Frigidaire 1-18 washer Spin and Leak Problems

[homan]

Hi,

we have been using the faithful Frigidaire 1-18 washer (inherited from previous house owner) for more than 8 years. The washer been working perfectly in the past 8 years. Recently, it starts leaking at the bottom of the floor during regular cycle. We ended up to get washer tray to hold the water as temporary solution.

However, starting from early this week, it had another problem when we used it. The washer started flawlessly and was functioning well during "Wash" cycle with gentle agitate speed. When it turned to "Spin" cycle, the washer started to spin for a while (less than 10 seconds) and then shut off right away. We tested it with only a few water left in the tub and the washer was able to complete Spin cycle without any issues. I'm not sure if this was caused by "unbalanced load". If so, how can we correct this issue. Also where shall we check to investigate the leaking issue?

I found this forums when googling solutions for my washer's issues and then realized how solid the Frigidaire 1-18 was made back to 70's. Appreciate your advices in advance as I still don't want to give up this faithful friend in our daily life.

Thanks.

 

[joelippard]

First thing is to get the front off take a look at the innards and find out where the water leak is coming from.  The condition you describe on spin means the clutch needs to be removed, cleaned, adjusted and reinstalled.  All of this can be done by yourself if you are mechanically inclined and good with tools.  There are people here to help you, myself included.  First let's get the front off and find where the water is coming from.  Photos are also very important in this process of having us help you.  If you plan to do these repairs yourself a "guided familiarization" with the repair manual will be helpful to you as well.

 

[homan]

Good point! Anyone has the manual with detailed steps on how to properly remove the front panel of Frigidaire 1-18? Shall I take aprt it from top of bottom of the fron panel?

 

[homan]

I have removed 3 screws at the bottom of the front panel but still not able to remove the front panel. Any detailed steps shall be greatly appreciated!

 

[joelippard]

You just grab the sides of the panel and pull down, it unclips from it detents and lifts right off.

 

[homan]

Joe, I was able to open the front panel with tips you provided here. Thanks a lot!

More information below:

My washer modle: Frigidaire 1-18 WC-6

I've found areas the water drops come from and post aome pics below. Please let me know what's the next step I shall follow to address the leaking and spin issues.

Thanks.

 

[homan]

closer view

 

[brucelucenta]

Unfortunately, this is a common problem that many of the Frigidaire 1-18 washers ended up having and usually ended with getting a new machine. The main seal under the inner tub is most likely leaking. That will make water get into the spin clutch causing the brake lining to get wet and not function properly. Also unfortunately, when you go ahead and use the machine with it still leaking like that, it usually ruins the spin bearing too. What it sounds like is that you would have to completely tear down the machine to replace the bearing and tub seal probably along with new bellows under the agitator. Not an easy fix at all. Plus it will be difficult to find the parts. There is of course just a slight chance that it could be the bellows under the agitator that is leaking because that would cause the same problem. But I expect it is unlikely if you have used it for the last 8 years. These machines do have a tendency to wear out the inner tub main seal in my experience depending on what type of detergent is used in the machine.

 

[philr]

The problem you have with the washer spinning is also related to the water leak problem. As Bruce said, the water going in the spin clutch probably damaged it and it doesn't slip (as it should) anymore. That adds some strain to the motor when the spin starts and the safety switch cuts it after a few seconds of spin with the tub full of water. 

 

If you like this washer and aren't willing to do extensive repairs, my advice would be to look for another one like it and keep this one for parts... Even if you find one that doesn't have the exact matching console with your dryer (if you have it), chances are that it could be interchanged as most 2-speed 1-18 washers worked. 

 

 

 

[yogitunes]

as Philr suggested.....most 1-18's insides were all the same...

there is a matched set for sale in Mass, check out ShoppersSquare......and the timer motor just needs changed, alot easier than changing that main seal.....then again, you could pop the insides out of that machine and install the unit into your body....anything is possible...

and still have penty of spare parts for the future.....

 

[joelippard]

Homan, all the comments from the guys above express my thoughts exactly.  The problems you have are major and will require a complete teardown of the machine.  While this certainly can be repaired it is a very difficult task.  Phil's suggestion about turning this machine in to a parts donor for another one is a very good one.  If you decide to proceed with a teardown let us know.

 

Joe

 

[goatfarmer]

It's not a terribly bad job, but parts availability is a concern.

 

[capecodlaundry]

Come get this beautiful pair...

Wow those internals look nasty...come north east an pick up this great pair with the window in the lid washer and matching electric Dryer.....

The water is still warm beaches are not crowded and you dont have to pay for parking any more...not much traffic jams either...make a fun trip of indian summer and get out of NJ must be too hot there still

Frigidaire GM JetCone Dryer and Washer (Window in LID)

Jet Action 1:18 Pound Capacity Collectible December 1970 Vintage Frigidaire GM-made Washer (MODEL WS4) and Matching Electric Dryer..(MODEL DS1) The washer features JET CONE agitator that moves up and down vertically...both in Harvest Gold cabinets. Great shape for age they have virtually no...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[homan]

Thanks everyone for your answers and suggestions. We have decided to give away this faithful washing machine and get a new one. Anyone close to Northern New Jersey and like to pick it up as your part donor, let me know before I send it to recycle center!