*RIP* Whirlpool BD Portable Washer

[launderess]

Well am just that gutted!

Repairman came out to look over the Whirlpool washer and says it is not the pump leaking, but the from the shaft seals. So basically this machine is toast until one makes the repairs.

Rough estimate for the work is around $400 plus parts. Only good thing is the cost of the service call $100) is applied towards any work to be done.

Repairman does NOT recommend repairing the unit, as in his words "you can buy a new washer for that amount of money", which is true, or at least several similar used models. Plus the man also feels sooner or later the unit may need other repairs (belt and or pump), which are costly repairs as well.

*Sigh*!

 

[ronhic]

Launderess....

.....time for a wake...

 

[launderess]

A Bit Too Early To Hit The Shanty Booze

However if one didn't have the ironing and shopping to get done....... *LOL*

 

[volvoguy87]

Hmmmmm.

Try "loaning" to a fellow, but nearby, AW.org member who likes to tinker. I have 2 belt drives here that need new seals and centerpost bearings. Now where can I get my hands on the bearing tools...
Dave

 

[kenmoreguy64]

The seals must be really bad to be leaking that much, though I have seen that before. Usually they just slowly poison everything underneath.

What the guy 'recommends' does not necessarily apply to us here because, quite frankly, he presumes that we are the usual consumer and think of appliances as just that. $400 is a lot of money for this work if you ask me. I can do it in a couple hours if the machine cooperates and comes apart without difficultly (sometimes they don't).

Problem is, most if not all belt-drives are going to need those seals eventually. There is a seal in the spin tube, and a pair of centerpost bearing seals in a short post machine, or one seal in the tall post models. The seals cost a couple bucks.

Dave is right - someone here can probably do this for you.

Gordon

 

[launderess]

Things Went Down Like This

Repairman first popped the lid and looked around the washer's outer tub, and pronounced it "fine". That is there weren't any visable leaks and or rust spots for that matter.

Next he let the washer fill at it's lowest level, then started running. No leak yet (he was peering underneath with a bright light), however after the unit was made to fill highest level, then the fun started. Again, peering under the unit he could see water dripping from the center of the washer.

Finally repairman took off the agitator and we both could see bubbles (small and infrequent, but bubbles none the less), coming up from the center post area. This, one was informed means that the seals are leaking.

Repairman was actually happy it wasn't the belt or pump, as they are "hard to replace" on these units.

As for the $400 or so estimate (won't have the offical word until the main office rings tomorrow), for those whom have never been to NYC, EVERYTHING cost more in Manhattan/NYC than anyplace else. From hookers to groceries, prices are higher because of the high cost of living. Go figure.

Repairman said cost would be high because the job will take him all day as he must "take the unit apart.

 

[goatfarmer]

What does the original seller say? Wasn't this one supposed to be working, with no problems?

 

[launderess]

Actually was one of the brighter spots in this whole saga.

Rang him up soon as repairman departed and explained the lay of the land. For his part the seller explained he was moving the unit on for a family member, and said memember did "test" the unit before it was picked up, and all was well.

Told him that it was impossible not to spot this machine leaking, and that it has been doing so for awhile (judging from the rust on the base plate), and despite claims this machine is not "working" far as we are concerned.

Seller had already made a partial refund when told a few weeks ago about the leaking, however in consideration of the costly repair estimate, said he was going to refund the balance as well. We both felt this was only fair.

Basically the machine is not useable, I mean one can continue to run the thing, causing it to slowly die and rot away, not to mention ruining the floor underneath, or have it repaired, or simply chuck it away.

Really blame myself, NEVER purchase a washing machine or dishwasher without going to inspect it first, unless the thing is MIB or one willing to live with the consequences.

 

[norfolksouthern]

Save the parts!

I really hope you don't intend to scrap this machine, Laundress. As I have said before, many parts are very difficult to find. They may be valuable. The timer alone, used and in good condition, is probably worth $40.00. And then there's the plastic two-piece tub ring among other parts.

I think you need to consult with another AW member who lives closer to your area, and perhaps donate it to them or offer it for a reasonable sum. This will at least get you reimbursed for some of the time and money you put into it. Still, I think it would be best for you to hang onto it for now, until one of us can help you get it fixed.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[launderess]

We Shall See What There Is Tomorrow

When repair service comes in with their numbers.

Most of the seal parts are out there and not very dear. Cannot find the lower bearings though, but don't think he said those were going.

Main worry is that water has been leaking for so long that it has rotted and or damaged other parts such as the transmission. I mean don't want to spend $$$ only to have something else go several months later.

Huge problem with this machine is the getting it apart, as I'm sure you already know. It is a rather involved process and until one can look under the bonnet, you don't really know what is going on. If repairman gets the cabinet off and finds god only knows what is going on, then the thing prolly will end up in the knackers yard.

OTHO, if one can squeak by with say under $50 in parts, and about $400 in repair labour (shop puts the call out fee towards any repair work, so this amount would be reduced by $104), AND can get at least several more years use out of the machine, then repairs might get the green light.

 

[launderess]

In The Words of Mrs. Stanley T. Banks

In the film "Father of The Bride", when the caterer tells the Mr. and Mrs. Banks to move all the first floor furniture into the attic to make room for the wedding party:

"What do you think I've got up there, a cold storage locker"? *LOL*

Between the decommissioned Hoover TT, and now the sidelined Whirlpool, there are more than a few "large" portable appliances hanging about taking up room! *LOL*

Something has got to go if it does not pull it's weight around here. Sadly if the Whirlpool cannot be mended, or is just too dear to make workable again, it probably will draw the short straw.

 

[norfolksouthern]

When he gets the cabinet off:

See if you can save the timer and the white, plastic two-piece tub ring if he still thinks the machine is not worth fixing. Also, remove and save all the knobs, including the plastic timer dial indicator. The knob to the timer can be removed by screwing it back, and then a Phillips screwdriver can remove the screws that hold it in place. If the timer knob turns freely, then there's a white peg that can be held with a pair of needle nose pliers, which will stop the shaft and allow the knob to be screwed off. After that, figure out the shipping. I'll see what I can come up with.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[mistereric]

If you'd like to save the machine as a whole, I might be willing to give it a home. I have limited space, but I like these little machines.

 

[norfolksouthern]

You know...

I forgot to mention: That guy said you can buy a "whole new machine" for $400.00. Oh, sure you can. But I had a taste of those last Summer with a rusted out Whirlpool HE Calypso, and before that I almost acquired a Haire portable that leaked. I left that in the dumpster. But if you insist, Sears will sell you a new Kenmore for $500.00.

NorfolkSouthern

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[kenmoreguy64]

For what it's worth, I have never seen a machine leaking from the center that couldn't be fixed. If your transmission is working fine, it is probably fine period. If the pulley on the basket drive doesn't make a lot of noise, it's fine too. About the only problem will be grooves worn on the agitator shaft and the spin tube from their respective seals that can cause new seals to wear out faster.

In 2002 I took in a 1986 built belt-drive machine that had flooded the transmission it leaked so much. The machine sounded awful when I got it and I turned my back on it until summer of 2008. I was shocked at the sturdiness of the belt-drive design because six years after I put the machine away it still worked, and sounded better. That's because some of the water had evaporated out of the nooks and crannies. The transmission upon opening yielded ABSOLUTELY NASTY brown mucky "oil" that looked more like chocolate sauce. It was thick enough to pour like that as well.

Well, a clean up in a parts washer returned the whole transmission to a pristine appearance, except for the two internal springs which I replaced and usually do as a standard practice. A new bottle of oil and a seal, and it's like new and working well. So, I'm pretty sure that your transmission is in re-useable condition.

If there are big grooves worn in the shaft from the seals, the technician needs to install the new seals either further down into the spin tube or a little higher up, if space allows.

 

[thomasortega]

Please email me pictures of the Whirlpool/Kenmore parts you need.

I don't know if you know but, the vintage whirlpool/kenmore machines continued in Brazil for 15 years more than in USA.

As they were a huge success (they got more than 95% of the market share), many people here in Brazil still have those machines (most of them are 30 or 40 years old) and it still profitable to Whirlpool, that's why they still make some ORIGINAL spare parts.

Everything related to the transmission, (including the whole transmission) some finishings (dias, knobs, lid handles, filters, etc) and some metal parts (I've found a 1978 Brastemp turquoise lid and panel a few months ago at my local Brastemp Authorized service).

There's a basket that you americans say it's rare, with 4 rows of holes on the bottom, here'in Brazil it can be found easily.

And even the parts whirlpool doesn't produce anymore, some independant manufacturers (they used to produce to whirlpool) still offer.

Only those very exclusive finishings (like an specific electronic control panel for a model that lasted only one year) can't be found here.

I can send the small and light parts like timers, bearings,etc. They are also cheap. but cost of sending big parts as a basket or a drum from Brazil would be more expensive than a brand new HE front loader.

 

[norfolksouthern]

That sounds good

I'm not sure how soon I plan on digging into mine, but I do plan to eventually replace the timer and get a new tub ring at least. If I can keep enough parts, then maybe I can start using it on a regular basis. It may be a while before I upload any photos, as it is a bit of a pain to open up.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[launderess]

Well, after telephoning several other local repair services,and basically getting the same responses (don't bother repairing, machine is too old), have come down to the fact this unit will either be moved on or harvested for parts then scrapped.

One of the more helpful repairmen broke it down like this: if the seals are going all would and should be replaced at the same time. This would require removing and replacing the bearings as well. A bearing pulling tool for this unit is not something he nor many others have, and even if they did the upper and lower shaft bearings are NOS, even from Sears Parts.

The above repairman went on further to state that the leaking has probably caused much rusting and such, in short after spending $400 for repairs just to the seals, one would probably need something else sooner or later. By the way none of the services contacted would combine changing the belt and pump with one service charge, or slightly higher. Apparently that job is much effort as well.

So far have spent over $200 between service call and shipping, and think maybe it is time to either fish or cut bait.

Final option would be to use the washer on water settings where it does not leak (lower fill levels), until it simply dies a long painful death. Am not even sure if water does not leak internally on these settings, only that when repairman tested the unit on "low" no water came from the bottom of the machine.

 

[macboy91si]

Sears pic is misleading...

If anyone has seen the NEW small Kenmore portables then they know that the tub and agitator are nothing like what is pictures. The pic they show of the tub shot is a DD Kenmore, full size machine at that. Those Kenmores haven't been a standard Direct Drive model since like the late 90's, which is a shame because the "world washers" and the current iteration suck. Also either the current model or the one right before it (more squared with knobs at 45deg angle) lacked a "Spin Only" cycle. That said enough for me right there. I hate new stuff sometimes, it's almost like they go out of their way to make sure you'll hate it...

-Tim