HELP! ABC wringer washer that won't wash

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abcomatic

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Feb 16, 2006
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I everyone. I brought up to the kitchen from the basement, my 1955 ABC wringer washer. I cleaned it up, plugged it in and the motor runs fine; however, when I turned the handle to wash, it wouldn't wash. It has sat idle for a few years. There is a big flywheel with a belt attatched from the motor. Should I put WD40 or penetrating oil on this? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated so that this machine can once again be back in the ranks of washerdom. Thanks, Gary
 
Try this, unless someone else knows different:

First of all, unplug the Washer, then see if you can turn the Belt at all by Hand. Take a basic Bar of Soap and run it on the underneath side of the Belt, while moving the Belt. Definately don't use WD-40 or any other similar on a Belt, because that will cause slippage instead of Belt tension.

Keep us informed as to if this or any other suggestions helps and/or if anything {hopefully not} else might be wrong of causing the Belt and Fly Wheel from moving.

Peace and Fun Laundry Times with a Wringer Washer, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
 
Gary and Steve ... will the bar soap residue wear off of the belt over time/use? Will that cause a problem?

I guess the soap helped the belt to grab on the pulley, huh?

I bet if you took the belt off and went to an electric motor service place, they could find a replacement for you.

Have you got a photo of your machine, Gary? I bet it does look good in the kitchen!!
 
Hi Gary

I was waiting for Geoff, because I'd rather die than break a machine (Hyperbole), but the easiest thing often works first and best. With the machine on, I was going to ask you to grasp the fins and move them them back and forth.

And I couldn't think of a thing to add to Sacto's perfectly brilliant answer.

Would you describe what a 55 ABC agitator looks like, and whether the stroke is fast like a Blackstone & WP/KM or slow like a Norge, Tag and early SQ? Thanks.
 
ABC up and working- now I need help with the wringer

HI guys, Thanks for responding. Maybe a new belt is in order; it seems to be the original one.
Geoff, I will try and get a few pictures of it to post here.
Mick, The ABC seems to have a rather slow stroke. It has a black, 3 vaned bakealite adgitator.
The wringer control lever won't move; it seems like it may be seized from no use in a long time. Any ideas there guys? Thanks, Gary
 
Hmmm ... Gary ... have you made sure it is in position? The only experience I've got is with Maytag and in order for the lever to move, it has to be "locked" into position.

Have you released the pressure from the rollers and then reset it?

I've never had or used an ABC ... is it a good machine to wash in? Does it turn the clothing over well?
 
HI Geoff, Yep, I did all of things you suggested. I soaked, the best I could, the gear box with penetrating oil. There is a screw and so I took that out and shot some oil in there. With a bit of patience I did get the lever to move.
The ABC has a slow stroke wash action but does move the clothes around and down and up for a clean wash. The bottom of the tub has "bumps" that are cast into the bottom of the tub that would help with wash action, the verdict may be out on that one? Thanks, Gary
 

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