Portable Whirlpool "World Washer"....uh oh...?

[jdinstl]

Found the leak...tub seal? If so, any ideas of what I'm in for? Is it worth it to fix? I'd like to, as this little guy is pretty darn handy. And I have to start somewhere, right? (But is this the job to start with?)

Pic below. You can see the dampness where the one part flares out like a bell. Thanks in advance for any insight, it is truly appreciated!

John

 

[jdinstl]

Hey...used the "Searcholator" and found a lot of i

...I did want to add, that it doesn't leak a drop on the fill...just during agitation. I'm hoping I'm not doomed.

John

 

[norfolksouthern]

How old is your machine, jdinstl? Can you upload a photo of the outer cabinet so I can tell which one it is? It looks like you may have an outer tub seal problem. I think these machines are highly sensitive to storage, and are best kept where temperatures and humidity don't deviate much. I have one, and believe it's one of the last with an actual dial. I may tear into it, and do a complete restoration as the ones they make now are only push button, and very limited.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[jdinstl]

Outer cabinet photo

Thanks for the reply, NorfolkSouthern! It's very much appreciated. I'm glad you brought up the point about storage. I understand this thing sat for awhile -- where, and what kind of environment, I don't know.

Mine has electronic dials -- switches, really, there's no manually extending any timer functions, or such like that.

Here's the shot of the outer cabinet.

 

[jdinstl]

And a bit closer on the panel..

...by the way, the Model # is LCR7244HQ2.

 

[kinnakeettom]

as a retired whirlpool factory tech. world washers made you call in sick, if you had them on your route.
reliability, was in the toilet, as well as whirlpools bandaid fixes. tub leaks were an everyday occurance, and even with a new tub and cp seal they still leaked. good luck my friend as you will need it if you try the repair.

 

[jdinstl]

Uh...ok....I think...

...at least you're not bitter. That's a plus

 

[norfolksouthern]

I have one of those machines myself, and haven't experienced any leaks. Knock on wood I guess. The problem, I believe, is that the agitator shaft is shorter than with the older models. So it's important to get it good enough to where water can't escape, yet still good enough to allow the shaft to rotate. Delicate machines they are, to say the least. I think I may have underestimated that until I saw this thread.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[jdinstl]

Well...wish me that luck...

...because I'm going to go ahead and tear into it Everything else on the machine works beautifully. It's as quiet as a church mouse. Shirts spin out to the point they can go straight to the ironing board, other stuff can be air-dried in a reasonable amount of time -- reasonable enough that it's not worth going downstairs to toss 'em into the dryer.

And Tom, I can call you to walk me through it step-by-step? Or the answering machine will tell me you have laryngitis and are not, under any circumstances, to strain your vocal cords, and your recovery time is expected to be when I finish with this, or send it to the crusher?

Thanks guys!

John

 

[autowasherfreak]

Mine never had a leak problem. I did have to take the pump apart a couple times because a hair pin got jammed in it. Other than that it was a great little machine, super quiet. I hope my friend still has it. Maybe when she is done with it she will give it back to me.

 

[norfolksouthern]

I think these first-generation World Washers are worth saving, despite some of their misgivings. As others have stated, they are very quiet. They also have a very good capacity for their size, and rollover is good. They are very easy on cloths and won't shred. There is no way you can get one of these machines to suds lock, no matter how much high sudsing detergent you add! Finally, these were the last machines that featured manual controls and a timer dial, even though they are electronic.

The newest ones are all push button with only two water levels. They are also extremely limited in control functions. Getting a new one to replace this one would only result in disappointment.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

It's definitely worth fixing

I think these first-generation World Washers are worth saving, despite some of their misgivings. As others have stated, they are very quiet. They also have a very good capacity for their size, and rollover is good. They are very easy on cloths and won't shred. There is no way you can get one of these machines to suds lock, no matter how much high sudsing detergent you add! Finally, these were the last machines that featured manual controls and a timer dial, even though they are electronic.

The newest ones are all push button with only two water levels. They are also extremely limited in control functions. Getting a new one to replace this one would only result in disappointment.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

Oops!

Sorry about the double post!

 

[jdinstl]

Don't apologize...

...seeing the words "worth saving" twice makes me feel better!

 

[goatfarmer]

I just picked up a Kenmore version of that washer. The pump is sitting in the tub, I guess there's a problem of some sorts.....

kennyGF

 

[jdinstl]

Yay!

Another portable saved, hopefully. I was able to get my tub seal for about $25 including shipping, off eBay. Kenny, I hope you get it going, keep us posted, would you?

And NorfolkSouthern, I saw your Harvest Gold beauty on another thread. Now that is one sweet lookin' washer!

Anxiously awaiting my seal...

John

 

[norfolksouthern]

The belt-drive is seeing some use

I just got done doing a couple loads with that little Whirlpool, jdinstl. I think I fixed it real good. All I really need now, is to somehow find out if I can fix the timer so I can get the knob to turn the dial properly. Otherwise, I just gently grip the edge and turn it, then stop and pull out the knob. Then the fun begins! The capacity is very small compared to my Whirlpool-made Crosley, though.

As per the machine on this thread, parts appear to be readily available. They're not quite that old yet. In fact, you can even still get the new face plate that fits under the timer dial and covers the start button, making your machine look like brand new! I am looking forward to seeing you get started. Be sure to send photos!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[combo52]

World washer repair

As a current WP service tech i would not attempt to repair this machine Email me your phone # and I will you whats involved to repairing this washer john

 

[norfolksouthern]

How to add $300.00 to your checking account in one year

I spoke with John over the phone concerning this machine, and the leak. To fix it, you would need to purchase a new drive unit. The part is a bit expensive at roughly $250.00. However, the newest version of the world models with the rear mounted control buttons will cost $600.00, making this machine cost less to repair in parts. Plus, there are the added control functions that your Kenmore has, as opposed to a boring new washing machine.

I'll divert your attention a little to my philosophy. It won't take long, I promise. But here goes. Granted, a drive unit will take a good chunk out of a bank account. But let's put this in the perspective of someone in the R/C flying hobby. The cost of scraping an Xoar PJX composit tip prop on a 30% Extra 300S is $80.00. Just for the prop. In less than 3 seconds! On some scale warbirds, one single hard landing can result in a $400.00 repair, for a new set of scale Century retracts. The engine alone on a turbine jet is over $2,500.00 after ONE foreign object or improper cooling after a flight.

I'm not trying to scare anybody off from joining a club and getting into R/C. Rather, I am trying to drive home the point that our appliance hobby is CHEAP in comparison to others. If you like the older Whirlpool world portables, then the $250.00 price of a drive modual shouldn't deter you from rebuilding. If you do 7 loads per week at $1.50 each at a laundromat, you will end up saving almost $300.00 in one year by using this machine. You'll break even in less than 6 months. Having your own dryer will DOUBLE the savings! You can also gain confidence in yourself, and even learn a new skill. Who said our hobby didn't come with a few added benefits, besides clean cloths?

So what are you waiting for? As they say at the club: "Grab the board, lay out the plans, and let's start buildin'!"

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

Correction:

"I spoke with John over the phone concerning this machine"

When mentioning John in the sentence above, I was actually referring to combo52, the Whirlpool service tech. I will add that Combo52 gave some good points about adding enough detergent to the machine, to prevent excessive scale and mineral buildup.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[jdinstl]

Ah...

Well, as far as the world washer goes...it's dumpsterville. I can't have a leak, but for $300+ I can buy something else used.

Thanks for the input guys.

John

 

[norfolksouthern]

If you can find another machine for less than it would cost for the part, then you would probably be better off I'll admit. Do you have a regular hookup, or did you use this as a portable?

NorfolkSouthern

 

[jdinstl]

I used this as a portable..

...and I'm done talking about it. Pretty disgusted right now.

John

 

[launderess]

Pouring John Four Fingers of Bourbon

Don't take it too much to heart my lad. Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you.

For what it is worth, these units pop up often enough, so am sure another will come your way at a good price. They are certianly more common than the older units, so keep your chin up. *Smile*

L.

 

[jdinstl]

Four fingers of Bourbon...

...would suit me right down to the ground. Launderess, I see why you are held in such esteem around here! You appear at the right time with the right "recipe!"

Well...an update...my laundry is going to get boring. I bought a new Kenmore portable, to be delivered tomorrow. (Delivery on Sunday, whodda thunk?) I got it at a very nice discount -- I think Sears is going to bail out of this particular mall, so is discounting everything. Like NorfolkSouthern said, it's not as versatile as the World Washer, but it will suit my purposes nicely.

I admit, I had a laugh to see the very same agitator! Some things never change.

John

 

[goatfarmer]

Mine is still on the truck, haven't had a chance to see what's what with it.

 

[jdinstl]

Ok, I lied...

I said I was done talking about it, but after Launderess loosened my lips with Bourbon...well, you know it goes...even cyber Bourbon is potent -- and I'm a cheap drunk.

Well, the new Kenmore is here.

Pros:

1. Does a good job from what I can tell.
2. Loooooong spin out, but clothes come out just as from the World Washer. Dress shirts can go straight to the ironing board or press, and with a bit of starch will cut the dry cleaning bill.
3. Built by Whirlpool.

Cons:

1. Lack of versatility. Selections are very basic, 4 wash modes, two water levels ( High = lots of water, Medium = barely enough for a handkerchief.)
2. It cost far more than the $30 I paid for the WW.

Another poster put a money shot of this particular model on a different thread, but I'll add mine as well -- with Detergent Dispenser drawer open. I kinda like that little drawer It's not Norge Dispense-O-Mat, but hey, it's still fun!

Lower left, bleach dispenser. Center of agitator is the fabric softener dispenser, and of course the lint filter underneath. And no, the basket is not an accordian...it's the flash from my camera reflecting.

 

[jdinstl]

Now, pour up some strong coffee...

The boring control panel. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

One other "con" is that for portable operation, you of course use a faucet connector running to the cold water inlet of the machine. But the control panel does not "remember" settings, but powers up for Normal Wash, High Water Level, and Warm temperature. So you have to hit the button twice to select "Cold." And I just know over time that mylar is going to wear through.

And the LED's are all red. No pretty colors.

 

[jdinstl]

And lest I forget...

Norfolk, email me your info again, would you? I messed up cleaning out my mailbox and zapped you.

Kenny, keep me posted on your Kenmore. If the pump is shot, let me know. I broke down what I could of my WW. The motor and control board are spoken for, and possibly the agitator. But there's other bits including the pump, unless you'd rather go new.

John

 

[goatfarmer]

Will do!