Looking for ideas on how to remove this agitator

[revvinkevin]

A friend of mine has been using this mid-late 70's Westinghouse washer (& dryer) since the early 80's. Except for replacing the belt almost 3 years ago, it's been 100% reliable and trouble free until now. There is a spot on the outer tub, near the drain port, which has rusted enough to the point of leaking.

He is one who looks at trying to repair something to keep it going as a personal challenge. He is at the point of trying to remove the agitator, but of course it's stuck on the shaft. I tried sliding some thin tie down straps under the agitator (to lift it), but unfortunately there seems to be something, a baffle or something in the way. I'm not able to move the straps beyond outer edge of the agitator.

Help??

Thanks much in advance!
Kevin

 

[turquoisedude]

Kevin, I think I have some Westinghouse washer service information (well, a Repair-Master...) down at the house in Ogden.  I'll dig around for it next weekend and let you know if there are any special procedures for agitator removal in this style of washer. 

 

[DADoES]

 
I have the same model, bought from Austin/Westytoploader.  I recall when he got the machine he needed to pull the agitator for maintenance and could not get it loose.  Tried a heat gun and the usual pulling methods, no joy.  As I recall, he resorted to breaking the agitator to get it off and got a replacement.  He also gave me a spare gray agitator set of regular and handwash.

Anyway, here are a few pics.  The agitator simply lifts off after the cap is removed.  There's a guide ring in the bottom of the basket that fits to the agitator skirt, which is what's interfering with your straps.

 

[revvinkevin]

Thanks!

 

 

Thank you Paul and Glenn for the info.

 

I would think there HAS to be a way to remove the agitator without destroying it, because finding a replacement, I assume, is most likely not an option.

 

The machine is in surprisingly good shape for it's age, as you can see in my 2nd photo, the tub is still shiny.

 

Any thoughts on some sort of penetrating lubricant or something I can spray in there, that might help loosen it up?

 

Thank you again to all!

Kevin 

 

[gansky1]

Zoom Spout makes a rust penetrator that works well. Once you've soaked it generously for a day or so, give it a gentle whack with a rubber mallet around the base to knock it loose. Worth a try to save the agitator.

 

[kb0nes]

Kevin,

The best rust/corrosion penetrant I have used is Kano AeroKroil. The other one that gets consistent recommendations is PB Blaster.

That drive block has a lot of surface area so there is a lot to stick. I often wonder if it is a wise idea to coat these parts with Silicone grease when they are apart. I have been religiously using a smear of Silicone grease on all plumbing threads for years (non-pipe threads) and boy does it make future service easy!

Hopefully you can get something to work! Would be good to save that agitator.

 

[jetcone]

Oh definitely silicone

grease Phil !! I always slap that on before reassembly! Thats a crazy drive hub for sure!!

 

Nice looking machine.

 

 

[bajaespuma]

Have you tried the "Boiling Turban of Terror"???

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Greg & Phil, thanks SO much for the penetrant suggestions!   How well do you think WD-40 might work?   That's all he has on hand.

 

Ken:  "Boiling turban of terror"?   What is that, some sort of hot towel wrap?

 

Glenn:  Two questions.   #1. Do you know what the agitator drive block is made of?  He's saying it looks to be some sort of plastic.   #2.  Is there any chance you have photos of interior of the outer tub with the inner tub removed?   We're trying to get an idea what the area around the drain port looks like from inside the tub.

 

Again, thank you so much to all for your assistance!

 

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Stuck WH Washer Agitator

Hi Kevin the drive block is pot-metal, I would try the suggestions above and pour a gallon of boiling water over the top of the agitator before applying much force, if that doesn't work patch the hole in the outer tub from the outside because even if you get the agitator out getting the wash basket out without destroying other parts may also be a problem.

 

WH TL washers were neat machines but they were not easy to fix or very durable washers.

 

[DADoES]

 
The drive block on the specimen I have apparently is cast metal.  Sorry, I don't have any pics of the outer tub, Austin did the maintenance/refurb on it.