Whirlpool BD Washer Agitator Stuck

[jimt]

I have a 70's era Whirlpool BD washer (Model LDA5800J2) that recently started leaking from the bottom of the drum/driveshaft area (although it doesn't completely empty the drum).

I want to inspect the drum and seals from inside the drum but I can't get the agitator off. I've removed the cap, nut, and stud. I've tapped it and the fins with a mallet. I've also wrapped a strap under both sides of the base and attempted popping it out with a long bar over a 2x4. Finally added hot water hoping it would expand something and free it up (only filled it about 1/2 way though: is the spline at the top or bottom of the center post?). I've seen mention here of a Agi-tamer but haven't tried to rent or buy one yet.

Any other suggestions before I start my search for the agi-tamer?

If I can remove the agitator, is it likely to be a seal issue and are they still available (or repairable)?

I really hate the idea of getting rid of this thing as we've had it from the beginning.

 

[bajaespuma]

If you want it, here's the device you'll need:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[whirlcool]

Have you tried the "Boiling Turban of Terror" yet?
[this post was last edited: 2/6/2013-03:33]

LW260 Maiden Wash

Well, I've got good news and bad news:

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[jimt]

Whirlcool: Does the Turbin of Terror work on Whirlpools? I've only seen posts where is was used on Maytags. If so, is the spline at the top of the agitator, the bottom, or somewhere in between? Seems like I would need to rig up a way to hold the towels in place and I would want them at the right height.

Baja: Thanks for the agi-tamer source. I'm guessing I have a seal issue. Do you know if the centerpost gasket & Upper/Lower Bearing seals are still available? I'm reluctant to buy tools to disassemble it (agi-tamer, spanner wrench) only to find out I can't repair whatever is wrong.

 

[revvinkevin]

Where in CA are you??

Hi Jimt, what part of CA are you located?

The splines where the agitator are attached is at the top directly under the nut you removed. Can you post a photo of your machine?

Kevin

 

[kenmoreguy64]

To Jimt

As Kevin said, the agitator shaft splines are directly underneath the bolt you removed, and thus are at the top of the agitator.

I have used the agitamer on numerous stuck Whirlpool/Kenmore agitators, which nearly always saves the agitator, but will at times yield rusted splines which cannot be re-used effectively.

I don't usually spend much time trying to remove stuck agitators because I have the agitamer, but some come right out and others even fight this process. The ones that are even tough for the agitamer to remove are usually the ones with the ruined agitator shafts.

Even with this agitator shaft damage, the machine is repairable, just with NLA and often difficult to find or expensive parts and with repairs that can become labor intense.

Here is a link to a restoration that I did in 2009 which started with a stuck agitator. The spline were quite rusted, though I have seen much worse. On this one at least you could see the splines. There is alse one picture of a better shaft with unrusted splines.

I tried one time (gotta learn the hard way sometimes) re-using lightly rusted splines --- maybe only 1/6th of the area, in one small section, was distorted, the rest was perfect. The agitator stripped off the splines in less than one month of use.

Gordon

Project Kenmores - part 2 (1976 green beast)

I spent a lot of time today on the 1976 Avocado Kenmore. I used to dislike this color, and had to sell them as "batchelor specials" back in the 90s. This machine I REALLY like though. Here are some highlights of the day's progress: The first pic shows the outer tub, full of detergent residue...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[bendixmark]

agitator removal

I always take the hot water hose and let it pour over the spline and then the agitator pops right off.This almost never fails.I did it recently.

 

[volvoguy87]

Agi-Tamer!

I've been looking for an Agi-Tamer for quite a while. Since it was posted here, I will wait in case any other AW.org member wants to buy it. I don't want to buy it out from under someone. I will watch the Agi-Tamer and if it isn't sold very soon I will likely purchase it.

Dave

 

[jimt]

Gordon,
Thanks for the link and nice restoration. Now I know what it looks like under the agitator.

Mark,
I tried the Turbin of Terror with no success. I'll have to move the washer back outside to try pouring hot water on it as it leaks all over the floor now.

Kevin,
I'm in Monrovia (near Pasadena).

Here's the machine:

 

[jimt]

And here's the agitator:

 

[bajaespuma]

That machine is worth saving every part. Try a couple of drops of liquid wrench over and around the spline bolt and let it soak in overnight. Then do the boiling turban the next morning and try to wrap the towels tightly around the top of the agitator to concentrate the heat and steam where they are most effective.  Good luck and I expect pictures of that Super Duper Surgilator when you are able to extract it from the machine. Also, when you do get it out, try gently grinding or wire-brushing the rust off of the spline and applying a little white grease or some other lubricant to stop the rust.