield) for cleaning and protecting contacts but sprays won't bring back badly damaged/worn contacts. They can greatly extend the life of ones in good condition though.

If you do manage to re-work the contacts so that they function again, you may want to consider taking the load off them. By using an external relay to handle the current you can take the wear off the timer contacts. The timer would only need to handle the current energize the relay coil. This may be an option that could extend the life of your timer if a new one is impossible to find.

 

[dustin92]

Well, two of the contacts are very burned and damaged, so I don't know if I'm going to get it working or not. I tried filing them a little, and it seems to have had little effect. After putting it back together, the machine wouldn't stop when the knob was pushed in. After taking it back apart, I figured that one out, but still need to get the spin contacts working. Maybe somebody out there has a spare one they'd want to part with?

 

[combo52]

Norge Washer Timer

Hi Dustin, What is the part number you need, I might have a good used one.

 

[dustin92]

Part number is 35-2750. I think I may have got it working (but who knows for how long) and will be trying a load with water and clothes tomorrow. I tried to take a decent picture of the beast, but my phone had other ideas...

 

[dustin92]

Clothes and water test went fairly well... Clothes were washed beautifully, agitation was good, first spin went fine, rinse fill went fine, and about halfway through the rinse agitation, it stopped, then restarted about 30 seconds later. Final spin went well. Don't know for how long it will work, I will definitely be putting it through its paces before letting it go. How would I go about installing a relay? I don't have much experience with the electrical side of things. I can wire in a new cord or switch, but beyond that I need instructions!

 

[dustin92]

I haven't run it again, but I'd still like to find a new/used timer or wire in a relay as suggested above, I just don't want to scrap it because they definitely don't make them like this anymore. Maybe it wasn't the greatest washer even when it was new, but it's better than anything new now!

 

[electron1100]

Cleaning Contacts

If I have to clean up contacts that carry heavy current and high voltage (washer timer etc)

I use very fine wet and dry paper soaked in Servisol 10 switch cleaner, I think it is called De-oxit over there.

I place between the contacts close them with my finger and mover the soaked wet and dry about between the contacts.

If the contacts are heavily pitted then it is more difficult as you need to a get a very thin and fine model makers file in there.

Gary