GE Portable POTSCRUBBER Estate Sale BARGAIN

[akronman]

Estate sale find today, for two bois who are moving into an older apartment building with no dishwasher.
Model GSC461-60HT, Ser #TZ 514007B. Portable, 80's era? My "Date your appliance" page doesn't recognize it.

It was in a basement, unused for years, and the kitchen upstairs was TINY, I think it was too darn big to use. And when I first hooked it up, it made TONS of suds that leaked out the door bottom, had to run it through 6 rinses before gone. I think the idiots used dish soap liquid, didn't like the results(???) and carried it to the basement shortly after purchase. The underside shows rare use, clean machine.

 

[akronman]

4 loads so far

and a tiny leak, maybe 1/8 cup, from the backside of the solenoid wash-versus-pumpout flapper, as viewed from the front. But each load through gets a smaller puddle, maybe something dried out is now re-suscatating itself? I got a few drop of turbine oil in the far end of the motor, but there's an occasional squeak. Maybe I'll need to slightly dis-assemble and lube it.
One load with 1/4 cup Clorox and 1/2 cup Borax made the racks sparkle.

The POWER SOAK cycle is maybe 45 minutes, I got tired of watching the clock. I'll advise my chums to use NORMAL most of the time, I bet it'll do fine.

I think I got a STEAL at $20.

What era is this? I have a 55 MObile Maid(still needs some work), a 66 Mobile Maid with Power Shower(Used once a week and runs like a champ and washes EVERYTHING), and now this more modern temporary model. My friend's moving day is June 5, they'll be happy to see this.

Any advice on a squeaky motor?

 

[norgeway]

RE Squeak...

My old Kitchen Aid squeaked for a week or so after I got it and finally quieted down...Is that a Chambers I spy !!??

 

[magic_clean]

Think

its mid 70's era

 

[bigalsf]

This is a mid-70s model. It will wash well, but will use a ton of water. Based on what I see of the underside this machine was used more than the sellers indicated. The leaking drain valve shaft may re-seal itself, but that is usually not the case. Also, e squeak you hear may actually be the main pump shaft seal. Rather than replace both seals it would be better to get a new pump/motor. They are relatively inexpensive and can easily be found on eBay, various parts sites, etc. The new motors are extremely quiet and much more energy efficient.

The PowerScrub cycle is intended for very heavily soiled loads with dried on foods, and heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, etc. The long cycle is accomplished through a cycle extender switch. When loaded correctly this cycle did do a decent job on pots and pans, etc.

 

[washer111]

Great!

Good to see another Potscrubber joining the Automaticwasher family!

People seem to have mixed opinions on replacing the old motor/pump-assembly. The gains in energy efficiency* are possibly worth it, as are the noise reductions if you are sensitive to louder machines.

I'm guessing, as this is a lower model, that it doesn't have the "PermaTuf" tub that G.E. had started to market in this era?
The doctrine I have seems to suggest only the GSD1050 and GSD950 models were available with G.E.'s new "PermaTuf" at that point in time, with all other machines receiving the ill-reputed "TufTub" (that just loved to rust away...).

As for the Powerscrub option, on the more advanced models, this would enable a thermostatic hold to 150°F before advancing - but kept washing at the same time. The washing time is/was around 45minutes + heating time.
On lesser models, I understand either you had NO heating, or some models just turned on the heater for the entire washing period. (Which when combined with the hideous power draw of the induction motor, would probably cause some upset timers!)

Still, for such a lower price, this is a good investment and should continue to provide respectable results for some time to come - given good detergent and un-rinsed dishes. One thing - Mind that tower. If you block it, you're in for a real treat re-washing half the load in return for your blasphemy against the "PowerTower!"

*These motors apparently draw a horrendous current through the timer - the newers motors use different technologies and thus aren't putting as much strain on the timer and related control circuits.

 

[appnut]

This is a 1st generation Potscrubber, fairly high up model.  This was before the energy saver dry switch was required. Thus, probably before 1974. 

 

[volvoguy87]

Kitchen!

We're going to need some pics of your kitchen. That teaser looks fantastic!
Dave

 

[tomturbomatic]

The convertible-portables could not have the plastic tub because the tub was the supporting frame for the whole machine unlike a built-in which had cabinets and counters around it. The back wall of the tank was the back of the machine as it sat on the wheels; single wall construction and no insulation back there.

KitchenAid not only had a porcelainized steel tub, but they also had a steel frame around it to protect the porcelain, which GE did not need with their Plastisol-coated tanks.

 

[akronman]

Mark's Kitchen

Dave---It's good to see you here and hear you had a fine time in Pittsburgh.

My houe is a 1916 Foursquare, the cabinets are 1942, the Formica Boomerang countertops are from 2008 (when I also added in a retro sink) and the floor is yet un-done. (I get 87% thru a project and lose steam!)

The curtains and cloths under the sink and above the stove are 50's print kitchen tablecloths, I've always loved them and wanted to use them somewhere. The Nutone Food Center is 1952, and I still need to cut up the drawer to fit back in beneath it.

The Chambers Range is a 1952 or so, but then I bought the higher lighted backsplash from a 1942 model.

There's tons of Pyrex all around. At some point, I had the entire 1947 and 1953 catalog of Pyrex kitchenware.

The fridge is a 1956 Hotpoint. The built in dishwasher is a 92 Kitchenaid 23 series.

I did NOT get the full gay genes for decor and colormatching, sorry. But I like my kitchen! And I am very colorblind, it takes LOTS of color for me to notice.

Wow! Now that I look at all these pics, I think I"m a messy bachelor!

 

[verizonbear]

your kitchen is awesome!

excellent job with the colors! love the dishwasher cabinet/hutch was that custom made?

 

[akronman]

custom made

by me! Thanks! And it extends back on the left to form a portion of the shelving installed where the ice-man's back door used to be, for as much shelving and storage as I could make. I added some outlets 'tween the shelves for the toaster and coffee pot, etc, since the kitchen really doesn't have tons of counterspace.

 

[danemodsandy]

I Had....

....That exact dishwasher. Forever.

And it leaked from first day to last. This was in spite of repairs to the Plastisol, replacement of the motor/pump assembly, replacement of the door gasket, adjustments to the latch and striker, and Lord knows what all else.

Find another dishwasher - any other dishwasher. That thing will screw up your life worse than a meth habit.

 

[akronman]

well

one $35 used new version motor later, no squeaks, no leaks, this is a strong machine. The portable model is a porcelain tub, no Plastisol. Quiet, strong, reliable machine here! Boy does the newer style motor make a difference