Crosley Portable W/D Set

[westytoploader]

Made by Crosley...appear to be 1990's models. Dryer is obviously the WP/KM Portable design, but the washer...well, haven't seen anything like it. It looks similar to my GE, but the lid extends all the way to the front.

I'm going to request a picture of the interior...could be an impeller, or better yet, a pulgitator machine!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=71257&item=7508031845&rd=1

 

[pulsator]

I have seen the Whirlpool version of that washer, it is the exact same as their other portables, just the panel is on the back instead of the front. They are quite rare.

 

[Calypso Bruce]

This washer is what Whirlpool referred to as the World Washer when they introduced it. It has the deeper tub and taller straight vane agitator. The motor reverses at each stroke of the agitator. I have used this type machine and it performs pretty well. I think it has a 750 rpm spin. I have seen many with control and pump issues though.

 

[jamiel]

Ok, so that was the world washer---I had an Estate which I got from Plass Appliance in Chicago in about 1995 or 6. Very different mechanism than other WP washers. Plastic top and lid, tub suspended on 4 rods. As it filled, the tub settled down (i.e. spring loaded to the top, stretched down by the weight of the load). A not-very-smooth reversing stroke with a pause between (which would be explained by the motor reversing). Lint filter inside the agitator attached to the softener dispenser--small basket about 1 1/2 ins in diameter. Strange surge and coast spin...would accelerate, then coast down about 3x after wash and 5x after rinse.

My issue was that my laundry room was in the garage, so the water froze every winter. I replaced an old Maytag (mid 70s) which handled the freezing OK (I'd just put a lightbulb in the tub for an hour or so before doing laundry). I really wanted one of the Frigidaire frontloaders (they were just changing from the old design to the new design) but couldn't tell me whether they were freeze-tolerant or not. I figured that the "world washer" would be best b/c in the 3rd world...people didn't necessarily have their washer in the house warm!!

Worked fine until I sold the house.

JL

 

[toggleswitch]

WP Portable washer

I had a washer similar to yours Jamiel. It did not have a rear control panel; the controls were on an angle in the front. The controls were electronic and there were wash/rinse/spin neon indicator lights to indicate cycle progress. All other features sound the same as your machine. I never did understand the reason for the suge and coast spins. Were they trying to ensure a balanced load?

I had actually read that there are more problems with pipes freezing in the south than in the north--believe it or not-- due to construction techniques. (apparently the occasional very-cold snap does damage there)

To prevent freezing:

Can you add a loop with a radiator to your hydronic (hot water) heating system with a cheap line-voltage thermostat to keep the garage above 40 degrees F?

CAUTION: It is most likely illegal (in your state too) to add a warm-air type heating vent to a garage, should your house have a warm-air system. This is to prevent fumes and gasses from entering the living space! [during the off cycle]

If your dryer is electric you could always add a 220V heavy-duty wall-mountable electric wall-heater and plug it in to the dryer's outlet. Just buy a dryer cord that matches your outlet. These heaters tend to be less than 30a so the cord will be properly rated for that size electrical load. Please just ensure that the thermostat on it is a "Freeze-guard" type. (No "Off" position and the minimum setting is around 40 degrees F.) Actually now as I think about this even if you dont have a 220v outlet in there, a 110v heater may suffice...