I found a NORGE

[appnut]

Glenn, most likely for suds return.  Our Norge had a wide "dead" space between the end of the cycle and the beginning of the soak.  I discovered there was a couple of increments whereby it would agitate.   Found out as an adult, here, it was mostlikely the area for suds return for said feature equipped.  

 

[toploader55]

I remember a TimeLine from when I was about 12.

I couldn't imagine washing anything in a Norge for the 14 minute wash unless it was a pair of coveralls from a Off shore Oil Rig that were saturated with grease.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Nice machine and how interesting to see the timer over on the left instead of the usual right...

Whirlpool was putting its dryer timers on the left that time, too...

Hope you can show the world what a real neat and very rare washer really is, and may it be eternally everlasting...

-- Dave

 

[lesto]

A great machine. I have a Norge from this same time period (mid 70's) and it is a dependable workhorse. Mine has the soak-to-wash cycle as well as a separate "short cycle" with a 5 minute wash including two pauses during agitation and shorter rinse and spin periods than the normal cycle. I especially love the four combination speed control. These machines can really handle large loads.

 

[paulwash]

I cleaned up the Norge !!

So yesterday I was so excited. I picked up the NORGE washing machine from the estate sale. I cleaned it up really well. It washed and spin fine . I filled it for a second time . When the fill ended the tub indexed and then froze? No agitation, blew circuit breaker and I smelled burnt electric wires? But it spins out water with neutral drain? WHY OR WHAT would cause this? How can it be fixed my friends ?

 

[Unimatic1140]

When the fill ended the tub indexed and then froze? Paul did the agitator turn at all or did the tub simply turn 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn and then it locked up once it engaged the brake latch?

If it neutral drains and spins okay then the clutch spring is fine. It sounds like the agitation gears in the transmission may be locked up. The oil may have thickened and it may need to be taken apart and cleaned. The agitation gears may come loose with some very hot water in the tub (filled to the max water level). You may have to block the washer up and manually turn the pulley under the washer in the agitation direction (working the pulley back and forth) with the machine filled with hot water to get the gears to let go, once you get it moving it should be fine. Be sure the machine is unplugged before you do that.

You could also take the front panel off and apply some heat under the transmission (like with a few carefully placed 200 watt light bulbs) for several hours. If all else fails you'll have to take the transmission apart.

Edit: I just noticed you said it did agitate for the first try, maybe try the hot water trick first and see if you can turn the pulley in the agitation direction.

 

[neptunebob]

I was wondering...

If the Norge washer was so hard on clothes on the normal cycle why not use the delicate cycle for most clothes?  Also, when Maytag turned Norge into the Atlantis, did they do anything to make the washer less aggressive?  Now, why am I wondering about washing machines?

 

[paulwash]

I found a Norge

Thank you unimatic 1140!! I have it in my three car garage.. I’d have to move it to the basement in my house to fill it with hot water. I’m not super mechanicly inclined but I will get this problem solved. Some one in this area has to know something. I’ve been filling it with a hose and running it. Could it be anything else ? Why the first wash went fine ? Also blowing a circuit breaker .. burnt wire smell ?

 

[paulwash]

I found a Norge

Unimatic .. to answer your question the tub just indexed all the way till the brake stopped it and no agitation just froze and a humming sound then quiet and burnt wire smell.

 

[combo52]

Hot Burning smell

Hi Paul, Unplug it take the front off [ two screws at the bottom front and pop the top at the front and lift the front panel off the studs ] then tip the washer on its back remove the belt and see if the motor and pump turn easily in both directions.

 

Then turn the main drive pulley in one direction it should cause the agitator to move, the other direction it should turn smoothly but nothing will happen till you release the brake by closing the brake soloinoid with your other hand while turning the main drive pulley, now the tub should turn.

 

When you tested the machine with water did it leak at all ? Are there signs that the washer has leaked from the area above the transmission as evidenced by a possible rusty stain on the inside of the cabinet and front panel ?

 

If everything checks out mechanically it could have an electrical problem, Norge built washers with the 3/4 HP motor were famous for burned timer contacts etc, also durning look at and smell the motor for burning windings.

 

John L. 

 

 

PS, Thanks Bob and Greg for pointing out that this was not quite a TOL model, in this area we just never saw any Norge washers this fancy, but I knew that they certainly never built a 3 speed 20 pound machine.

 

[paulwash]

I found a Norge

Gentlemen thank you soooo much I’m going to try these ideas out ! I’m going to get this Norge to work. You are all great

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Well, we’re ready for dirty laundry, I see...

— Dave

 

[goatfarmer]

Burnt wire smell could be a belt.

 

[jamman_98]

Okay...

I know what everyone is thinking. Either you're excited about the Norge washing machine or you're excited about the handsome man who owns it. Just saying.

Best of luck with the washer. Keep us posted and take lots of pics....of the machine of course.

 

[rapunzel]

Damn, that is one cute hat...<3

Great washer BTW, hope you can fix it. You look like somebody who can fix anything ;o)

 

[paulwash]

I found a Norge

Ha ha thanks guys for the compliments.. I have some bad news I called a guy in Niagara Falls who is familiar with fixing Norge washing machines and he was very discouraged what I told him about the machine he thinks it is a transmission anybody on this site know anyone in the Buffalo area that could fix this washer because this repair man is “”TRYING”” to talk me into throwing the washer out.. I have not had time to tinker around with it yet.. The repairman also said that Norge was not a good dependable machine when he used to repair them years ago ? Lost and helpless!

 

[jamman_98]

Hey

Don't let the guy tell you it can't be fixed. Where there's a will there's a way. There a lot of people on here that have lots of experience fixing washing machines. If you willing to do the work on it yourself, you'll succeed. Just remember to take it slow in taking it apart. Take lots of pics of each step you do. Post them here and I am sure we all can help you. Have faith.

Joe aka jamman_98

 

[paulwash]

I found a Norge

Hey Joe !! Thank you I did contact another guy today he said that he has worked on those machines for years ..he’s gonna come over sometime next week thank you again!

 

[washerlover]

Joe is Right...

Please have faith in us on this site — I have had much help and support from folks on here when tackling a repair job. Just remember like Joe says, take photos and notes as you do the work. It pays off. It’s all very logical and methodical...just follow the path and remember that.

Thanks and I am excited about this restoration!

Best,

Todd

 

[Unimatic1140]

Oh please lol, just ignore him. He would probably pass out watching some of the repairs I've made on 60+ year old machines. All he is saying is "it's too hard and not worth my time". Granted it's probably not going to be an easy fix, but it certainly could be done.