Troubleshooting the Bendix

[astorobsession]

I have been restoring the Bendix and the washing machine was going through it’s paces for the first time after rewiring. The machine then stopped at the end of the cycle.

The machine knob would then no longer activate the washing machine by turning it either way?

This is the skyscraper style model from around 1947 - knob on top of the machine

 

[piglet]

question on restoring these old guys

Is it possible your spin cycle somehow dislodged a connection?... but no... it went through its whole cycle. This is very odd... could you verify whether power is still reaching the dial? Can you tell me if there is any way to get parts for these? I've got one that burnt out its drain solenoid when the valve was stuck in the open position, and the rubber part that made the seal was in throw away condition and the small parts that the solenoid engaged were not moving smoothly. I am now doing the sad workaround to substitute a modern solenoid valve instead, just to keep the machine running... but wondered if there is something you real restorers know about that I am missing? My door seal also drips slightly, and I wonder if there is any solution or alternative for that.
I love the purring of motor... so quiet and powerful... and there are these memories of sitting in front of machines just like this somewhere as a child... maybe in the old laundry room at UCLA married student housing where my dad was attending school? I find that just sitting and watching the clothing go round floods me with feelings of joy, I can sit and just watch for a long time in total contentment... something I have no explanation for, unless it might tap into childhood memories.

 

[aussie-plugs]

Warning on Timer Dial Direction

Hi Charlie,

You mentioned that the machine wouldn't work when turning the dial in either direction. Never attempt to turn a mechanical timer in any direction except the way it would normally advance through its program .... wash/rinse/spin. This is most often clockwise. Trying to turn it the wrong way is likely to break teeth or other delicate parts of the timer mechanism.

Regarding your particular problem, does anything happen if you advance the timer gently/slowly into the next phase? Is it perhaps not engaging a particular switch at a particular point in its rotation, while working properly in other sectors of the dial?

Is this a heater model? Has it stopped the motor near the beginning of the wash while it heats the water?

Do the drain and spin solenoids engage at the appropriate times in the cycle?

I guess overall, what things does it do and when does it seem to get "stuck"?

You restoration is looking beautiful - hopefully we can work out the timer problem and get things going smoothly from start to finish again soon

Nick

 

[astorobsession]

@aussie-plugs

It seems with this timer you turn it back against the arrow and the clicks tick until you’re ready to go.. I just didn’t feel confident before!

The machine is now fully restored and operational- see latest post.

Thankyou for your knowledgeable response

C.

 

[astorobsession]

@piglet

Hi,

RS components sell the drain solenoids but you’ll be on a different voltage there. I’m on 240 volts here. You’re on 120v? You need to watch the hertz of these as if there are to high they will burn out eventually.

All the rubbers on mine were ok EXCEPT the wiring insulated by rubber! Lol

I sent you a PM incase you need further assistance.

Cheers,

,
Charlie

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bendix

Hi Charlie have been following your Bendix repair updates through Darren who as you know has rebuilt all his down to the fickle wires into the motor.

Really glad you stuck with it and saved the Bendix and knowing you will get years of pleasure out of it.

Enjoy, Mike..

 

[astorobsession]

@chestermikeuk

Thanks so much Mike! I’ll have to do a YouTube of her cycling through the motions!

I’m so glad Darren has been filling you in. I’ve really got to know the machine well and they are such great machines like nothing today.

It’s been a pleasure to be the custodian of this machine and to nurse her back from the brink to good health!

Thanks for your kind words!

Charlie