WP/KM direct drive washer motor bottom cover missing ?

[jben]

All of the old direct drive washers that I've seen have some type of paper cover attached to the bottom side of the motor. It often is shaped to have "ears" extending out on the corners; and I have seen one early example that used a metal plate.

If memory is correct these covers may be there to prevent a short or sparking from the motor windings to earth.

I have a washer that this cover is missing. Should I cut something out of a sheet of cardboard to put there or just leave it open? Is that factory cover some type of mica sheet (like is often used inside a Microwave oven to prevent sparking) or would the cardboard stock be adequate if you think it needs something?

 

[repairguy]

I wouldn’t worry about it. Most of them fell out anyway and never hurt the machine’s performance.

 

[combo52]

DD Motor Bottom Shield

This is there to prevent sparks from a shorted motor [ very unlikely ] from igniting either the floor under the motor or trash like paper that can get shoved under an appliance.

 

If your laundry room floor is not flammable and you don't let a lot of trash accumulate under the washer the motor will run cooler without this guard.

 

John