Help me save my Whirlpool

[Nolagranola]

Very sad - I have an old Whirlpool LDA5700-5705 Super Surgilator with SudsMiser and a waterfall lint trap that I just love (it has a matching dryer). It has been a workhorse (only repaired once) and I want to try to figure out how to keep it, because now it is sadly dumping oil from the motor. Any suggestions of how I can save my washer? It is still visually in mint condition, but the repairmen don't want to fix it. I'd be willing to take a stab at fixing it.

 

[jasonl]

Sounds like a transmission leak. Pretty much a major job. It involves taking the tranny out, disassembling it, replace the gasket and new oil.

Big job but if you really love that washer, it's possible.

 

[Nolagranola]

Thanks so much. I'll give it a try next weekend. Nothing has ever cleaned like this machine for me or had it's capacity, and I would dearly miss it. I think it deserves a new life.

 

[fixerman]

I think there would be more to it than just replacing or rebuilding the trans. What is probably happening is the agitator shaft seal and bearing are bad causing water to leak down into the trans displacing the oil, forcing it out the top of the trans. It would need a new spin tube in addition to rebuilding/replacing the trans. Not a small task and quite spendy. You could try just replacing the top seal on the agitator drive shaft but there is still water inside the trans and will probably fail soon.

 

[Nolagranola]

Now you have really made me sad --- I will take a look at it to verify the oil displacement in the transmission, and the agitator seal and bearing failure. I am imagining it is going to be a bear to get replacement parts; wish me luck. I still have the original manual in nearly mint condition, so I at least I have a diagram of the parts.

 

[jasonl]

Ouch. That's the biggie right there.

Don't be downhearted, someone can fix it for you
It won't take too long, it'll just take money

 

[fixerman]

Parts aren't really a problem. Most of the parts you will need are still available.If you're willing to do the work, it can be done. A new spin tube, seal, transmission spring and seal kit, transmission oil and some other small parts. The biggest expense would be a new clutch assembly which includes the spin tube. If the clutch on your machine is still good, meeaning the pads and pulley bearing are good, you can get by with using it and putting it on a new spin tube which would save some money but is more work.

 

[knitwits1975]

Dear Nolagranola:
Are you talking Washington State or DC. If Washington state, I May Be able to help you out. I rebuilt an old whirlpool when I was 17. Keep in mind that this may take a while and cost a few George Washingtons. You probably want to get something else to get you by, even if only a Goodwill special. I hope to hear more from you.

 

[Nolagranola]

Ahh, the Washington debate. My apologies - It's never "state" if you were born here, and I never think about that when I post things. I'm in Mount Vernon.

 

[kenmore1978]

Saving a WP

This is not a hard fix, just a lot of steps and time. Parts are readily available. I've torn down my 78 LK 2-3 times and can do it virtually blindfolded. Get a service manuall and have at it. What's good about WP/KM is that they didn't fool with the basic design for MANY years, just tweaked things here and there.

 

[knitwits1975]

Hi Neighbor, It's been 3 weeks. How's it going with the whirlpool repair? Just curious.