Need GE Help

[jamman_98]

Ok here is my story. A couple months ago I was driving by a fenced in area that had cars in it. In the middle of it was a BOL 1970's GE Washer. I contacted the guy and after 2 months go the machine yesterday. It had been sitting outside for over a year and the guy gave it to me for free. It had been full of water which had to be dumped out. I got it home and today started to work on it to see if it still worked. I plugged it in and nothing happened. I removed the back and messed with the pump. I got it to spin but not agitate. I then turned it off and with my hand turned the motor and noticed that it did agitate so the transmission is not frozen. Now to a couple questions.
1. I noticed that I got shocked when touching it. It could have been a bad ground plug that I had but not sure. Any suggestions on how to check that it is still grounded well.

2. Does the washer have to have water in order for it to agitate. I did pour water into it but it all leaked out the outer tub. I'm sure I will be replacing a seal on that.

3. Does anyone have a repair manual for a GE. I've seen them on e-bay but not sure if I buy one it will be for this model. WWA5600VCLW.

4. It seems not to spin very fast but not sure if was up to full rpms or not. Does the motor need oil or is it one that is self lubricating? (I think that's the term)

She cleaned up well and I"m excited to be fixing a washing machine. I know she is not as pretty or exciting as some of the TOL GEs or other makes but she's my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree and I'm going to get her working again.
Thanks in Advance.

Joe aka jamman_98
Summerville, SC

 

[appnut]

Joe, all I can say is congratulations!! Very happy for ya.

And the only thing I can contribute is that the water level hs to be satisfied (pressure switch) in order for it to agitate. I"m assuming even though this is a BOL, it has a water level control of some kind. If it does, set it to the lowest setting and fill wit water. There's a huge gap between the outer tub and inner tub on GE Filter-Flos. Used a lot of water before it even showed up in the wash basket. Others here will be able to give you far better advice on this and everything else. Bob

 

[peterh770]

1) YES! Get a new cord and check the connections!

2) Yes, the water level has to be satisfied for agitation. You need to replace the boot and probably the boot clamps -- a very easy procedure.

3) Most repair manuals for GE's will cover this model. GE was quite constant about the mechanics for thier machines, so any pre-1997 manuals will work.

4) Motor does not need oil. You may have a bad clutch or need a new belt. These are also fairly easy to replace.

 

[thirtyater]

The fact that it is a shocking experience touching it concerns me. The first thing we need to do is find where the voltage is leaking! We don't need a fatal attraction. lets chech out the wiring inside. Was this a dry run when it shocked you or was it leaking water at the time?

 

[fixerman]

I find many times when I have had a washer that leaked and got the motor wet, it would shock you until the motor dried out completely. Perhaps something else got wet too. Maybe let it dry out for a couple days and try it again. Carefully!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Joe,

I don't think you need to test to see if the machine is probably grounded, if it was you wouldn't ever get any kind of shock. Follow the cord into the machine; it should split into three wires, hot, neutral and a green color ground wire. Make sure the ground wire is firmly attached to a metal part of the machine. If there is an electrical leak the leak is suppose to travel through the cabinet and then be bleed off safely to ground via this green wire.

The slow spin is probably a loose belt or a worn clutch. Or if the water has leaked onto the clutch it could also cause a slow spin. I would let the machine dry out and then try and see if it comes up to full speed. Don't do this until you investigated the cord for a proper ground connection first.

 

[goatfarmer]

I had a GE with an oil soaked motor,that would give you a nice jolt!

 

[jamman_98]

work in progress

Today I decided to check the boot that connects the outer tub with the transmission. When I had found the machine it had water in it to the top, but after I had moved it it leaked when I was testing it out last time. After I removed the inner tub, I discovered that the boot is in excellent shape, it had just come lose so I won't have to replace it. It is interesting that the transmition looks just like the ones that Robert is working on on his 58 GE. The outer tub has some small rust spots so I'm going fix them. They are on the surface so I think I will find something to coat the spots after I remove the rust. The machine is relativly clean but I have noticed the detergent build up on the boot had caked the inside seal of the boot and was slowly dripping down on top of the transmission. So I'm cleaning it up - I may use some silicone around the transmition and outer tub not sure yet. I hope to have pics soon.

Joe
jamman_98

 

[jamman_98]

Fabric Softner Dispensor

I'm also looking for a fabric softner dispensor for this machine. I dound it new for $52.00! I'd like to find it cheaper.

thanks
Joe