whirlpool 1972 imperial 80 agitator removal

[patrowan]

I just joined to ask a question about how the agitator is held on. I removed the chrome cap and rubber washer. There was a brass male threaded stud sticking up out of the top of the agitator. I say was because in the process of tying to remove the agitator the stud broke off just below the agitator surface. I believe this is a double threaded hex stud. The other end threads into the drive shaft. I modified a puller so I could grab the bottom of the agitator and push on the broken stud to pull of the agitator. I've put a fair amount of force on the agitator with the puller with no movement. Is my understanding of how the agitator fits on the drive shaft right?
I would really appreciate any help before I go any further.
Pat

 

[washdaddy]

The only thing holding the agitator onto the drive shaft is that screw cap and the tines in the top of the drive shaft that the agitator slides down over.

You should be able to lift the agitator off. But if it's the first time since the machine was built you have to remember it's been there for 45 years. you might try heating up the top of the agitator by wrapping it with some hot towels or using a hair dryer to heat it up.

Why are you trying to get the agitator out of the washer? Are you having another problem?

Washdaddy (Rick)

 

[washdaddy]

Forgot to mention WELCOME TO AW.ORG! You are definitely at the right place to get input and advice about your washer. Other members here will be willing to give you advice and guidance. Just be a little patient. They will chime in soon enough.

 

[brucelucenta]

Invest in an agitamer and you will remove it with no ill effects.

 

[patrowan]

Thanks washdaddy. that's what I thought. I'm trying to get it off to see what's going on underneath it. Having used it all these years I assumed it would not come off easy. After the last load of washing there was a hand full of rusted metal in the basket. Pieces of various sizes, some as long as 3/4" and 1/4 wide by 1/16 thick. Although the everything still feels solid and rotates smoothly and a test cycle went fine with no unusual noise or vibration; I though I should take a look see what's going on.
I tried heating the agitator with a heat gun while it was under load from the puller, but plastic is such a poor conductor that I doubt much was going on at the splines.
I drilled 3 small (3/32) holes in top of the agitator and put penetrating fluid on them and the broken stud, many times, but it just set there and evaporated.
I haven't put full force on the agitator with the puller for fear of braking it. As I said it stills works fine. If I can't get it off, I'll just keep using it until it really dies. Something I expected many years ago.

 

[combo52]

Stuck agitator

It may be rusted onto the agitator shaft so badly that it might have to be broken off, but do try a puller and lots of boiling water heat gun etc at the top of the agitator.

Usually in the field we just broke them off with an old screwdriver and hammer, they split pretty easily [ be sure you have a replacement available ]

John L.

 

[patrowan]

Just in case. Anyone know of a source for a replacement agitator (45 years old)?
Maybe a part number?

 

[yogitunes]

http://https//www.ebay.com/itm/USED-WHIRLPOOL-WASHER-AGITATOR-363633/372075779778?epid=1903494337&hash=item56a171d6c2:g:RAQAAOSwoaFZuqiG

 

[yogitunes]

of course it could be beefed up to a Double-Duty Super Surgilator!

http://https//www.ebay.com/itm/383951-383946-Whirlpool-Washer-White-Agitator-LA700XMN0/302325957408?epid=1433311718&hash=item4664080320:g:LQEAAOSwEHpZJK6i

 

[yogitunes]

just in case you need a new cap and bolt.....

http://https//www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-GEMLINE-LP951-WASHER-AGITATOR-CAP-WHITE-FOR-WHIRLPOOL-285285-FREE-SHIP-AP/253252768737?hash=item3af70a93e1:g:IzEAAOSwA~VaBgPc

 

[yogitunes]

just an FYI...there are Kenmore agitators that would fit/work as well...

http://https//www.ebay.com/itm/KENMORE-WASHER-AGITATOR-PART-350990-358690/401414025849?hash=item5d7623f279:g:bgoAAOSwuspZzr5M