Kenmore Direct-Drive Outer Tub Leak Help:

[SactoTeddyBear]

I'm helping a Friend with a couple of Repairs on his Kenmore Direct-Drive Washer. I've not been to his house yet, so all I've gotten so far was what he has told me. I'm going to try to get over there real soon, to check everything out, so I will know where the Leak is and to show him how the Cabinet comes off of the Chassis for "Under the Hood" Repairs.

I don't have a Model Number as of yet, but he needs a new Lid Switch, besides seeing what we might be able to do about the Tub Leak. Now, what I would like to know is there any kind of Sealant that we could use if the Leak isn't too large, that will withstand Detergent, Bleach and Fabric Softener? Would it be best to seal the Leak from the outside part of the Tub, or from the inside, or would it be best to seal it from both inside and outside?

I would certainly appreciate any and all info that anyone is able to help me with. I've "BTW" tried to locate the Lid Switch on Repair-Clinic, but they didn't have any place to enter possible Parts that you don't see on the listings.

I did locate the Tub, just to see how much they charged for a replacement and it costs $120.00 approx through them plus Shipping and any applicaple Sales Tax.

Thank you for any and all info, Peace and Kind Regards, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Isn't there anyone:

Who might be able to help me with my need of trying to find out if there is a Sealant that could be used on the Outer Plastic Tub of a Direct-Drive Kenmore Washer, if the Leak isn't towards the middle of the Bottom of the Tub, near the Tub Seal? Should the Sealant be put on both the inside and outside of where the Leak is, or would the outside or inside only work all right? I would gratefully appreciate any and all help, so I can see if I am able to help my Friends out with this Leak problem on their Washer.

Peace and Regards, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[cleanteamofny]

Steve,

Check the pump,DD usually leaks in that area.

 

[dnastrau]

Silicone sealant or two-part epoxy

Hi Steve:

If the outer tub is cracked or has a hole in it I would try GE 100% silicone adhesive (see link)since it is flexible, has great adhesion and is very durable. Make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly (and DRY) with something like alcohol to make sure it has no soap/softener residue left. If possible I would apply it to both sides so that it will potentially bond through the hole. If not, I would try to force some through the hole from the outside. Just make sure there isn't too much protruding out of the repair when you are finished. I am not sure how much clearance there is between the inner and outer tubs.

If that doesn't work you could try a two-part epoxy that will adhere to plastic (Lowes and Home Depot have that too), but I would try the silicone first since it is flexible.

Good luck!

Andrew S.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=47996-72643-GE5010&lpage=none

 

[dnastrau]

...and try to find out what caused the hole...

...as it could be something like a nail floating around between the inner and outer tub.

Andrew S.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Thank You Guys:

For your helpful suggestions. I appreciate Larry, "CleanteamofNY" your suggesting about checking out the Pump for a leak.

I appreciate Andrew, "dnastrau" for your suggestion of which product to try on the leak, if it is in the Tub, unless we find out that it is the Pump.

I will certainly let you know what we find out and what Repairs work out.

Since I do know how to take apart these Machines, we will be taking the Basket out, so we can put the Sealant on both the inside and outside, to give it a real good bond.

If the leak ends up being in the Pump, I've never taken apart the Mechanism's before, so I'm not sure and would like some input about if the Direct-Drive Pumps have a replacement Seal, where the Motor Shaft connects to the Pump?

I will certainly let you know what we find out, no only about what is causing the leak, but if I'm able to help my Friend with getting the Safety Lid Switch Repaired/Replaced as well.

Peace and Great Laundry Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[yogitunes]

te pump is simple to replace...just two clips top and bottom...pop off real easy with fingers or a screwdriver...disconnect the two hoses....keep a towel or pan nearby....and pull off motor shaft....new one will just slide onto motor shaft just align the slots in motor shaft with that of the pump...reconnect hoses and snap the clips back on...and your set

as for the lid switch i would just clip the wires and twist together with tape....will spin when needed...

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Hi! Andrew "dnastrau"

I just finally got a chance to check out your Link and I might have waited too long, because the Link wouldn't open for me, sorry.

I'm assuming that what you were attempting to show, was the Two-Part Epoxy Sealant, so unless you possibly had something else to share with me, I will check out either/both Lowe's and Home Depot for actually both products, thank you for your advise on these.

Peace and Kind Regards, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[dnastrau]

Hi Steve:

The link was just to the GE 100% Silicone adhesive on Lowe's web site. They took it off the web site but they stock tons of that (and the epoxy) in the store.

Andrew S.