New here... Into the Aussie Hoover (blackstone type) washing machines

[chlorinedreams]

Thought I'd jump into this place... Who knew there are others out there that like washing machines....
Come across this forum while searching for an older Hoover machine (620 to Elite 935 or the 1st commander) nothing like the heavy duty wonders that had the blackstone line (good wash bowl, agitator, cast iron gearbox and the hefty SPD-1 motor) seems like these Aussie gems are harder to come by now....

Can't believe no pics of the internals of these exist online (explaining to friend why I bother chasing down a good machine) most ppl think the under baked efforts of the modern era are as good as it gets...

Hope to soon have one soon.... Spotted a commander on the bay, just got to organise freight...

 

[blackstone]

Greetings

Glad to hear of an interest in Blackstones from halfway around the world! As you can guess from my username, I am quite familiar with the brand. We had a family business here in Springfield, Mass., as dealers for Blackstones. Check my website for a few photos.
Fred

http://www.acme-electronic.com

 

[chlorinedreams]

Yeah... Who knew... Looking through this site I found out that the best of the Hoover top loaders were based on blackstone.... Will have to look into those machines n see the similarities...

I pulled the trigger and bought the commander on eBay (the last of the blackstone based machines) the later commanders got some different (plastic box small motor etc) setup.

Will post pics when I get it

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HOOVER-C...406995?hash=item5b1ed6a393:g:wa0AAOSwbdpWZ4QU

 

[chlorinedreams]

Hoover 2300L

This is that is in the 2300L tad disappointing hey... Hopefully on Friday I get the commander in.... It'll be sweet

 

[mayfan69]

I quite like the BOSS Hoover's

To tell you the truth, I quite like the BOSS (Balanced Orbit Suspension System) designed Hoover's like the 2300L in your picture.

Yes, agreed: not as sturdy as the older Hoover's with the cast iron gearbox, but there are still plenty of these BOSS washers working many years after they were introduced.

The suspension system of these washers did win an Australian design award as well.

Cheers
Leon

 

[chlorinedreams]

Commander is here

The commander come in today.... It's like a fresh breeze in the laundry.... A few pics added

 

[hoover525]

I just got this off gumtree

 

[chlorinedreams]

Lovely machine... Post a pic of the internals - trying to tell friends the differences.... I could so easy get more if I lived over east.... And machines tend to fare well in Victoria for some reason.... Must be the water I reckon

Through the week I scored 2 Elite machines of the blackstone era...

The older ones had the steel outer bowl. And the lint filter

 

[hoover525]

Hoover 620

Here you go! Some pics. Steel outer bowl, two-directional pump, spinner hold (held the bowl until water pumped out) and lint filter.

I will upload a vid when I get some wifi

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Hoover 525,

Whats the bladder thats attached to the recirc hose? I hvaent seen that before.

Cheers

Nathan

 

[chlorinedreams]

That locks the gearbox in place in wash mode.... The recirc pump fills it and it expands, pushing the brake arm on top of the gearbox... In spin mode it is drawn back in...

I often wonder how the spin clutches hold on like they do... In the 820/920 series, the pump Darin's the bowl before the main motor cranks into spin mode... Avoiding all that start up drag.

 

[hoover525]

That bladder

Hi Nate,
Yeah as mentioned it does hold the drum stationary, most importantly so the bowl can empty out before spinning commences. The 600 series saw the introduction of this feature to avoid the redistribution of soil into the washing by commencing spinning whilst draining.

 

[hoover525]

The recirc phase engorges the bladder with water, pushing the drum brake on. It's sucked back in when the the pump sucks the water out of it. This happens at when the water is drained from the bowl, creating a vacuum and releasing the brake.

 

[blackstone]

That looks very familiar underneath. Early 1970s Blackstone; later versions had the transmission near the base (before they stopped manufacturing in about 1975).

Blackstones did not have that "bladder" to hold the tub in place. Other difference that stands out to me is that the pump is white. I have only seen black plastic pumps.

 

[hoover525]

Up until recently here in Australia replacement pumps have been available, but only in white. I think that this may be one of them.

 

[chlorinedreams]

From what I remember the original pump was yellow kinda moulded plastic... Heck it's been a long time since I seen in a 620

 

[hoover525]

Static pump out vid

Here's a vid of the static pump out on the 620

http://https//youtu.be/i_xRnjcRanc

 

[hoover525]

Quick question Fred

You mentioned the pump: are they still available Stateside? I am getting a gradually increasing squeal from my pump, so would like to have a backup.
If they are still available, any chance you could hook me up with some details?

Would appreciate it heaps

Erik

 

[hoover525]

Chlorine dreams

How's the Commander going ?

 

[chlorinedreams]

It runs great.... Haven't had to do anything to it....

The 940 had to replace tub seal and tub to pump hose

My 930 I replaced the tub seal, and the timer.

 

[blackstone]

Blackstone Pump

Erik,

About 6 years ago, I sold the majority of my Blackstone parts inventory to John Lefever (combo52). I don't have any of those pumps left. Check with John if he has any.

What we used to do to increase the lifespan of the pumps is to drill a hole in the plastic housing, above the pulley, and squirt oil into it, so that the oil flows down to the bearing. Also, take the pump apart, and check to see if the rubber impellers have expanded.

Fred

 

[hoover525]

Thanks Fred!

The pump has started to sieze up. I've pulled it apart; there is nothing obstructing it at the impeller. It seems that the friction is coming from the drive shaft. So I'll try your method of drilling a hole. Just don't want to create a leak!

I have attached pics of the pump - maybe you could take a look and indicate the best place to drill? Really appreciate your help too btw. If you ever need any help from down under please lemme know!

Ps i will try to look up John. Hope he still has a pump (or 3). Can't believe that Hoover Australia sold 4 million of these machines between 1969 and the early 90s and there are almost none left

Baily: guess what? I went to the State library NSW and scanned the entire book on the Hoover factory for you. It was really only a small thing. Will upload soon, or can I send it via FB?

Erik

 

[chlorinedreams]

Hiya Erik

Thanks for scanning that.... I tried getting it through the library system, but to no avail.

Facebook.com/Chlorinedreams

As for the pump, can the pulley be removed? As this is what I'd do, spray in some crc to help free the seizure remove pulley and slide the impeller and shaft out, clean shaft and bushes. Check / replace seal (if fitted) drill the oil hole re lubricate and reassemble..

As cleaning the shaft and bushes thoroughly will stop it wearing at a rapid rate.

Hope you can recover it, or someone here finds one for you.... If I come across one I'll let you know.

 

[hoover525]

Thanks Baily

Have had it apart and can't get the impeller off the shaft - either it doesn't come off or I don't have the right tools.

So I think I will have to go with the drilled hole and oil. I'm thinking that the pump seal is up near the impeller?

When I tried to take it apart I could see that in the plastic housing is a metal tube and it's in this that the rotating shaft is. That being so, I wonder if drilling a hole in the plastic will be beneficial. Still, I can't tell if the tube goes all the way through up to the impeller. Sounds like I need to experiment a bit but I can't afford to wreck the thing and put the machine out of action.

I emailed the guy Blackstone recommended but haven't heard back yet. Fingers crossed he has a few pumps laying about!

 

[combo52]

Blackstone automatic washer pump

Hi, I got your email I have not had a chance to look and see if I have The water pump you're looking for. I'll try to check this weekend and see if there's a decent one laying around and let you know.

John L.

 

[hoover525]

Thanks John

Really appreciate you looking into the Blackstone pump for me. I'd be interested in whatever you have - might be able to piece somethings together if you only have non-operational stuff, etc.

Thanks once again!!

 

[blackstone]

Erik,

The impeller does not get removed from the shaft. After taking apart the two halves of the pump, and removing the pulley from the bottom of the pump, you can press down on the shaft. Best to use an arbor press with a center punch that is smaller in diameter than the shaft. An arbor press applies a gradual, even pressure, so you won't crack the plastic pump housing. You should be able to remove the shaft/impeller and clean it.

We would drill a hole as noted in the picture, so the oil could go down to the bearing when the pump is installed in the washer.

These pumps were replaced relatively frequently; the rubber impeller expanded or deformed. Hopefully, your problem is just a rusty shaft, so it is an easy rebuild.

Those round rubber belts from the motor to the pump stretch out, too. It should be very tight, almost to the point of not being able to stretch it on the first try.

One more bit advice--since that belt is near the front of the machine, don't push a mop under the machine when it is running.

What part of Sydney are you in? I correspond with a cousin in Hurstville.

Fred

 

[bellalaundry]

Umm a little off topic...

Great video, I can see why you like the hoover/blackstone washers. Super spray rinses!

I absolutely love your flooring! Is is "newish" or vintage! I can't think of a cheerier floor to have in a laundry room with vintage machines!

Guy

 

[hoover525]

Thanks Fred

I live in Sydney and Hurstville isn't too far away from me. I'm at Wollstonecraft.

Thanks for the mark up of the pump.

The pump on my machine was replaced in 1999 and doesn't have a rubber impeller, it's plastic. Another point of difference to the pump that you described is that the housing for the drive shaft on my one is metal. A steel tube has been placed inside the plastic of the pump housing and the drive shaft is contained within it. So this makes my set up a little different. If the tube goes up as far as the arrow you indicated, then drilling in to it might be not possible. I'll try it though.

Wow, I can't believe these pumps got changed as frequently as you said and now they are completely unavailable in Australia. Bloody oath!

I've tried to get the pulley off the pump - no luck so far. It seems to be on pretty tight. I also don't have an arbor press, just a regular guy's hand tools. I also don't have any mates with decent tools so I guess I might have to take the bastard somewhere to take it apart ...

I am determined to get the thing going again, so I will. That said, I am very interested in any spares you might have. Oh actually, do you have the work shop manual relating to the pump? I'd be really grateful.

Thanks,
Erik

 

[hoover525]

Thanks Guy!

Yeah that's an original 1976 floor in my laundry. Actually that's the last time the apartment was renovated. It was built in 1967 and had a do up in 76.

I'll get some pics for you guys - the kitchen has a (then) top of the range Custom deluxe range by Frigidaire and some other little interesting things.

Yeah I like the floor; I'm glad you do too Yellow and orange are two of my favourite colours

Take look at my old Volvo and the Briton's carpet I have through my place ...