I'm loving my Unimatic more and more!

[rickr]

Have been using this 1957 Unimatic more often now. Did several loads Thanksgiving Day. My brother and brother in law both watched it through an entire wash, and thought it was awesome.

I had to adjust the contacts in the timer for the purple wire circuit. The contacts were arcing inside, so the timer tower smelled hot.Perhaps because the heavy current draw as the machine goes into spin. The contacts must close tight. Lucky I found the problem in time. Otherwise the timer would have had to be rebuilt. BTW: I noticed the timer was stamped "REBUILT" on the side. At any rate, I have washed several loads since then and the hot smell is no longer an issue.

I washed a load of jeans in this machine last night. My first time for that. I discovered that I only have hot and cold water washes, and only cold rinses. Had not noticed before, as I had only been doing hot water washes with this machine.
I think someone has been into the water valve, as I had to put a restrictor on the water flow. The valve looks to be original, but who knows?. Will have to look into that issue in the future. Does anyone have a photo of the correct valve for this machine? I could check to see if mine looks to be the same. I never wash in cold water, but do use a warm water wash often.For my warm wash, I kept switching back and forth from hot to "warm" So the water valve will have to be repaired one way or the other.

Thanks all! Happy washing!

 

[appnut]

Rick, I am thrilled you are discovering the virtues of the rub-free, pulsating, live water action method of washing laundry the truly modern way. They are very addictive to watch, kinda like front loaders lol.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Rick, in 1957 GM used a very unusual valve for one year. It used a microswitch and element to determine the temperature of the incoming water in a different way than previous thermostatic valves. In 1958 they switched back to the old style valve, but with three solenoids to produce a cool water wash.

If you only have a cold rinse than the valve was probably changed.

Here is the 1957's valve and wiring info.

 

[rickr]

Thanks Robert, the valve shown on the diagram is the valve that my machine has on it. I did look at the wiring and it is installed correctly. The bakelite cover where the red-tan-pink wires are connected is loose, so I am really sure someone has been into this valve before. Are repairs usually possible on this type of water valve, or is it time to seek a replacement.Perhaps a replacement of the micro switch? Is that a standard switch, that I could obtain from an electrical supply house?
I really do want a choice of hot or warm wash. I do not care about a cold wash, or rinse, but do want a warm rinse. Is it possible to use a thermatic water valve from a old Whirlpool on this machine, if the original valve cannot be repaired? I know where there is one of those, is why I ask.
Thank you in advance. <:

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Rick, I would start by taking the original valve apart and seeing if anything is stuck or needs cleaning. You can use a replacement valve, but I believe due to the wiring (if my memory serves) you are going to have cold rinses. You might have to do some fancy rewiring to get it to work the way you want.

 

[rickr]

Ok, will remove the valve and check it out then. Hope it is repairable, as I would like to keep this machine as original as possible.
May not have a chance to open it up for a week or two. This week is a very busy one for me.

Thanks for your input Robert. <:

 

[gregm]

thanks

this is going to help me too ........ also now I know how the lights were wired behind the timer glass but yet in front of the timer itself inside. I have NONE. When the timer was removed back in '63 for repair. They removed the lights and sockets completely including the purple wire. I thought there were only two lights, but the diagram above seems to say "three" ..... but I could wire in one or two and use one "purple" wire to both and a "white" for the "other side" and go back to the timer. I just won't have anything to so-call "mount" the light sockets to.