Frigidaire Unimatic

[kennywhy]

This was posted in Shopper’s Square but there hasn’t been much response. Perhaps it will get more attention here. I am still considering the one person so-far that has expressed interest!
I have decided to part with the Frigidaire WO-65-2 washer that came from Roger LeQuea’s collection of machines.
Cosmetically it looks great. However it has developed an intermittent problem with the starter switch. Or it may possibly be another motor issue. I don’t know. It set off smoke detectors in the house the last time I ran a cycle. Along with the smoke, there was a crackling, burning sound from under it, when I stopped the machine.
If you reference Robert’s Post #18700 – on AW.org, "Repairing a Unimatic Washer Motor Start Switch", that may be the fix for the problem. “May” being the key word. I’ve repaired it before on another machine, but I don’t want to risk damaging another hard-to-find part and/or making the situation worse. I just don’t have the interest or desire to deal with it anymore. Strangely, It ran fine the next time I tried it. With constant monitoring of course.
The washer was saved, as I believe it would have been junked otherwise. The only cost to me, was having to pay a mover about a hundred dollars to get it to my house in Tucson. It was moved again to Cathedral City, CA where we live now. Hence, the only cost to me was a couple hundred of dollars covering two moves. To those who don’t know this part of the country, Cathedral City is just next to Palm Springs. It is a couple hours drive roughly east of LA or San Diego.
I would rather sell it to someone who can repair the machine, and fully appreciate it. As opposed to someone thinking about flipping it to make money. I’m sure Roger would have felt the same way.
I am asking $225/best offer. It’s worth at least that. That covers what it cost me to move it.
Of course, the machine is sold "as-is". Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s warranty period expired about 70 years ago!
[email protected]

 

[Unimatic1140]

That is either the start switch is sticking and not letting the motor out of the start windings or the capacitor is getting weak and not giving enough power boost to the motor to get the motor up to speed during spin acceleration keeping the motor in the start mode.

 

[maytag85]

The start/centrifugal switch is probably sticking. Had that happen to my Whirlpool this summer while I was trying to put it through its paces, disassembled the motor, cleaned the start switch and was back in business.

 

[countryford]

A month too late.

If you had posted this a month earlier, I would have purchased it, when I was out that way.

Roger was a good friend and was one of the first persons in the club that I met in person (along with Ross and Nate).

 

[kennywhy]

Unimatic “Push to Reset” and sell!

The machine is still in my hands, sitting in the garage. It’s hard to believe that no one is interested. Though I can certainly understand logistical concerns. The one local party that was at first wanting it, doesn’t seem to be pursuing it any longer. I would never in my life consider “junking” it of course. But I can’t keep it “forever”.
Thought I would try just one more time. Is there anyone on the west coast, or anywhere for that matter, interested in owning this machine?

 

[launderess]

It's been over a year and you've done your best, sometimes one simply must do what has to be done and darn the consequences.

Will invariably follow bit later on after whatever action has been taken up comes inquiry after said item.

 

[qsd-dan]

Unimatics rarely show up on the west coast, this is a great opportunity for someone who wants one.

 

[launderess]

IMHO thing things come down to many of us die hard collectors aren't young like we used to be, in fact good number seem to be eyeballing exits by slowing letting their collections go. IIRC RedCarpetDrew is out in that neck of woods or at least west coast, but he's retiring and parting his collection.

In same vein many collectors have gone onto the other place and or perhaps have lost interest.

Factor in transportation costs (especially reliable and safe) aren't inexpensive if one doesn't do job oneself. Even then petrol prices still have to be factored into things.

One personally has listed a few vintage Frigidaire items found at auction that went for comparatively little money. Well "little" compared to say one or two decades ago when such things fetched high prices.

 

[maytag85]

I considered, but with the holidays and a family member who had a knee replacement surgery back in January, I had to pass. Maybe I could arrange something this upcoming spring or summer, but after the timer debacle on my Whirlpool, it’s probably time to thin the heard down. Once my Whirlpools are up and going again, going to sell of the Maytag 810 set, possibly my Maytag 606 set but will see on that one.

 

[countryford]

I am still interested in it. It is just that I wouldn't be able to get it until late summer probably. Unless you are going to Tucson at some point

 

[kennywhy]

Possibility

I don’t plan to go back to Tucson anytime soon. However, there is a member in San Diego expressing interest. Though we won’t know for sure until late in the month.