Poppy red 1-18 project

[pdub]

Another member here inspired me to get some washer projects done this weekend and I'm glad I did. I have this Frigidaire poppy red 1-18 washer that sprung a leak at the top of the hose that goes from the fill valve to the top of the machine where it connects to the circle spray fill tube. It had been rubbing against a sharp edge inside the cabinet and finally started leaking. I thought I should finally do a thread on how I cleaned up this machine and made it the beauty it is today.

I acquired this machine about a year ago from another club member Brett-'areuonetoo' from Tacoma, WA. Brett, thank you again for this wonderful washer that replaced one I had many years ago.

Here is the first picture of the machine just before I acquired it.

[this post was last edited: 4/2/2012-17:44]

 

[pdub]

When I got it home I decided to take the cabinet off and just see what all it was going to need.

 

[pdub]

I had my work cut out for me although I have seen worse. At least there were no leaks evident from under the mechanism which is always a good thing.

 

[pdub]

However the missing top ring from the agitator column allowed the water to shoot up through the jet cone channels during agitation and spray right over the subtop and kept the base plate and sides of the cabinet wet for a long time. This combined with lint and what seemed like pet hair caused all the gunk and surface rust to form inside the cabinet.

 

[pdub]

Here is what the cabinet looked like inside. Nothing that some sanding and a little POR won't take care of.

 

[pdub]

Time for a good scrubbing. Here is the underside of the top. It won't look like this much longer!

 

[pdub]

While we're at it, I think the control panel could use a change out as the old one is looking a little worn. I guess this is what happens when you allow laundry sprays, suds, and grime to remain on a control panel. It eats the finish away.

Original 'Crown' panel in back, new 'Imperial' panel in front with fabric selector!

 

[pdub]

Time for an agitator refresh too. I got lucky and bought the control panel and perfect agitator from a guy in California that was parting out a machine.

Here you can see the difference between the old and the new replacement agitator. Those chunks missing were probably caused by the lint filter falling into the washer while it was running and getting caught under the fins during agitation. This was a common problem as the tab on the end of the rail that holds the filter in places gets worn and then the vibrations allow the lint filter to fall into the tub. Not good. Sometimes the agitator cap becomes loose as well and falls in and as you can see, that is what happened to this one as well. The power of the jet cone shows no mercy to hard objects.

 

[pdub]

Here is the rubber cone that sits under the agitator along with a washer and hold down nut for the agitator. Also included from Brett was a brand new lint filter and I made sure the rail was replaced as well so there will be no 'failures'.

 

[pdub]

Here is the inside of the tub with bellows ready for the new jet cone to be set back in place. Luckily the tub is in pretty good shape and still shiny.

 

[pdub]

Everything looks good from the top. Almost ready for a wash cycle!

 

[pdub]

A little out of order but here is the base pan all cleaned up. This was before I started the work on the agitator replacement. I also cleaned all the urethane rollers with lighter fluid and scrubbed the metal rollers with a 3M pad and alcohol. This makes a big difference in a smooth running machine.

 

[pdub]

Here is the machine in all its Poppy Red glory seated in place ready to wash!

It sure is a beauty. Thanks again to Brett in Tacoma!

 

[pdub]

And here is the HERE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW wall of Frigidaire washers!

 

[goatfarmer]

Great photo's!

 

[pdub]

Thanks Kenny!

One last pic, circle spray fill.

 

[mixfinder]

Bar Maid

I don't mind a bit the washer with a quilted panel that looks like a bar stool got swapped out for the beautiful machine.  Only thing better than a wall of Frigidaire is when it turns the corner and keeps on going.

 

 

[joelippard]

Good Job!

It looks absolutely wonderful!  I can tell you did alot of hard work there.  Thanks for sharing the breakdown with us.  There's nothing quite like a 1-18, they're very powerful.

 

[mickeyd]

Patrick, the Circle Jet Fill in

#15 is an Oscar winner. What a shot!

Really gives you a hint at the chaos of water during the spray rinse.

 

Everything is so beautiful and I don't want to pester you, but what is other Frigidaire in # 7 with the extra control so close to the main dial. Don't think I've seen that panel before. Is there a pic somewhere?

 

"HERE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW" So funny and so true. Thank You.