pinkpower4
Well-known member
General
I ordered a Magic Chef Portable Washer 1.6 cu. ft. MCSTCW16W4 from Wal-Mart site to store. It arrived in perfect condition. Ideal uses includes for an apartment without washer/dryer hookups, smaller loads (to use in hh where full-size washer has no water-level switch), or temporary use while full-size washer is being repaired). It holds about half as much laundry as I have been putting in the Maytag mvwp575gw 3.5 cu. ft. [Note: It looks like the main design for this washer is the same slight variation depending on the brand stamped on it.]
Water Level
Can choose between small, medium, and large loads. However, the load size seems to affect the time the load washes more so than the amount of water used. It does use less water. I think it only fills up about half-way even on the large load. I can add more water without any issues--an additional two-gallons is enough so the whole large load is immersed under water. A large load is clothes loosely placed in a ring no higher than 3/4 of the basket.
Water temperature
This washer can be hooked up to a sink. The water temperature is determined by the faucet. This washer can also be hooked up to hot and cold taps. From what I understand, it will draw water mostly from the cold tap. If you want temperature control, it is better accomplished using a faucet connected to the cold inlet valve. I am not sure if there is an automatic temperature control. On the washer I have now, it is part of the washer inlet valve part.
Lid Lock
The lid does not physically lock, but the washer stops when lid is lifted and beeps. Must close lid and press the pause/start to resume.
Comments
Surprisingly, this impeller plate washes works well. Belt is thick. Pulley is metal. I would love to share some more information on it including pictures.
Questions
Does anyone know how I can disable the lid open (lid lock) sensor. One of the photos below is the hinge mechanism. Lid is "soft close".
It looks like from the parts list, that this washer has a water level sensor, 17438000001372, that I may be able to use a screwdriver or allen wrench to adjust the water level. The top is easily removed by removing two screws in the back and two covered screws on the side. However, there is a black hose that comes from the top of the unit to the bottom. I don't want to pull anything loose. However, it looks like I would have to unscrew a cover from the bottom of that top panel to get to any parts like the water level sensor. Any suggestions on how to disconnect that hose or how to safely place the top panel so I do not pull that loose?
I have been unable to locate a service manual for this washer. Does anyone know where I can obtain that?
Thank you,


I ordered a Magic Chef Portable Washer 1.6 cu. ft. MCSTCW16W4 from Wal-Mart site to store. It arrived in perfect condition. Ideal uses includes for an apartment without washer/dryer hookups, smaller loads (to use in hh where full-size washer has no water-level switch), or temporary use while full-size washer is being repaired). It holds about half as much laundry as I have been putting in the Maytag mvwp575gw 3.5 cu. ft. [Note: It looks like the main design for this washer is the same slight variation depending on the brand stamped on it.]
Water Level
Can choose between small, medium, and large loads. However, the load size seems to affect the time the load washes more so than the amount of water used. It does use less water. I think it only fills up about half-way even on the large load. I can add more water without any issues--an additional two-gallons is enough so the whole large load is immersed under water. A large load is clothes loosely placed in a ring no higher than 3/4 of the basket.
Water temperature
This washer can be hooked up to a sink. The water temperature is determined by the faucet. This washer can also be hooked up to hot and cold taps. From what I understand, it will draw water mostly from the cold tap. If you want temperature control, it is better accomplished using a faucet connected to the cold inlet valve. I am not sure if there is an automatic temperature control. On the washer I have now, it is part of the washer inlet valve part.
Lid Lock
The lid does not physically lock, but the washer stops when lid is lifted and beeps. Must close lid and press the pause/start to resume.
Comments
Surprisingly, this impeller plate washes works well. Belt is thick. Pulley is metal. I would love to share some more information on it including pictures.
Questions
Does anyone know how I can disable the lid open (lid lock) sensor. One of the photos below is the hinge mechanism. Lid is "soft close".
It looks like from the parts list, that this washer has a water level sensor, 17438000001372, that I may be able to use a screwdriver or allen wrench to adjust the water level. The top is easily removed by removing two screws in the back and two covered screws on the side. However, there is a black hose that comes from the top of the unit to the bottom. I don't want to pull anything loose. However, it looks like I would have to unscrew a cover from the bottom of that top panel to get to any parts like the water level sensor. Any suggestions on how to disconnect that hose or how to safely place the top panel so I do not pull that loose?
I have been unable to locate a service manual for this washer. Does anyone know where I can obtain that?
Thank you,

