Update on my 1950 Frigidaire WO-65 Unimatic

[vintageteddy96]

A small update on the WO-65, I have disassembled the machine and am currently cleaning up rust and plan to patch the small holes with J-B weld waterweld, then coat the outer tub with bath tub epoxy paint. I also removed the motor/transmission assembly and drained the oil. I took apart the pump because it was making a scraping/grinding noise. The pump was full of mineral debris and the impeller was very corroded and I'm not sure the the impeller will be usable as it has a hole in it. The housing look okay though.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Looking good, you can seal that hole in the pump impeller with 2 part plumbers epoxy putty. It dries hard in about an hour and you can then sand it down to make the patch level. Does the motor start and run without issue?

If you need fresh pump impeller bolts...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5TLBKT

 

[vintageteddy96]

Looking good, you can seal that hole in the pump impeller with 2 part plumbers epoxy putty. It dries hard in about an hour and you can then sand it down to make the patch level. Does the motor start and run without issue?

If you need fresh pump impeller bolts...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5TLBKT

Thanks for the info, the motor does start and run just fine. I was also thinking about having an impeller 3d printed in case this one doesn't hold up over time although a 3d printed one probably won't hold up very well either..

 

[Unimatic1140]

Thanks for the info, the motor does start and run just fine. I was also thinking about having an impeller 3d printed in case this one doesn't hold up over time although a 3d printed one probably won't hold up very well either..

I would (and may try someday) make a silicone mold out of the impeller then recreate it using hard polyurethane plastic resin. Would be in interesting experiment to try to see if it hold up for the long-term.

 

[vintageteddy96]

I would (and may try someday) make a silicone mold out of the impeller then recreate it using hard polyurethane plastic resin. Would be in interesting experiment to try to see if it hold up for the long-term.

That is a good idea, definitely worth a shot!

 

[vintageteddy96]

I wonder if adding shredded fiberglass strands would help with durability?

 

[Unimatic1140]

I wonder if adding shredded fiberglass strands would help with durability?

Adding Talc powder works really well, I do it for most of my vintage washer rubber and plastic reproductions that are not meant to be see-thru clear. It adds both strength and weight.

This is what I use...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7DLTJ15

 

[vintageteddy96]

Adding Talc powder works really well, I do it for most of my vintage washer rubber and plastic reproductions that are not meant to be see-thru clear. It adds both strength and weight.

This is what I use...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7DLTJ15

That's good to know!

 

[vintageteddy96]

Here's where I'm at with the WO-65, I patched up the impeller with epoxy putty the best I could, cleaned up the rust on the outer tub and patched it with epoxy putty and then painted it with rust oleum tub and tile epoxy paint. I also just ordered a new capacitor for the motor just to be safe.

 

[vintageteddy96]

Another update, I got the machine put back together and somewhat working with some minor issues that still need to be addressed. The timer does not advance so the timer motor is not working, maybe a wire came disconnected and i missed it when reassembling or maybe the lubricant int the motor got hard with age and i will need to take it apart and clean it up. All the cycles do work when knob is manually turned. The top gasket was dry rotted so i need to find a replacement as the spin cycle sloshes water out where the top cover meets the outer tub where the gasket should be. If anyone knows a source for a gasket that will work that would be great. The water pump leaked after first reassembling, so I had to disassemble and re do my gasket and reassemble and now I think I have it sealed properly.

 

[vintageteddy96]

Maybe this gasket from epay would work?

​

 

[Unimatic1140]

I use self-stickling closed cell foam that you can get at Ace Hardware or Home Depot, etc which you can get in the weatherstripping isle. Leave the original cracked gasket in place and stick the foam on top of the entire gasket. Be sure to get "closed cell" foam and not open cell.

The timer motor most likely you'll need find a replacement. You may have luck oiling it, but I find with those old black painted round Ingraham timer motors they usually have an open in their windings.