How do Unimatics do what they do?

[roto204]

Ross has a '56 Frigidaire that just came back from the doctor, but it looks like the leg was improperly set and we may have to shoot it, if you know what I mean.

It apparently agitates but will not spin; the most it's able to do is twirl a little, but continues right along agitating, instead of doing what it otter

Does anyone have any ideas for what might cause this phenomenon? We're headed over Thursday for a closer investigation, but I'd like to have some look-see items on a checklist before diving in.

Thanks very much for your help, everyone!!

--Nate

 

[gansky1]

It could be a number of issues, timer, spin solenoid, etc. but if it's spinning a little and pulsating at the same time, it sounds like the clutch torque spring is the culprit. This torque spring is deep inside the transmission so can't be inspected without disassembling the mechanism. When you have had a chance to make sure everything else is working ok, post some more of the symptoms and then we'll be able to make a better judgement.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Ross like Greg said most likely the problem is going to be the clutch torque spring that is deep in the transmission. You said "it does a little twirl", can you describe it further. Do you hear the clunk sound of the solenoid engaging? If you are in fact seeing a little twirl the timer and solenoid are probably OK which means it’s a transmission job.

Unless your "doctor" is over 60 years old he's likely never seen a Unimatic washer mechanism before and doesn't have the tools or the knowledge to be able to properly perform such a repair. Even if he used to service washers, he's likely has not seen a Unimatic for over 35 years.

The best advice I can give you is to get a copy of the Unimatic mechanim shop reoperation guide and study it. Then perform the repair slowly but surely. If you can take digital pictures of your progress we can help as you go along, but its not a quick repair, 10 hours for an experienced person. My first Unimatic restoration took about 40 hours, but I learned a lot just by reading the manuals and it was great fun!

 

[gansky1]

Ross, I have a couple of copies of the Unimatic Shop Reoperation Manual here so be sure to remind me when you get here.