Westinghouse Laundromat L-4 48
- Thread starter kristid
- Start date
Help Support :
May I ask what symptoms is the machine showing that the timer needs to be fixed?
It if the machine is completely dead but the cord is OK, it could be the on/off pull/push contact in the timer.
It could be as simple as finding this contact and giving the points a good but gentle sanding. Finding a new timer for this machine is possible, but it most likely wouldn't be easy.
By coincidence there is a Westinghouse Timer Repair manual for download in our Daily Doctrine Dispenser today, please see the link below...
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/DDD/Dispenser.cgi
It could be as simple as finding this contact and giving the points a good but gentle sanding. Finding a new timer for this machine is possible, but it most likely wouldn't be easy.
By coincidence there is a Westinghouse Timer Repair manual for download in our Daily Doctrine Dispenser today, please see the link below...
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/DDD/Dispenser.cgi
turquoisedude
Well-known member
It may a long shot, but my CLB-6 initially wouldn't run due to a bad starting capacitor on the motor. Not sure if the L4 had a capacitor-start motor, but the L5 I once had did, so I'd guess yes...
Of course the machine conked out again and that was the fault of the timer - the push-pull start contacts described by Robert were the culprit.
Don't despair! It can be fixed!!
Of course the machine conked out again and that was the fault of the timer - the push-pull start contacts described by Robert were the culprit.
Don't despair! It can be fixed!!
Kristi, welcome! I have a couple questions.
1. Can you please post photos of your machine?
and 2. What part of CA are you in?
Thanks!
Kevin
1. Can you please post photos of your machine?
and 2. What part of CA are you in?
Thanks!
Kevin
no push/pull on this machine
This machine only has a dial - to be turned off you set it at off, otherwise, when you simply turn the dial, that's what turns the machine on. I bought the timer service manual someone recommended - only to find out it's for a 1967 model and my washer is 20 years older.....
Anyway, here's a picture.
Thanks everybody for helping me.
This machine only has a dial - to be turned off you set it at off, otherwise, when you simply turn the dial, that's what turns the machine on. I bought the timer service manual someone recommended - only to find out it's for a 1967 model and my washer is 20 years older.....
Anyway, here's a picture.
Thanks everybody for helping me.
No push pull, are you sure? I've never heard of a Westinghouse washer without a push pull timer.
Please do this, with the machine plugged in please give the timer dial and good HARD pull outwards. Pushed in is off, pulled out is on.
And no, that timer service manual is generic enough to cover timers from 1940's thru the 1970s.
Please do this, with the machine plugged in please give the timer dial and good HARD pull outwards. Pushed in is off, pulled out is on.
And no, that timer service manual is generic enough to cover timers from 1940's thru the 1970s.
Thank you.........
THANK YOU for posting the photo!
That is the same model washer my grandmother used to have!! I have fond memories of watching it!
By the way... I sent you an e-mail.
Thanks!
Kevin
[this post was last edited: 5/17/2012-16:10]
THANK YOU for posting the photo!
That is the same model washer my grandmother used to have!! I have fond memories of watching it!
By the way... I sent you an e-mail.
Thanks!
Kevin
[this post was last edited: 5/17/2012-16:10]
L-4 WH FL Washer
I have this same model and the timer dial does push in to turn it off and you pull it to start. Often it is a little hard to do this and the timer shaft may need a little drop of oil of other suitable lubricant right where the metal shaft enters the timer.
I have this same model and the timer dial does push in to turn it off and you pull it to start. Often it is a little hard to do this and the timer shaft may need a little drop of oil of other suitable lubricant right where the metal shaft enters the timer.
I have this washer too, if your dial isn't pulling in or out as described, it sounds like you may have found your problem. Try as John suggested with the drop of oil on the shaft - only a tiny bit though, more is not better on a timer.
arbilab
Well-known member
We had the model before (double door) and after (stylish door) this one. Both pulled to start.
The covers come off the timer non-destructively (2 sides) and some internal refurbishing is possible if needed.
The covers come off the timer non-destructively (2 sides) and some internal refurbishing is possible if needed.
thanks to all
you were so right!!! with some effort the dial did pull out and the machine started right up!!! I'm so excited. I haven't used it for a while so I need to run a full test cycle, but at least I know it's not dead. THANK YOU everyone....
kristi
you were so right!!! with some effort the dial did pull out and the machine started right up!!! I'm so excited. I haven't used it for a while so I need to run a full test cycle, but at least I know it's not dead. THANK YOU everyone....
kristi
Love a
happy ending!
Very nice machine!
Happy washing
happy ending!
Very nice machine!
Happy washing
arbilab
Well-known member
Experience the earthquake spin solenoid! It will scare you even when you're expecting it.
Might do a hot water fill and tumble but then pause. Hopefully the hot water will renew the pump seal. It's still available if not.
That machine is only 2yr younger than I am. Trust me, I have trouble with my pump seals too.
Might do a hot water fill and tumble but then pause. Hopefully the hot water will renew the pump seal. It's still available if not.
That machine is only 2yr younger than I am. Trust me, I have trouble with my pump seals too.
you were so right!!! with some effort the dial did pull out and the machine started right up!!! I'm so excited. I haven't used it for a while so I need to run a full test cycle, but at least I know it's not dead. THANK YOU everyone....
Yay, great to hear, enjoy that wonderful vintage washing machine Kristid! The Westinghouse Laundromats are beautiful machines.
Yay, great to hear, enjoy that wonderful vintage washing machine Kristid! The Westinghouse Laundromats are beautiful machines.
Woohoo! I'm glad it's working again - I love my Westy too. Whenever I have a gathering, people are always pulled to that cute machine as it's pretty iconic from the era with the slant-front design.
golittlesport
Well-known member
Twins
Nice machine and glad you have it running again. Looks like you have the matching dryer also?
Nice machine and glad you have it running again. Looks like you have the matching dryer also?
turquoisedude
Well-known member
Oh cool!! Congratulations on getting this working again!!
Kristi,
Yay it's working again! Congrats!
I sent an e-mail to the one you listed in your profile, did you receive it?
Thanks!
Kevin
Yay it's working again! Congrats!
I sent an e-mail to the one you listed in your profile, did you receive it?
Thanks!
Kevin
Bad News - another problem
So I started a washing cycle today. It filled with water but wouldn't start to spin. It hums the whole time and when I tried to spin the tub manually, the humming increased but then a small amount of smoke appeared out of the right side of the machine so I turned it off. There was a peculiar smell, but it didn't really smell like something was burning so much. This machine has not been used for a really long time. Can anyone give me some direction? Thanks
BTW, Kevin, I didn't see your email....
So I started a washing cycle today. It filled with water but wouldn't start to spin. It hums the whole time and when I tried to spin the tub manually, the humming increased but then a small amount of smoke appeared out of the right side of the machine so I turned it off. There was a peculiar smell, but it didn't really smell like something was burning so much. This machine has not been used for a really long time. Can anyone give me some direction? Thanks
BTW, Kevin, I didn't see your email....
arbilab
Well-known member
So the motor doesn't run at all? Only hums? This model had no capacitor so you can eliminate that.
It doesn't take much friction to prevent a 1/4HP motor from starting. A vicegrip pliers and your hand can do it. I've done it.
I'd say, put a good grade of electric motor oil (NOT "3 in One") in the oil holes (I think these motors had them) and let it soak in for 24 hours. Then see if you can free the shaft with vicegrip pliers.
It's also possible the start switch is open and the motor is free to turn. But without the start winding it will only growl. To an extent, that switch is accessible for maintenance by taking the motor apart. Not as big a chore as it sounds.
If that motor cannot be made to run, it is a very common/standard size and should be readily replaceable.
It doesn't take much friction to prevent a 1/4HP motor from starting. A vicegrip pliers and your hand can do it. I've done it.
I'd say, put a good grade of electric motor oil (NOT "3 in One") in the oil holes (I think these motors had them) and let it soak in for 24 hours. Then see if you can free the shaft with vicegrip pliers.
It's also possible the start switch is open and the motor is free to turn. But without the start winding it will only growl. To an extent, that switch is accessible for maintenance by taking the motor apart. Not as big a chore as it sounds.
If that motor cannot be made to run, it is a very common/standard size and should be readily replaceable.
If you heard the loud snap of the spin solenoid first, then you can probably eliminate that as the culprit. If you didn't hear it -- and you for sure would not have missed it -- then the solenoid could be bad, or stuck, which probably equals bad.
It filled with water but wouldn't start to spin.
When you say doesn't spin, do you mean the wash drum doesn't turn at all or only turns at low speed for wash and doesn't spin at high speed?
I suspect you mean it doesn't turn at all. You need to pull the machine out and remove the back and see if the belt is slipping or if the motor isn't turning at all. If the motor doesn't turn at all but the transmission pulley itself turns easily, as stated above the motor start switch probably is stuck and needs cleaning and lubrication.
When you say doesn't spin, do you mean the wash drum doesn't turn at all or only turns at low speed for wash and doesn't spin at high speed?
I suspect you mean it doesn't turn at all. You need to pull the machine out and remove the back and see if the belt is slipping or if the motor isn't turning at all. If the motor doesn't turn at all but the transmission pulley itself turns easily, as stated above the motor start switch probably is stuck and needs cleaning and lubrication.
Similar threads
