Duet and Frontloader lint filter access

[applianceguy47]

I currently have a Whirlpool Duet WFW8300S.  I've also had other Whirlpool Duets. 

 

Behind the front lower panel is the pump and before the pump is a lint/large item trap, that protects the motor.  If you wash items that give off lots of lint, this trap can easily become overloaded and block the flow of water and create the need to access and clean out the filter.

This means removing the somewhat difficult to remove bottom panel.  Most front loaders have an access panel but there are a few models that don't.

 

My solution was simple enough.

 

Here is what a typical Duet looks like.  Notice the bottom panel is blank, with no removable panels or protrusions.

 

[applianceguy47]

I removed the three, somewhat difficult to reach, screws that hold the panel in place.

 

Then set the panel on the floor in front of the machine and measured, from several angles, where the clean out would be directly behind the panel, when it is installed.

 

I drew a circle to simulate the round filter.  Then added 3/8" around the diameter, making the circle larger.

 

With a new 'metal' drill bit and the panel firmly set on a piece of thick cardboard, to protect the finish, I drilled 6 holes around that circle spaced evenly.

 

Then, turned the panel outside up.  Placed masking tape over the entire area plus 3" outside the diameter of the 6 holes.Then redrew the hole using the 6 drill holes as the boundries. 

 

With a fine metal jig saw blade, and masking tape stuck to the bottome of the saw, I carefully cut out the circle.  It went slow as the panel was thicker than I realized.  Use the tape to keep the paint from chipping or getting scratched.  I need 2 blades to complete the job.

 

Afterwards I used simple paneling "U" shaped edge molding,  slit every 1/4" to install a safe edge over the rough metal, to make it easy to operate the filter through the hole without cutting your hand.

 

This is a typical molding one would look for at the hardware store.

 

 

 

 

 

[applianceguy47]

Then simply reinstalled the panel.

 

 

 

[applianceguy47]

closer.

 

[applianceguy47]

closer 2

 

(nervous laugh)  I didn't know there was a piece of pink foam under the washer.

 

[applianceguy47]

closer 3

 

I hope this helps.  If you decide to do this yourself, remember to measure twice, and cut once.   Have nice sharp blades and drill bits for the metal as it was much thicker than a piece of sheet metal, and you don't want to damage the paint.

 

Other than the bit, blades, and small piece of trim, it costs relatively little.

 

Good luck.

[this post was last edited: 11/29/2012-20:20]

 

[yogitunes]

Your on to something there......

Wonderful thinking for something that should have been there in the first place....thats using your head.....and thinking outside the box.....suprised no one has thought of this before...even the manufacturer....better patent the idea

if I may add a few ideas, and others may have some as well.....

I have used car door edge moulding for around openings like this, and they come in colors.....

also, could have used one of the billet style door trim that is used on many automotive gas door applications, this would provide a door, with latch...

 

[applianceguy47]

yes, car door edging would work.  Is it flexible that it would bend in a circle?  Is it rubber or plastic?

 

This panel trim is a rigid plastic.  It needed to be cut every 1/4" so the inner rib would conform to the opening.  That makes it look, a little rough.  And though the hole is a perfect circle, the panel edging doesn't fit perfectly.

 

As for the gas door, I'm not sure what that is.

 

One thing, I think your referring to, would be similar to the access doors frequently found on R.V.s for water tanks, electrical cords, and the like.

 

The only issue with either, is the plane.   The washer panel isn't flat.  The R.V. access panel is designed for a typical flat wall.  Short of heating up the piece (carefully) and bending it (carefully) to hopefully conform....  I don't know that that would work.

 

How about the gas tank , piece?  Will it work on a curved surface?

 

Personally, I'm fine with it the way it is open, though I think your idea of the automotive trim would certainly spruce it up.

 

I know others would prefer a more finished look.  Each to their own.

 

Does that trim have to be glued on?  And how much of a lip does it have?  Also, remember the edge of the cut metal has burrs which (could be sanded off ) would need a bit more space in the bottom of the pocket of the trim.

 

[yogitunes]

something like this would be a possible cover option.....

door trim is usually rubber, flexible, and can be cut to size.....usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size...glue is already attached inside the groove

but as you say..to each his own.....you got the ball rolling for a problem with something like this....its a start to something great...and more ideas will follow...

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9842313/

 

[iheartmaytag]

Don't you still have to take the front panel off when you clean it out? How do you keep the water from running everywhere.
The first time I cleaned my trap I was not prepared for the amount of water that ran out.
Recently when a repairman was out (had to replace a pressure switch). He showed me how the pump will come out of the rubber mount and you can tilt it outside the frame to drain in a bucket or pan. (Mine is on a pedestal).

I haven't ever found anything in the trap, but I checked it after washing the dog's rugs and it was clear.

 

[applianceguy47]

Excellent question.

I hadn't checked mine in a while, so I thought I would.

 

I used the lid to a storage container, you could also use a cookie sheet, to slide under the machine edge and catch water and whatever else.

 

[this post was last edited: 11/30/2012-14:06]

 

[applianceguy47]

slide it under the front.

 

This whole thing is kinda... 

 

[applianceguy47]

Loosen the filter

 

[applianceguy47]

I had to use a wrench to get it started.  The rubber seal fits good.

 

[applianceguy47]

Let some of the water out, then replace the filter to stop the flow.

 

[applianceguy47]

.

 

This whole thing is kind of embarrassing,  I post these regrettably, I...

 

[applianceguy47]

dump the first batch of water.

 

... really, its been a while since I cleaned this out. 

 

[applianceguy47]

I slid it back under, and this time got it under the leg as a little bit of water escaped the tray.

 

Then start to remove the filter.

 

....  I really,  I , I shouldn't really post these.  It makes me look....

 

[applianceguy47]

Use sponge to sop up extra water.

 

 

... I'm ,  O.K., you know what, this, it, this will be....