Hoover Twin Tub Question

[kenmore58]

Found a coppertone Hoover Twin Tub today on Craigslist. Ran over this afternoon, still dressed up in my "big boy dress-up clothes" from work. Met the guy who had it at a worksite. Within five minutes we unloaded it from his truck and into the back of my jeep.

I will be posting pictures later tonight, since I'm meeting friends for dinner. But my question is, everything works well on it, except the pump. Looks like I need to replace the belt. Any suggestions on replacement belts? I tried a sewing machine belt, but that doesn't seem to be doing the trick. How about a vacuum cleaner belt? I'm going to stop at Wal-Mart on my way to dinner and see if I can find one that matches.

Also, how's the availability of replacement hoses, such as the drain hose and fill hose. The drain hose looks pretty good, but I would love to replace it. The fill hose was there with the machine, but had dried out and cracked.

Anyway, any advice would be helpful.

Thanks.

Ron

 

[bradross]

re. Hoover Twin Tub Question

Hello Ron,

Congrats on getting the coppertone Hoover - must look great to my boring old white one!

Regarding the pump belt - last time I replaced mine (albeit several years ago), amazingly a local appliance parts store still had them in stock. The belt is rather specialized - sort of a flexible fabric core impregnated with rubber, so it can stretch slightly AND grip the pulley.

The hoses are probably very difficult to find - I'm thinking eBay might be the best bet. Coincidentally, I'm currently looking for a rubber mat for the spinner, but the only eBay auctions are in Australia and England. Hoping a local source puts on an auction.

If I come up with anything concrete, I'll let you know!

Regards...Brad

 

[jocks54]

so jealous!

Guys, I am sooooooo jealous. I have been searching for literally years for Hoover twin tub with no luck.
I heard there was guy somewhere here in Conn, who has a bunch of them. No luck. To think I bought a new one in the 70's and than sold it way back when. Who knew?? I will continue to enjoy your posts!

 

[launderess]

I'ze Jus A Wittle Wabbit In The Sunshine;
I'ze Jus A Wittle Wabbit In Da Wain!

 

[kenmore58]

Hey Brad,

Thanks for the suggestion. There is an appliance store near my house. What have I got to lose? I'll check and see if they have any. Otherwise, I'll give ebay a try.

Seems at this point, that's the only problem with the unit.

Will keep you posted.

Regards,

Ron

 

[akronman]

Twin Tub Belts

Throw us a model number and some pictures, Twin tubs are fun. I replaced the belt on my spinner from old stock at a local parts store, I just walked in. Also, plenty of different parts from Ebay UK and Ebay Australia, I've also got a few needed parts from overseas that way. The belts are somewhat unique, and MIGHT be Hoover specific.

 

[reversajet]

Your wish is granted...

I've got a Twin Tub #0510 for your consideration. It's one of 70s vintage but looks pretty good inside and out. Also have a mini GE dryer for sale, just need to make room as they say. If you need more info I'd be glad to provide. Here in Westchester, near the Yonkers Stew Leonards!

 

[akronman]

Hoover 0510

Macboi91 in here, real name is Tim, is quite an expert on Hoover Twinnies.

 

Here is a link to the correct pump belt, but you might have luck at a local store that's been in business a while, old stock hanging around.

 

 

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[kenmore58]

UPDATE: Was able to get the pump working and able to run a load of wash through the Hoover. Trying to solve a minor leak coming from the pump.

Will keep you updated on the progress.

Ron

 

[launderess]

The Weak Link

It seems in Hoover's TT design was the pump; sooner or later they all leak. When I got mine though it looked practically new (see photos in my profile), the pump leaked like a sieve.

See to remember hearing from "those that know" letting these units sit unused for a while does something to the pump's seals and may be why so many units that have been laid up in storage years have pump problems.

While your scouting parts it would be wise to add a pump to your list. Not only to have as a spare but the replacement your sure to need sooner or later. The good thing is that the pump for early Hoover TT's can be found NIB still via some sources; mainly the UK and other areas beyond the seas of the USA, but they are still out there. As noted above every now and then you'll find a local American source for them as well. Finally there are aftermarket pumps being made in the UK as well but reports vary as to quality.

 

[macboy91si]

Oh Hoover

Yes, the pumps are problematic on these machines, but we still love them. One trick for avoiding a leaking pump is to pour hot water (nothing too extreme) into the spinner, maybe a couple of cups (or however much you're willing to sop up) and gently work the spinner BY HAND while soaking. The lube on the pump shaft dries out after time and the pump seal will stick to the shaft a bit. When the machine has been sitting for a while and is then powered on full force, it damages that seal. Sometimes they will swell-out and not leak after a while, sometimes not. Also the pumps can be lubed with turbine oil through the weep-hole on the bottom which can prolong things. They're just a bronze sleeve bearing with a water seal, very simple. Really though when you think about it, most have made it 30 years before seizing or leaking, can't ask for much more. Best practice is to take them apart periodically and clean and lube them, always flush the machine out after use and try and drain the machine fully if sitting.

Once they start to leak from the BOTTOM time is limited as the sleeve bearing is contaminated and will seize. If you have a 0510, 0512 or 0515 then you have, as Launderess stated the "old pump". Hoover changed the pumps in 1971 on the US models to a new pinch-valve style unit. The 0510/0512/0515 models used a "suction" pump with a diverter valve built into the top of the pump. The drain control rod went directly to the pump on these and operated a plunger in the top of the pump. These pumps are taller looking with 2 ports on the top and one on the bottom and a metal bail wire clamping the 2 halves together. These pumps were main style used on the Hoovers (except VERY early ones) throughout their life outside the US. They can have a tendency to leak from the top, where the control linkage goes in. There is a grommet on the top and a retainer clip. the clip holds the grommet in a groove on the top which seals the plastic control stem to prevent water from getting out. This can be fabricated with orings or washers of the right size as the little piece is long NLA.

I have included a link to my Hoover 0510 pump teardown just to give you an idea what the guts of the pump look like. If you need any more information, let me know, I'd be glad to assist.

-Tim

Hoover 0510 Washer

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