Whirlpool compact

[repairguy]

This a a project that I finished a couple of weeks ago. I was browsing Craigslist and ran across this washer and matching dryer set and couldn’t pass them up. Ad read the dryer was $75 and the washer was free if you wanted it due to it leaked. The dryer was decent shape and I’ll put it in another post. The washer really wasn’t in terrible shape for its age but they had used it leaking water for a long time. Washer is a 1982 model. Some pictures with cabinet and tub removed .

 

[repairguy]

The platform cleaned up pretty nice. I repaired the leak in the tub and installed a new tub seal. The drive system was in good shape so I didn’t go into that this time around. I did replace the belt while I had everything apart.

 

[repairguy]

The hole in the tub that I repaired was close to one of the mounting holes.

 

[repairguy]

I thought I had taken more pictures of the process but I guess not. Here are a few of it put back together. This little machine is cool and runs like a top. I purchased a stack kit and put these machines in the kitchen. I installed casters on the washer and made it portable to roll over to and connect to the kitchen sink.

 

[maytag63]

Nice work! What did you use to repair the hole?

 

[repairguy]

Thanks! Since it was close to the tub mount hole, I used an oversized stainless washer which covered most of it and 3m industrial 800 sealant. I thought I had taken a picture of that too but couldn’t find it.

 

[yogitunes]

nice machine....I have the same one....very durable machines, which hold quite a bit of laundry...

a fabric softener dispenser from a full size machine will fit on top of the agitator...

these have a 900rpm spin...

I would have liked a water level control...

 

[repairguy]

Yes I agree a water level switch would be handy. This is only the second belt drive compact that I have ever seen personally. Around 20 years ago I was offered a lady kenmore compact/portable set but I turned them down because I felt they wanted too much for them. If the same offer was in front of me today I would buy them without thinking about it.

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool Belt Drive Compact Washer 1972-86

These were fun machines as they solved the only real criticism anyone ever had with a WP BD washer  " slow spin speed ". When these came out they spun at 929 RPMs, but they had trouble with the auxiliary wash-basket mounted bearing so they eliminated this extra bearing and reduced the spin speed to 860 RPMs which is what your machine should be doing.

 

Good save of this fun washer, I actually fixed a leaking center-post seal on a 86, 24" Thin-Twin two weeks ago in a customers home, there are not many of these left in service, and most died from outer tub leaks.

 

Too bad we don't live closer, I just threw away a brand new base pan for one of these washers and several stacking racks, we worked on hundreds of these washers over the years.

 

The little dryers are indestructible and work well. The 120 volt models actually dry pretty well with the washers fast spin speed.

 

It is easy to convert the dryer to 240 volts and we even have several gas ones still around the shop.

 

John

 

[repairguy]

I would think that the little gas portables heat very well. This electric one is not too bad with all new seals and as mentioned the 860rpm washer spin speed. It’s a shame you had to throw out those parts but I completely understand. I have a problem with trying to save everything. John you wouldn’t happen to have a timer dial for the washer, would you? A piece of mine is broken and I’m pretty sure I can fix it but if there was a good used one or even better a NOS that would be cool.

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool Belt Drive Compact Washer 1972-86

Hi Melvin, Yes I am pretty sure I have a timer dial for that washer, I will do some looking in the next day or so and let you know.

 

I have been going through 50 years of stuff in my basement the last few months trying to move it to the new location, but a lot is getting recycled.

 

The compact dryers had a 1400 watt element in the 120 volt models like yours, interestingly the early 120 volt models used the standard full sized 5,600 watt 240 volt elements which looked funny when you pulled it out of the heater box, but on 120 volts it would only put out 1400 watts, that 5,600 watt element used that way would easily last 1000+ years.

 

The 240 volt version used a 3,200 watt element, when WP switched the washer to the DD design with only a 640 RPM spin they went to a 3,600 watt element. The gas versions were always 10,600 BTUs which also worked very well.

 

John

 

[washerlover]

Is the washer a two-speed model? Just curious with the “Short” cycle, wondering if only one-speed. Regardless, very nice washer and dryer!! Thank you for sharing.

 

[repairguy]

Thanks John I appreciate that. The washer is a one speed model and washes very well. If the final spin on this model was a little longer, the clothes probably wouldn’t need much drying at all.

 

[hippiedoll]

very cool!

Glad you got this portable set because it seems they landed in the right hands for a 2nd life!
)

 

[repairguy]

Thanks! I’m a sucker for automatics built before 1995 and every time I run across one I think I need to save it. Luckily for the space in the shop, machines built before ‘95 aren’t popping up in this area like they used to. But I have plenty of cool projects that I may get to one day. Lol! I can’t believe direct drive Whirlpool machines aren’t made anymore and that the belt drives haven’t been produced in over thirty years. I still remember learning about the direct drives when they became popular and not realizing at the time just how great a design this was for the ease of the repair folks. Also that Maytag has been gone for 13 years now and the GE FF for 24. Sorry for the trip down memory lane. These are all still alive and some of them are well in my shop.

 

[launderess]

Had the "Convertible" version of WP "compact&#34

But since sold it on to another member: https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?25196

Great machines but needed the room so something had to go, and yes, mine arrived with a leaky tub seal as well. One visit form a not very happy repairman later, and it was back in service.

Kept the matching harvest gold compact dryer (it came from a different source and predated arrival of WP washer), and have to agree it is a treasure.

An eleven pound load either spun in the Lavamat at >1400 rpms, or chucked into spin dryer for several minutes will dry in about an hour for most things. Thick, thirsty and heavy things like bath towels may take longer. But one simply dries them until damp anyway then hang dry to finish.

The larger and more powerful AEG Lavatherm condenser dryer will take nearly two hours or so to do the same load. But being fair one is vented and the other isn't....

 

[repairguy]

I’m sorry you weren’t able to keep your whirlpool. Hopefully it is still going strong in a new life. I would have liked to have one in avocado, harvest gold , or my favorite coppertone but I’m not complaining about these for sure.

 

[launderess]

No Worries

Had to give up the WP because something new was arriving; the Lavamat W&D set, and seeing had no room for all......

A member got the washer, and far as one knows he's happy.

Of course several years later I would go and nab a Maytag wringer washer, but that is another story...... *LOL*

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool Belt Drive Compact Washer 1972-86

We have 2 1975-6 LKM compacts in Coppertone and one matching 120 dryer at the shop, all are in great shape.

 

John