Mid 1980s Inglis Admiral washing machine not agitating

[big_dd]

Hi

I have a washing machine (with a matching dryer) which has been in the current house I'm living in, been using it for 8 years. I assume its from the early or mid 1980s. It's an Admiral made by Inglis (I'm in central Canada).

A few months ago I was washing a heaver load (5 or 6 pants) which caused it to have trouble agitating under most loads. This happens only with the normal and permanent press cycles. Gentle cycle and knit cycle work fine still.

I contacted a retired appliance repair man and he said he doesn't think it's the transmission but the solenoids. They may need regreasing. Parts are not available anymore but he said it's worth a try.

I also asked on reddit and someone gave the suggestion that the spring internal to the transmission has broken, causing the agitator to slip. The spring usually breaks due to water intrusion. These washers are whirlpool designs so the spring is on ebay if i'm up for the job. Someone else said I should try this forum to see what the experts will say.

Is there any other thoughts on what this could be and is it worth the time to try and fix?

I have video links below:





Thanks

 

[maytag85]

Sounds like the spring inside the transmission is either broken or weak. May have to acquire a donor transmission to correct that issue, or the parts from one. Fairly easy to repair, just a little time consuming. Definitely will be worth it, though.

 

[big_dd]

If the transmission spring needs to be replaced can anyone confirm the part number? I was told Part number 285672.

Would there be any transmission diagrams available for reference?

 

[repairguy]

Yes the part number is correct for the spring kit. If you’re wanting to repair this I would tear the machine apart before ordering parts. Often when disassembling these machines other issues are found sometimes making the job not worthwhile.

 

[qsd-dan]

Theses are still available.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2543151972...E2lfhBq3/Xs+8Col937AYlHMleuRva5eJPsL53pzBBsbs

 

[big_dd]

Thank you. Good point, I am considering doing the repair but I'm aware of other problems that might be found, debating if its worth the effort.

About 2 years ago my father had a similar washing machine (an Inglis Whirlpool- slightly older), he attempted a repair but the actuator was so corroded it was fused to the spline and it wouldn't remove. It was 40 years old, used regularly and just too worn out.

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool belt drive agitation problem

You definitely got water in the transmission and a broken spring. There’s no such thing as a weak spring.

You will likely need an agitator shaft as well and a spin tube as a minimum machine would need a good deal at work, it is possible if you really wanna do it, we can help advise if you want to tear it apart and see what you’ve got. You may need another washer in the meantime.

John L

 

[vegabass25]

Too bad. It's in great cosmetic shape.

Shes done, unless you want to put in a week or two of work and are very handy... I'm also in Canada restoring an Inglis with the same drivetrain. I started months ago but winter, and a sewerline disaster set me back a few months :/ Agitator shaft and seals are likely worn, causing water to enter and corrode the spring amongst other things. It was the most rusted part of my waterlogged transmission and ready to break. You'd need to replace two sets of seals, agitator shaft, likely spin tube and clean out and refill transmission. If center post is as rusty as mine was, add another several hours work, or the rebuild is a waste of parts. The man above my post, Combo52 (john) is a master tech, and the only reason I was even able to get the parts. These machines wrapped up production in the late 80's, and even the DD machines that replaced them wrapped up production almost 15 years ago sadly. I included a link to my adventures with a unit of same drivetrain as yours.

If your close to North Bay, ON I'd buy the set off you. I know I'm gonna want to do another restoration at some point and that unit is in nice shape. Rare to still find a matched set this old around here.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?96959_60

 

[big_dd]

Too bad. It's in great cosmetic shape.

Oh ok cool. Good to know. Yes the washer and dryer are in good shape still. I would sell the pair to someone interested in them to rebuild but I live in Winnipeg.