Whirlpool Gold Catalyst Direct Drive

[blockeight88]

Can't believe what I just scored at my local appliance store. I'm super excited. I haven't seen many of these and can't wait to explore what it offers. I can't seem to look up when the machine was made. Anything I should know with these?

MODEL: GSX9885JQO
SERIAL: CM0438270
Type: 118

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! It’s a 2000 model built the 4th week of 2002.

 

[DADoES]

 
Drain/recirculate diverter valves are NLA (other than what can be found on eBay or private sources).  It engages for drain so the machine won't work with a non-functional valve unless the hose arrangement is replumbed and then Catalyst can't be used.  The inlet/dispensers valve assembly is also NLA.

It has an off-balance switch.  Spin is stopped briefly then resumed, up to three times.  A fourth trigger cancels Catalyst and proceeds to the agitated wash period, or pauses the cycle for assistance during other spin periods.

Agitation speed is programnmed into the cycles and also tied to the water level, not directly selectable.  The control options are otherwise very flexible.  Catalyst is an added option, included by default on Heavy Duty and Whitest Whites (can be unselected), and Quick Wash and Hand Wash (cannot be unselected).  Soak can be a separate option, added with Catalyst, and can run as a stand-alone cycle.  Extra Rinse/Spin on any cycle or as stand-alone.  Spin(-Only) as standalone drain/spin or as extra spin time added to a cycle.

Each cycle has a default selected water level so always requires changing for any other load size.

AccuWash ATC (average 75°F cold wash, 100°F warm wash) is selectable but has no effect for Hot/Cold.

The balance ring is dual-chambered with one part the regular water ballast, the other has (mineral?) oil with ball bearings.

There's an insulation wrap on the outer tub, and the base sound insulation pad (unless it has been lost).[this post was last edited: 5/7/2024-00:06]

 

[blockeight88]

diverter valves

So these seem to be the part that has the highest failure rate? Perhaps you can explain to me more in detail what this part actually does? I'm thinking it has something to do with the Catalyst thing.

I will check the machine for rust, but is there anything else I should look for? I do own a Kenmore Elite DD that has the triple dispensers, but mechanical controls, so I'm somewhat familiar with the interior.

The real challenge now is to find the matching gas dryer.

 

[drummerboy928]

Reply #3

The diverter valve is what allows the machine to recirculate water for the Catalyst period. When disengaged/unenergized, that machine is in its "recirculation mode" which sends water from the pump back up to the top of the tub for the Catalyst treatment. When energized, it switches from this mode, to the "drain" mode, and allows water to exit the tub out the drainpipe for drain and spin.

 

[blockeight88]

Reply #4

Thank you, Henry. That makes sense. Are these parts likely to fail? Hopefully this one is working like it should.

 

[drummerboy928]

I have never had any issue with the diverter valve in my catalyst in the few years I've owned it, so I don't imagine yours would be bad, especially if its been gone through and looked over before being sold. The thing that I've heard that usually fails on these electronic catalyst machines is the membrane board. That happened with my machine about a year and a half ago now, but yours is kept in a much better climate controlled environment, so I don't imagine you would have a lot of trouble with yours.

 

[blockeight88]

Makes sense

About the climate controlled climate. I will update this thread with more detailed pictures once I see the machine. Super excited. These are the best. I do plan on keeping all my other machines, except 94 machine.

 

[blockeight88]

Its official

Machine is mine. I checked everything out and tested the control panel (works great). Tested in spin without any issue. Only thing is the detergent dispenser is missing the grills. This part is NLA so it may be a while before I get it replaced. The only other thing from what I could see is that its missing the sound absorber that sits on the very bottom of the machine. Of course that is NLA as well. The front left of the machine has a dent, but I guess I just have to live with that.

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #7

Wish I could have that beautifully restored '94 machine.

 

[blockeight88]

My 94 machine

That machine needs an entire new tub support (which is NLA). Used ones are going quite high at the moment trending around $199-299. Once I get a decent priced tub support for it, I will sell to you. We both appear to be in the state of Indiana.

 

[ryner1988]

Jeez! Leave it to Whirlpool to discontinue such an important component so that these older machines disappear faster.

I expect/hope the price on used tub supports will go down in the coming months.

I actually really like the washer I have now, an agitator version of the Whirlpool VMW. But I would absolutely own a DD again if I could score a really good rebuilt one with decent options. That's mostly why I got rid of the DD I had previously, the transmission was leaking oil and I didn't want to work hard to keep it as it was a BOL model in the first place. Wasn't worth it to me if you know what I mean. DD's are by far a superior machine though, but the agitator VMW's are in my opinion the best cheap modern TL that'll get one by. That being said, I miss having a DD.

I really just might buy your machine, so please reach out when it's in sellable condition. I would need to arrange transportation to that part of the state for pickup as due to my visual impairment I cannot drive.

 

[blockeight88]

^

I got you man. I’m hoping it’s back to together this summer.

 

[drummerboy928]

It’s kind of funny that yours has that dent in the front left of the cabinet. When I got my catalyst, It has a dent in the front at about the same height, but on the right side. Overall, your machine does not seem to be in too bad of shape. Wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[blockeight88]

^

Thank you. I'm just praying for no leaks. I could careless if the neutral drain components are shot because I can fix that. The water systems on these can be quite complex, as you know.

 

[ron350]

That is a good looking machine.

 

[DADoES]

 
My diverter failed.  They weren't yet NLA at the time (2013).  I later found another (used) via eBay.

 

[blockeight88]

Diverter

I'm not going to worry about that yet. Do you have a spare sound absorber that goes on the bottom and detergent dispenser you are willing to part ways with?

 

[drummerboy928]

Sound Absorber

I think I may have the sound absorber from mine somewhere in the garage. A similar one could probably be made with a thick piece of cardboard, and some felt or similar material on both sides of it, to help dampen some sound.