Well, I could just vomit....... (davy1063's WCIL)

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

davy1063

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 26, 2002
Messages
352
Location
Pennsylvania
I finally got the nut off, got the mechanism out perfectly. That’s the good news.

Now the bad....

The motor is shot.

Period

I tested the unit out of the washer. It looks like the motor was worked on before due to the scoring on the heads of the screws. I looked at the start switch on top of the motor, and the little Bakelite actuator crumbled and there was a spring which looked like it came off of the centrifugal start mechanism.

So, now I either have a parts donor, or does someone know where I can get a motor?

Thanks to all who have helped me with this....FilterFlo, Uni, qsd-dan, panthera and the rest....Especially Rich (TrainGuy).

It was a learning experience (which I hope hasn't ended)

Davey
 
Yikes!! Well, you must have that bad boy all apart by now. I am sure someone will have a spare motor for you. Just wait and see.
 
Dave if I had one it would be out the door first thing in the morning. Due to the unique nature of GM and their engineering - right now is when we can kick our behinds that they didn't use standard NEMA motor frame and shaft sizes on their Multi-matic and Rollermatic machines :-(

Ben
 
Dave's Special Frigidaire Tools....

Inspired by TrainGuy, a buddy of mine paid a trip to Sears tonight and created the following:

It's the Dave and Brandon's Famous Frigidaire Wrench (pat. pend.)

4-13-2008-23-16-53--davy1063.jpg
 
Boy, you really did try and went all out. I too would send you a motor if I had one. What a nice work shop. Would like to see more, all neat and clean!

Steve
 
It sounds like the motor is fine, just needs the start switch replaced. Are there any motor repair shops in your area? That should be a relatively common delco start switch.
 
Yeah, I can check that out too. Just a quick question.....

1)How do you separate the motor from the pump?
2)Where do those little springs go on the centrifugal spinny thingy?

Dave
 
My maytag motor has an internal centrifugal switch. It didn't seem that different from ones I've seen on other split phase motors.

I don't know if graingers or others have this, isn't yours a lot like it though?

4-14-2008-12-13-52--fltcoils.jpg
 
HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but I just had to cheer! I got brave and figured "well, it's dead...might as well experiment. SOOOOOOOOOOOO.....I gently opened up the start switch and lo and behold...the contacts are shot! All but arced away. I would take pictures, but it cant zoom in that close. I'm gonna try to ressurect them with a fine file. It reminds me of the points in my VW Beetle! I might be able to fix that little broken off lippy thing.

Wish me luck!
 
Davy,

OK, From where I stand, you are better off than before, not worse - you know what's wrong and it isn't the timer.
Starting mechanisms are not tough for a motor shop to fix, regardless of NEMA and GM, the two shall never twain.
You'll get her thumping again, I have a good feeling here.
 
Screw the motor repair shops!!!!!

I FIXED IT...
I give glory to my Dad and my inheriting his mechanical skills. I found where the errant spring went on the centrifugal start switch and I filed and adjusted the contacts. I'll take a vid tomorrow. I NEVER thought I'd see that machine run again!!!! I'm now in the process of neatening it up a bit, cleaning the rollers, cleaning out the outer tub. There isn't a spot of rust to be found in the tub or anywhere.

I gotta tell you all. I really thought I was screwed. What an incredible feeling bringing something like that back. I really think that's why I became an EMT. I wanna see things live forever, or at least give it my best shot. Even my wife was giving me "hi-fives".

The Summer of Love Lives Baby!!!!!

I want to thank you all again for your support. Your spirits were with me!!!!!
 
Here are pics of the switch

here you can see the switch (with the little arm missing). There is a spring-metal follower which attaches to that bakelite piece. What I did is drilled a pinhole thru the bakelite, put the follower back on and retained it with a wrap of fine wire through the pinhole to hold it down in place. (Yes, I should have taken a picture, but I was too excited and anxious to try my idea).

4-14-2008-23-04-36--davy1063.jpg
 
Back
Top