"Hotpoint" top-loader issue

[willsdaddy]

We have a "Hotpoint" WLW3500B that is leaking from the bottom of the tub during the rinse/spin cycle only. I say leaking, but in actuality water is all but pouring from the bottom of the tub at this time. I don't think the issue would be any of the seals because wouldn't that leak at times other than just the rinse/spin cycle? I am thinking that perhaps the almost 30 year old pump is restricted internally and water is not able to drain fast enough and ends up climbing the walls of the tub during the spin cycle and flows over the side. I am typing this at work and have not actually had a chance to test my theory. I was just wondering if this was plausible and/or if anybody else had an idea. We cannot afford a service call so I am going to try to fix this myself. I would appreciate any and all ideas. Thank you in advance.

Rob

 

[cfz2882]

probably boot

probably a "transmission boot"problem-just go a couple threads down to the
"GE filter flo"thread and you will see details on that boot.
Hotpoint washers have been made by GE since about 1972

 

[willsdaddy]

Okay, I read through that thread. All 88 posts (more or less) and I understand where that could be a problem. My question is, however, wouldn't that leak during more than just the rinse/spin cycle? I would think that we would have water coming out all the time if it was the transmission boot, and not just during that one cycle. That is the only time that we leak. If I am wrong, I am sorry. I don't have the washing machine experience that most on this site do. My area of concentration revolves around computers. And F-14D Super Tomcat radar repair, but I'm a little rusty on that one. Thanks again in advance.

 

[yogitunes]

were still a little lost on when its doing it, during rinse as in agitation and filtering, or spin as when the tub is turning and pumping out water....

is it only during rinse or wash too?.........both spins or just the one?.....

probably best to take the back off and see where and when the water is coming out, then go from there...

 

[willsdaddy]

Okay, sorry if I was unclear. It does it during the spin cycle. When the tub spins up and the water starts to drain, it will pour out from around the bottom of the tub. I had the back off last night while it was running and there were no leaks whatsoever until it go to the spin cycle. I can't tell if it is coming from the bottom itself, or if it is coming down from farther up. I was not able to get in real close because of the cramped conditions behind the machine. I'm a big guy (6'4", maybe 250lbs), and trying to fit into an area that my wife, (5'3", maybe 115lbs) has problems fitting into isn't the easiest of tasks. I'm not quite sure how I can get down to the proper level without getting soaked. I'll probably just have to bite the bullet. That's what dryers are for, right? Maybe I'll see if I can get a video of what it's doing and post the link. I'll work on that when I get home. Thanks again!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

OK, I'm not a GE go-to guy, but I know enough to be dangerous (I think). But here's my perspective on this: If the machine doesn't leak at all during agitation, then it is doubtful that the boot is leaking. Same for the pump - if it has a rim-flo filter and the pump doesn't leak during agitation, then it doesn't seem logical that it would leak during spin either unless there are parts of it that touch water during spin ONLY.

That said, we've been talking in various posts here how GEs and later Hotpoints can wear holes in the outer tubs due to "basket crash" on the tub walls, and if this has happened finally, it may very well only leak during spin drain when water is flailing out at large volume.

If this were my problem I would raise the top of the machine and look for traces of leakage on the sides of the outer tub - usually once a leak has happened for a while it will leave a white detergent trail that you can follow if it is not still wet.

I would also check the hoses. If one of them has cracked or rotted in the drain path, that could clearly be a culprit too.

Gordon

 

[willsdaddy]

That is certainly a valid point and I will check it out when I get home. I do have a question, though, regarding the pump. Is is possible for the pump to be clogged enough internally that it will strangle the water flow going through it enough that it therefore cannot pump the water fast enough causing it to spin up the sides of the tub and spill over the sides inside? Just a question. Thanks again!

 

[yogitunes]

for the pump to clog that much would have probably stopped the pump altogether, theres a lot that can go thru without stopping the pump, and if its that big, like a sock it will most likely jam......

and it is not uncommon for the water to raise during the first part of spin and flow back into the inner tub, if the top seal is damaged, then water may leak past this and flow down the outter tub and onto the floor...

but coming from under the outter tub in the area around the tranny, only during spin, doesn't sound right....

now the only other option like was said would be the drain hose from the pump to drain pipe, this wraps up around the fill valves and then down and out thru the back panel, if you have the rippled plastic one, it can get a pinhole leak that would only happen during spin, under pressure of the pump during spin....

 

[willsdaddy]

That is a good point. The only problem is that we just replaced the drain hose a few days ago. I also replaced the old crimp style hose clamp with a new worm-drive hose clamp. When it leaks, water is gushing down nowhere near where the hose connects to the pump. I am home now, so I am going to try to get a video and post it so you can see what I'm talking about. Thanks again.

 

[willsdaddy]

Okay, we just opened the top of the washer, and filmed three videos of it filling and spinning out. The first one was with an empty tub, the second was with a light load, and the third was with the same load as the second, but we added a pair of jeans. Not one of them leaked, which is why I have not posted the videos. We were going to chalk it up to "technicians syndrome" and keep an eye on it, but my wife decided to try it one more time. This time with the top closed. I did not record this time but I should have. It leaked. It looks like it is coming from what looks like a seal on the sidewall of the outer tub. On the outside of the outer tub, in this location, is a large rubber hose that comes out and up (this is on the back left of the outer tub) and then it abruptly changes to a more narrow hose that goes up and into the top console of the washer. I am assuming this has something to do with the water fill-level. I think I read somewhere that there is an air tube. Could this be it? Why would this cause the washer to leak? I am all out of ideas and am about ready to spend money we can't afford and call in a repair tech. Thanks in advance.

 

[yogitunes]

what gets me is only during the spin?!?!.....

but ok, is the water coming from the hose, maybe a crack or pinhole along the tube somewhere, or just where it attaches to the outter tub?......

is there a miniwash option?......although doesnot seem to be one with the pressure tube coming out the side of the outter tub....

well, you have somewhat where the water is coming from, now you have to pin point what exactly is causing the water to come out

we'll help where we can......doesn't seem to be that big of a fix for the most part.......investigate and see what needs replaced....

pics would help for a part you need

 

[volvoguy87]

Gasket.

On GE Filter Flos and Hotpoint Rim Flos, check the gasket on the top of the outer tub. The outer tub on these is stationary and the inner tub moves around on the suspension. The outer tub is sealed to the top of the washer by a nice big gasket. By top of the washer, I don't mean the lid through which you load and remove the clothes. I forget if the gasket is mounted to the top of the outer tub or the bottom of the top. During spin / drain, water can slosh up the sides of the outer tub and if this gasket is compromised, it will leak down the sides of the outer tub (look for those detergent trails).

The hard part of running the machine with the top raised is that the water will slosh up the tub during spin and slosh out due to there being nothing to retain it.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[combo52]

LEAKING HP-GE WASHER

Yes when the washer goes into spin-drain the water is thrown up higher on the inside wall of the outer tub and it is not uncommon to have rusted holes on the upper parts of the outer tub. It is not likely that the water pump has lost its pumping efficiency, but if the water is draining very slowly check for foreign items in the outer tub at the drain.

 

[willsdaddy]

Okay, time for a correction here. We actually have a Hotpoint WLW2500B, not the 3500B I previously stated. Sorry about that. Anyway, is it possible to remove the entire cabinet on this thing to facilitate access to the inner sanctum of automatic laundering, or am I stuck trying to squeeze my round peg of a body into the square hole of the access panel in back? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[yogitunes]

no....it seems like the only access is gonna be thru the back.....

 

[willsdaddy]

I was afraid of that. I think I'm going to have to call in the reserve squad to help me out with this. My father-in-law was head of maintenance for an apartment complex for almost 15 years, so he's had experience in this area. I'll post updates when I find out what is going on. Thank you again to all who helped.

 

[mrb627]

Rim Seal

Yes, I vote for the outer tub seal at the top of the cabinet.  Bet it wont do it at the lowest water level setting or at least be considerably less.

 

Malcolm