I recently was testing my 1978 Whirlpool LFA 5800 belted washing machine, on a small load of water, no clothes or detergent, on a slow agitation cycle, I watch agitation on slow speed for about a minute, then turn the timer over to let it drain out, but no water was going out! I tell my Dad about it(the 3-port recirculating pump had locked up so badly, that Dad had to struggle and wrestle with turning the belt to free the pump up). Dad wrestled the washer away from the wall, took the back panel off, and tipped the washer forward, I helped him hold it tipped forward, and he tried with no luck to free the pump up, with much trouble. Eventually he took some penetrating oil and lubed the pump and got the thing freed, and decided to run it and wash some grease rags in it. It had sit idle for so long, the 3-port recirculating pump had locked up tightly. Any suggestions or anyone else had this happen to their belt drive Kenmore or Whirlpool washing machine? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. This is a classic appliance of mine I can't stand to part with!
Whirlpool LFA 5800 3-port pump lockup
- Thread starter tbolt25
- Start date
Help Support :
It is a very common problem with the belt drive pumps. Usually the pump seal begins to leak then corrodes the pump shaft and freezes. If the machine has been idle for a long time it is possible the pump seal was stuck and working it freed it up. Another thing that sometimes happens is something gets lodged in the pump jamming it. If the bottom of the pump has clips holding it together, it is possible to disassemble it and grease the bearings. Or just replace it. They are very easy to replace. There are only 2 bolts and 3 hoses. The part no is 285317 and they are about $50.00
Just So You Know
Having the same problem with my Hoover Twin Tub washer, and the cause is exactly as Fixerman stated. The pump has been leaking since we got the unit,and subsequent repairs have only served to lessen, but not stop the leaking (pump seal has gone bad).
Long story short, if the unit is not used often, and by "often" I mean at least once every few days, the pump siezes up and will not drain. Have found that a few turns of the belt connection manually will get the darn thing started again, but still need to use the machine often to keep it running. As Fixerman stated the best fix is to install a new pump. Count your blessings at least your Whirlpool's pump is allot easier to find than Hoover TT's.
Best of luck,
Launderess
Having the same problem with my Hoover Twin Tub washer, and the cause is exactly as Fixerman stated. The pump has been leaking since we got the unit,and subsequent repairs have only served to lessen, but not stop the leaking (pump seal has gone bad).
Long story short, if the unit is not used often, and by "often" I mean at least once every few days, the pump siezes up and will not drain. Have found that a few turns of the belt connection manually will get the darn thing started again, but still need to use the machine often to keep it running. As Fixerman stated the best fix is to install a new pump. Count your blessings at least your Whirlpool's pump is allot easier to find than Hoover TT's.
Best of luck,
Launderess
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