Ironrite Mangle Issue - HELP!

[danemodsandy]

Hello All:

I went today to look at a Model 85 Ironrite, which is not something that turns up too often where I am.

I was disappointed to find that its roller does not turn as it should. The motor runs, and if you pull on the red release lever, the roller will begin turning, but the roller does not engage with the use of the knee control as it should. And the instant you let go of the release lever, the roller stops turning.

Does anyone know what might be wrong? I have until tomorrow to call the seller back with a decision. Any help would be enormously appreciated.

P.S.: Other functions (heat and motor) are fine, and the soleplate looks good.

 

[d-jones]

Hi Sandy

I found this site a while back and it should prove useful to you, at least I hope it does. Good luck.

http://www.jitterbuzz.com/the_ironrite.html

 

[launderess]

Let Me Look At My Ironrite Service Manual

To see what if anything is mentioned. BRB

 

[d-jones]

By the way

After clicking on the link, scroll down the page a bit and on the left you'll see a number of links you can select. One of them is entitled "a source for repair information". Click on that and you'll see another link called "Mister Mangle". It takes you to another site with a lot helpful information for people looking to buy an Ironrite mangle iron, specifically, what to look for and how to properly inspect the machine you're thinking of buying. One thing I did get from the site is that seriously congealed gear oil can cause the problem you described. If that's what it is the fix is supposed to be very simple.

 

[launderess]

Sandy

Here is a link to "Mr. Mangle's" website where he speaks to roller problems with Ironrite units.

After reading over my repair manual don't think the problem is severe or fits any of the thing listed since when you push the "release" knob firmly the roller operates.

On many vintage ironer units it sometimes takes a bit of force to get the release lever back into place. Unless done properly the drive shaft cannot engage the roller properly.

http://home.earthlink.net/~mistermangle/id13.html

 

[whirlcool]

Great website! Now I known how ironers got to be known as mangles!

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks, Everybody, But.....

....It looks like the Ironrite isn't going to work out.

The seller feels it's worth more than I'm willing to pay for a unit that has issues.

We left it where he'd call me back if he gets no other takers, or if he manages to sort out what's wrong with the machine.

I appreciate all the responses.

 

[launderess]

Personally Wouldn't Give More Than $100 For An Ironrite

Ironer and that is if the thing is in mint condition with all manuals/paperwork. Well might give slightly more for one of the more rarer gas heated or pink Ironrites, but still.

Ironrite ironers in decent enough condition are for the most part easily enough found all over this country. The usual problem of course is shipping if the thing comes from a great distance. However with proper preparation that can be over come as well.

Drain the oil from the gear box, detach the base from the upper unit, crate/pack well and you can ship the thing easily even by UPS. It may not be cheap,but there you are. Indeed that is how Ironrites arrived at household's back in the day. Two crates came to the house and the local shop sent a man (or two) to put the thing together, fill the gearbox with oil, and so forth. Then a professional Ironrite demonstrator would arrive to take over and show Madame how to operate the unit.

One also assumes some shops would put the Ironrite together before delivery and moved it like a piece of fine furniture (white glove/blanket wrapped service), but perhaps didn't fill the unit with oil until afterwards.

Considering how spare parts can be hard to find for Ironrites, much less qualified repair persons, you are quite right not to purchase at an unreasonable price a unit not in tip top shape.

 

[prosan]

I have a vintage ironrite ironer for sale serial no9600

 

[danemodsandy]

Prosan:

Does the ironer you're selling have the "Ironrite" brand name on it, or another brand name? Ironrite made units that were sold under another brand name.

The brand name should be in two places - the handle of the cover, and the Bakelite guard plate in front of the ironing roller.

Thanks!

 

[combo52]

Ironrite Ironers

They also private labeled ironers to Maytag.

 

[danemodsandy]

Well, John:

That's what I was getting at.

 

[beekeyknee]

Sandy,

Sorry to hear your Ironrite deal didn't work out. I'm currently working on a model 95 and will be posting about it after the holidays.

B.