Copper Brown 1-18 - New Development and Question

[angus]

OK - so here's the deal. As you remember, I found that copper brown 1-18 this past summer that appeared to be in remarkably fine shape. Since July it has reposed at the local service place until the mechanic had a chance to look it over. Last weekend, he left a message for me to "forget that machine - the bearings are shot". Now I ran that machine before I took it and I didn't notice any particularly unusual noise.
This may sound incredibly dumb but what does this really mean?If this is true, is it fatal or can it be fixed?

Your thoughts, my resident experts...................

 

[westytoploader]

Hmmm...I wonder why he would say that? Spin bearings on the 1-18 are serviceable/replaceable (although they are a bit tricky to access), and you can definitely get a new motor!

My advice: Take that machine home ASAP before it gets Krushed.

 

[roto204]

Anyone that holds onto your machine that long automatically elicits my ire. I say get it back and at least get a different repairperson, even if you don't want to attempt the endeavor yourself.

 

[thirtyater]

Hmmm, This reminds me of when I took a TOL really expensive TV to the factory authorized dealer for a repair. They called and said it couldn't be fixed and ever so graciously offered to "dispose" of it for me. I immediately picked it up and took it to another place and got it repaired very cheaply, like $26. I think someone at the repair shop really likes the item you brought in too.

 

[mayken4now]

thirtyater:

BINGO!

angus:

GET YOUR MACHINE HOME TODAY! THEN WE WILL TALK ABOUT HOW TO GET IT LOOKED AT. This is scary guys. Please don't leave a vintage machine somewhere for more than a "Stale" week!

come on.

Steve

 

[jetcone]

If you have any experience with

repairing machinery then I will tell you that machine is EASY to repair. If you have the bearings on hand and the tools to open it up and remove the bellows,and the new tub seal, you can do a complete bearing job in a weekend.
These transmissions were designed to be reworked.
There are 2 sets of bearings on them, one is the spin agitate shaft the other runs the pump shaft.
When brand new the machine will spin silently, when the bearings are old it will roar like any Frigidaire.
So if it is not roaring and I mean roaring in spin then your guy is full of it! And I definetly agree with thirtyater they want that machine for some reason.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Anthony "the bearings are shot" is translated into "oh dear, it's not just a water valve to replace and I have no idea how to work on such a contraption". Since they do it all the time in the field to 7 year old washers, so they certainly will do it on 30 year old machines.

The advice you were given about getting that MACHINE HOME RIGHT NOW is probably very purdent. Working on these machines is something we all have to learn if we want to keep them running for the rest of our lives.

 

[pdub]

Back in the early 80's I bought a white matched pair 1-18 set from a used appliance store. The washer ran fine in the store with no water in it. I had them delivered and everything was great until it went into spin with water in the tub. It would start to spin and then the motor would cut out and just stop. I called the place up that I had bought them from and they came and said they would have to bring it back to their shop. A week later they said the machine was unfixable and I should come in to pick out another one. Of course they had no more white 1-18's and so when I asked to see my old one they said it had already been dismanteled and scrapped (without my permission). I told them I wanted another white 1-18 and they finally found me one about 6 months later when they realized I wasn't going to stop calling them.

Anyway, get your machine back now, and if it worked when you brought it in then it better still be in working condition.

Good Luck

 

[coldspot66]

With all due respect....There are a few club members, myself included, that make a living fixing appliances. Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost love and respect for the quality and ingenuity of appliances that came before, but in today's world, appliances are a mature product and so taken for granted. Not everyone shares our enthusiasm for these mechanical wonders. Also, appliance stores that also service will be reluctant to fix anything that requires alot of time and labor. Their main business is selling and most customers will not pay a fair labor rate for something that CAN be easily replaced. OK I feel better now!!!

 

[runematic]

I agree, Coldspot. Unless you specifically told the repair shop that this is your vintage collectable (just like an old car, motorcycle, etc), they're looking at an old POS. NO OFFENSE MEANT BY THAT. Most consumers like to update when the expense of repair gets prohibitive. If you explained to them that you want it fixed at all costs, then you have a gripe. They should fix it regardless then.

 

[goatfarmer]

I personally rebuilt many of those transmissions under warranty,so yes,the bearings are servicable.Any place that sells bearings can match up the old ones,and come up with replacements.The hard part might be finding tub seals,but I bet that's not even impossible.Get your machine back.

kennyGF

 

[fixerman]

As a used appliance dealer and technician, I can tell you to the average consumer vintage and antique machines are just "old" As a tech, when I go on a service call and the machine requires a transmission or motor invariabially I will be told "I can buy a new ome for less than that" It is this kind of attitude from customers that makes it tough. So I agree with Coldspot and Runematic. I know to everyone here the old stuff is cool but to us in the business we must look at things alot differently.

 

[angus]

Well, I will be getting that machine home within the next two weeks, so he will not be getting rid of it. Don't worry, I will figure this out one way or the other. I actually don't think he wants it for anything. He is much more interested in 80's-90's Maytags and 90's Kitchen Aids. ]

For the record, the spin was loud, but I wouldn't call it a roar. You all are right, these machines are extra work, but are worth it........

 

[mayken4now]

OMG, within the next TWO weeks. Were you really born in 1957, angus? I mean I am confused!

 

[angus]

I don't understand the question. Why are you confused? Unfortunately, I have a position that requires a long commute to the city and an 80 hour week - combined with trying to make a go of real estate on the weekends. Also, I have to rely on a friend's truck and that is when it is available. That should clear up any confusion......

 

[mayken4now]

Oh Ok, I am not confused any longer. Hope your 1-18 is still there, working at least the same as when you dropped it off, not dented, scratched, and all that. Take Care.

Steve

 

[angus]

Thankfully it is stored at an appliance store warehouse - the repair guy has his shop next door. Since most of his service is "in home" and his shop is mostly parts, the appliance retailer lets him use a section of the warehouse. The copper beauty is in a side aisle and the white 1-18 that the warehouse guys pulled in for me is way in the back of the warehouse. Both will be delivered......