My New 1954 Bendix Duomatic

[speedqueen]

I want to start by saying thanks to Kevin (RevvinKevin) for parting with this fine example of modern engineering!

I bought this machine knowing that it is a project, and I have already started on it dispite it only having been delivered yesterday. The timer reduction gearing is froze up with old grease and will soon be soaking in solvent. Some good news is that the timer motor itself works fine.

The bad news, and where I could use some help is that both the drain valve solenoid and bracket are missing. Also, I am not sure but is there supposed to be a solenoid on both sides of the transmission? If there is, the one on the left when looking from the rear is missing.

I will post pictures later.

 

[wft2800]

Is this a gas or electric model? Would be nice to see some pics or even a video of it running as and when you get there.

 

[speedqueen]

Electric

It doesn't run yet, or rather I tried but the timer was stuck therefore I started disassembly of the timer gearing. I may turn the timer manually and give the motor a go today. If I do, I will mention the results.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

Hi Richard, 

 

Great to hear the Duomatic made it OK.  Also awesome to hear the timer motor works, that's one potential headache alleviated!  I look forward to watching your progress with this machine, as it definitely deserves to be brought back to life.

 

Richard (WFT2800), while this is not of a '54 Duomatic, here is a video of a 1957 Duomatic that IS Gas!  Enjoy.

 

Kevin

 

[vacerator]

That gas burner

looks like it has enough BTU's to grill a steak.

 

[speedqueen]

I am missing a transmission solenoid! Here is a picture from the vintage fun stuff page here on AW that shows what I am missing. Note, this is not my machine, just for reference on the solenoid.

 

[speedqueen]

Update,

Kevin told me about Ben's (swestoys) thread about Grainger Dayton Solenoids. I will order the missing solenoids but both the bracket and rod that the solenoid (with arrow in above picture) actuates is missing. Likely the original owner removed it when the solenoid failed and had trouble finding a new one and decided to junk the machine but never reconnected the assembly with the failed solenoid.

I think I can make the bracket with some sheet metal patterning it off the one on the reverse side. The rod on the other hand, I at first thought I could get someone with a lathe to copy the one on the reverse side but I tried to fit the other rod on the left side but unfortunately it is a different rod that I need for that side.

Anyone have a left transmission (when looking from the rear) solenoid rod that they are willing to part with for a price?

 

[wft2800]

I've seen the gas Duomatic video, would be interested to see an electric one.

 

[speedqueen]

Parts Urgently Needed.

As a bit of a request, Does anyone have the pictured duommatic solenoid rod as shown with the arrow in above picture. I can order the solenoid itself but the rod and bracket are missing. Name your price.

If you have one and are willing to part with it, my email is [email protected]

 

[bendixmark]

parts

I have a 1985 Dexter Laundromat coin op washer I got from ill. recently and it is the same machine as a duomatic so you may be able to get parts like that from them.They made that machine into the 90s.

 

[speedqueen]

Thanks Mark, can you tell me the model number of the Dexter for reference? Also Do you know what to do about replacing the door boot, I read somewhere on this site about using a British Bendix door boot but I never heard specifics mentioned.

 

[bendixmark]

model

The machine is a WCA20k

 

[bobbi]

Ooooohhhh....nice! One of my favorite machines! I can't wait to see it in action! Will be watching your progress with anticipation.

 

[speedqueen]

Update,

I tested the motor, and it WORKS!!!

Unfortunately, no luck in finding said solenoid shaft from searching Dexter, Mark, you are very lucky to own those machines because at this point I almost think there are more Duomatics in existence than Dexter WCA20's. Despite being only about 20 years old there are very few references to them even existing let alone a parts diagram so I can begin searching for a part. Every bit of Dexter literature I can find is for the newer models that have variable speed motors and lack a transmission.

If anybody has the left side(when viewed from rear) solenoid rod that they could loan me(I will Pay rent and shipping both ways!) so I could have a duplicate made by someone with a lathe please contact me. [email protected] I'll even throw in a 1976 Maytag A207 for this favor!

I know I have started sounding like a broken record with my appeals but you, the fine members of AW seem to be my only hope.

 

[bendixmark]

Dexter/Bendix Washer

I had wanted one of these for years and only saw one pop up for sale one other time here and that was at least 5 years ago.However if anybody would like one and I highly recommend it because the machine is just beautiful the guy I bought it from who is very nice has a whole bunch of them and they have been well maintained and work.

 

[norgeway]

These wash

SOOO much better than any new frontloader.....they use enough water!

 

[speedqueen]

An update, and a plea for some help.

Well, after seeing nothing on Ebay for a while and no emails, I found the old advert posted here for the Dexter washers that were bought by Mark, and called that Gary fellow and told my plight to him. He said he'd call back in a few days. I'm keeping my hopes up!

Again, does anyone know about the British door boot adaptation for these machines? I emailed one of the members who loosely mentioned it about 10 years ago but got no response. I really need to know what to try to find. The boot on this unit is virtually unusable.

If anyone has a USA boot for sale I'll happily buy it too.

Another question, do these use clutching belts like a Maytag or have an internal clutch?

 

[losangeles]

Dexter/Bendix Washer

Please send information for this guy.  I am just now trying to build up a collection.  I would die for a Bendix Front Loader.  Thanks Tommy

 

[wft2800]

Out of interest, what are the maximum cycle times on the Duomatic like? Does it vary according to which variant of Duomatic you have?