Westy 911--Need Help

[westytoploader]

I just picked up the SpaceMates set today, un-bolted the washer from the dryer (dryer appears to be Krusher food but I'll look at it more), and cleaned everything up...will post pictures later. There was a loose pulley problem I had to tackle. This is one of the later models; it has an electric pump and an AEG drive motor which I thought was interesting. Everything appeared to be in good shape.

Anyway, after cleaning, I hooked it up, and ran hot water through a cycle. On the final spin, however, there was this really horrible rattling sound, like pebbles were caught in the outer tub or the pump. We had to shimmy it across the gravel drive because the dolly had a flat tire...my dad's (unfortunately it was not a smart one) idea. Should have lifted it instead...

Some gravel was in the cabinet, and when I cleaned it up I took my Shop-Vac and got rid of most of the gravel. There was nothing left when I wheeled it over to the hookup, and no strange noises or sounds of something stuck in the tub. It sounded like it was coming from the outer tub, and there were two holes on the outside of the tub assembly where a pebble could have entered. Is this possible, and is it possible for this to damage the pump? Once I obtain a repair manual for this machine I guess I'll have to take the tub assembly apart and maybe replace the pump...sigh.

--Austin

 

[coldspot66]

Austin,

Sounds like there is loose change or something between the 2 tubs. All 3 tumbling vanes are held to the tub by 2 screws or hex nuts. You can remove the vanes and rotate the tub down to the bottom where the sump is and see if there is anything there. The top of the outer tub may have an overflow tube going across the top of the tub, but I don't think gravel could get in that way. Does it make the sound when it pumps out water or during spinout?

 

[westytoploader]

Thanks John, I'll check that out tomorrow.

Btw, my '93 Westy is like a Frigemore on steroids with the AEG drive motor and (no drain valve) electric pump...that design seems more reliable but not as fun as the old 3-belt "potato-pulley" machines, of course. The drum is reversing, unlike previous SpaceMates.

You still could, however, raise the water level, which is always good... It seems to handle a large load as well.

 

[foraloysius]

Does this machine have a lint filter or coin trap? If it has one of those you don't have to worry about damage to the pump, if it hasn't, make sure any foreign objects are removed.

Is this a white on white model?

Remember, raising the water level in a frontloader can reduce the wash action. I know a higher water level is more fun, but you don't get cleaner clothes with it!

 

[westytoploader]

Yes, it does have a coin trap. I took a vane off and cleaned it out, revealing quarter/nickel slugs and a $1 Peso coin...rattling problem solved!

I washed a load of whites last night and they came out clean! I'm going to tackle the dryer project soon (cleaning, grease bearings, new belt) and re-stack the machines. The dryer has the "Cross-Vane Tumbling", and is also considerably older than the washer...neat! The washer also has 2 vanes...and no place for a third one...also interesting.

When was the 3-belt design discontinued? I'd sure like to have one of these instead...