Hey...

[toploader55]

Any one know anything about moving a Unimatic ?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm???

All I know is they can't be on their side for more than a few minutes.

I also know that they can not be started until there is Hot Water poured down their Drain Hose and Soaked for awhile.

What about the Rubber "Flapper". Silcone I've heard...

Hey Guys... Just got an e-mail form that nice gal, It's MINE.

I'm on the Top of the World. The Holy Grail Of AW.org.

Please God , let her start up with no flaws. (Yeah Right).

View attachment toploader55++11-14-2009-22-46-57.jpg

 

[toploader55]

Robert... Help !!!!!!

If you would be so kind , Please give me any tips on how to Move and Start this Machine. It would be a trip to Cape Cod ... for you and your BF !!!!LOL , but mean it.

 

[travlincub321]

Bump

 

[gyrafoam]

Keep her upright for the move. If you lie her on her side you will have to secure the mechanism or the tub will list to one side and stress the (critical) tub support mechanism. It is hard (and by now, very brittle) old rubber, and the part is LONG ago NLA. Also, you would not want the mess of oil pouring from the breather tube on the side of the mechanism, so in any event that tube would need to be in an upper position.

Speaking of that tube, take a good look at the mechanism. Does it look as if oil has come out of that tube and run down the side of the mechanism, over the solenoid and down into the drip pan and even the cabinet cross-brace? It is in important indicator on whether or not the water and oil bellows have been compromised.

Yeah, I run HOT water into the drain-hose an let it sit for a while. The first thing I check is whether or not I hear the water inlet valve energize as I set the machine for a wash.
Then I wait to see if the timer advances on it's own.
Then I advance the timer until the machine pulsates. This is a critical test, because if the mechanism is "frozen" now is the time to find out.

If the machine pulsates and the tub slowly rotates----it's a bad sign----- usually a broken torque-spring.

Anyway, when testing the spin for the first time it is a good idea to only let it ramp up a little bit and then shut her down-----just to see if the brake works properly. I have made the mistake of letting one get almost to full speed and shutting it off------only to have the brake lock-up and cause the whole damned machine to slam a half-turn as it comes to an abrupt and startling halt! Not a good thing!

Best wishes with your new treasure!
IMO Unimatics are one of the best washers EVER. I can't imagine my laundry room without one!

 

[toploader55]

Thank you Steve

That is exactly the information that I am looking for.

I do not have the machine in my possesion yet, and I am actually thinking about renting a truck with a lift gate. What is the approx. weight of this machine ? Could 2 people lift it upright into the back of my truck ? I have read in the past this machine should NOT be transported on it's side.
I'll keep you updated as to when I have the machine here .
Thanks Again. Eddie

 

[revvinkevin]

My Two Cents.........

Hi Eddie, CONGRATULATIONS on getting and saving this machine!!! If it would have been closer I would have tried for it!

I can offer some general (hopefully) helpful hints on moving the machine, rather then specifically moving a Unimatic.

Of course having a dolly, or better yet having an appliance dolly would be a great help (I don't mean to state the obvious, but I gotta start somewhere! LOL). Also if you don't have any, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a package of (4) ratcheting tie-down straps (about $16). These are absolutely INVALUABLE when moving anything like this!

Based on my experience of moving older, heavy machines (like a 1963 Norge dryer (OMG it was heavy!) or an oval window Westy FL, with all those concrete balancing blocks) two guys of average physical strength will be able to lift the Unimatic, three of course is better, but two can manage. Also, while having a truck with a lift gate would be very nice, with another body to help lift, it will be unnecessary and probably expensive.

As for renting a truck, I suggest checking with Enterprise Rent A Car (check the website for locations). They offer unlimited mileage and most locations have pick up trucks or better yet cargo vans. A cargo van should be less $$ and if you have a dolly, you can load it from a curb in through the side door BY YOURSELF!

If you get a pick up and if you have a 4-5" (or higher) curb and the driveway (and street) slope up from the gutter, you can put the truck in the street with the rear tires IN THE GUTTER (at the driveway). This should put the back of the truck (the tailgate) lower so you do not have to lift so high to get into the truck. Or if the T-gate is low enough, you can tilt the washer back on the dolly, get 2 of the legs on the tailgate and WITH HELP, tilt the washer up onto the truck without really lifting it (more like tilting/pushing it up).

So is this clear as mud?? LOL

I hope you find this info helpful/useful. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions!

Kevin

 

[Unimatic1140]

Yay!!! Congrats Eddy!

I've transported Unimatics on their side many a times, but with any automatic washer its best to transport them upright.

Really there is not much to it. When you get him home, take off the bottom back panel. Pour very hot water down the drain hose, check for leaks. Make sure you can rotate the tub counter-clockwise. Then rotate the tub clockwise and it should catch on the brake. Plug him in (careful since its not grounded yet) and put it into the "RINSE" portion of the dial. See if it pulsates, let it pulsate for a few minutes to get oil pumped up to the spin bearing and then try out spin. If something goes wrong with any of these tests it will be restoration time.

You should inspect the bellows by getting the agitator up in its upper stroke position and feel for any obvious tears. Otherwise you're ready to go. But its very rare for any 60 year old vintage washer to work properly without needed some kind of restoration of some sort.

 

[toploader55]

Thanks Kevin

I do have an appliance dolly. And thanks for all the other tips. I have my own pick up and I have moved most of my machines on my own sometimes with some help.
I have been reading the threads about other members moving Unimatics and appreciate anyone's thoughts and suggestions as to carefully move this machine.
Thanks again and may all your spin cycles be balanced. LOL Eddie

 

[toploader55]

Thanks Robert

I am truly hopeing for the best. Also, Thanks for the grounding tip. I did forget about that as there were no 3 prong plugs back then. Suggestions for grounding ? I will be testing this machine in the garage just in case there are any leaks. So any advice as to how to ground him as I will be using a heavy gauge extension cord (Heavy Air Conditioner type) would be appreciated.
Thanks, Eddie
I'm ferklempt just thinking anout all this !!! LOL

 

[revvinkevin]

Just trying to be helpful!

Gee, I guess a lot of you guys out there already have pick up trucks. Oops! Hehehe.

Well I was looking at it from my perspective. Until 3 months ago I've never owned a truck (I'm not a "truck guy"), so I would talk a friend with a truck into helping, or letting me borrow it, or I'd rent one. Since my collection was growing like wildfire, the borrowing/renting thing got old and I ended up getting a screaming deal on the truck I bought.

In any event, I'm jealous! I also think Robert is most likely correct, the machine will probably need something. I just hope it's minimal and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! I wish you all the best luck with your "new" Unimatic!!

Kevin

 

[toploader55]

Hi Kevin

I do appreciate everything you offered.
I have always liked pick ups as they are higher off the ground (4WD) . I 've been driving trucks for almost 23 years now.

I couldn't imagine starting this type of collecting without one. You have to get creative if you don't have one or have a really good friend.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Eddy, you should probably change the cord to a three prong grounding cord. In the meantime, just attach a piece of wire from a metal screw on the machine to the metal part of the electrical box in your garage.

 

[toploader55]

Thank You Robert

I'm so excited.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he fires up OK !!!

Leaving for New Jersey Tuesday. Pics to follow.

 

[yogitunes]

Hey Eddie

where in New Jersey are you heading?.....maybe a few of us can gather for lunch somewhere....or even a quick wash-in!