WRESTLING A STUBBORN ROLLERMATIC!!!

[rollermatic]

well i spoke too soon! went to put a new water bellows on the 1966 wa2L model rollermatic i recently got from a friend in new orleans. i have had such good luck with the other 4 i have dismantled lately i was expecting the best out of this one!

just goes to show how different each old machine can be, one can come apart without a hitch, another can be a bitch!

this one started giving me trouble from the start. the top agitator nut did want to loosen.

when i finally put enough force on it to loosen it the entire agitator unscrewed in one unit with the torn water and oil bellows still attached to it!

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rollermatic]

i knew the water bellows was torn

cause i could feel it and tub would not hold water for an extended period so i wasn't worried about tearing the water bellows up getting agitator off.

i did not intend to destroy oil bellows but it had to be done. when top nut did start turning and i knew agitator shaft was held steady with my vice grips from below the entire agitator turned with top nut.

after viewing the pics of the broken agitator from "lebron" and his posts i decided not to try and hold that agitator from turning. just let it turn and unscrew and so much for the oil bellows!

top nut is still attached to agitator as this pic shows

 

[rollermatic]

so agitator is off

machine and in one peice with both top nut and second bellows nut all stuck to it.

this is a 1966 L model and it does have a different set of agitator connecting parts and nuts compared to the 1967 n model i took apart without any problem only last week!

i was told frigidaire changed things from year to year on these machines, i am finding that out.

 

[lebron]

OMG That is the same damn thing that happened to me! I am at a loss as to how to get it aprat.

 

[rollermatic]

once agitator unscrewed from shaft

i saw this amazing site!

some article of clothing was sticking out of the water bellows! i later found out it also snaked it's way inside the tub hub and was hanging out of it too in peices!

someone was missing a shirt that laundry day!

amazing! that's what i love about working on these machines, the story that goes with them!

 

[rollermatic]

it's a wonder the tub

held water as long as it did with some guys shorts wrapped around that torn water bellows!

 

[rollermatic]

next task was to loosen and remove

the tub nut. this one didn't want to budge! i sprayed a lot of pb blaster on it, left it for a couple hours and then got out my slugging wrench.

 

[rollermatic]

wrong pic!

should be this one

 

[rollermatic]

this nut was much rustier

than any others i have encountered, due to the torn bellows. i am wondering if the oil bellows was torn too?

when i ran machine the bearings sounded great and it was very smooth running and spinning so i don't think there is any water damage to the spin bearings. but this tub nut does indicate a water leakage in this area.

anyway, got out my slugging wrench by grainger and started giving it whacks with a really big hammer!

 

[rollermatic]

after about 30 good whacks

the nut started to turn and came off easily. the tub lifted right out! i was afraid i'd have to use my "tub puller" i made out of 2x4's and bolts that i used on my custom imperial earlier this summer.

but it lifted right out and this is what presented itself to me next.

the seal looks great! it did not leak when i ran it several days ago so i asumed the seal was fine.

the outer tub however does have a lot more rust and corrosion than the 1967 wa2n model i took apart last week.

the screws holding the tub support are completely corroded and will have to be cut out.

the shafts look great, no damage to the agitator shaft at all when i removed the agitator. all in all i am pleased with it.

 

[rollermatic]

this is the removed tub

showing lots of gunk and grime plus someone's shirt or underwear entertwined in it as well!

these frigidaire rollermatics are a challenge!

now to figure out how to get that agitator apart without damaging it!

dishwashers are so much easier! why the hell did i have to pick rollermatics to love and want to collect!

 

[norfolksouthern]

I'm sorry if I seem like a pest, but yes I do agree that dishwashers are easier than Rollermatics. That is, IF parts can be found for them. Such as, my Roto-Rack detergent cup. If you know where one of them can be found, then by all means, quote me a price!

Best of luck on your work, Pete. I'm sure you'll have this finished in no time.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[rollermatic]

i talked to mark tonite

and he asked me if i knew where you could get a detergent cup. i don't at this point. maybe larry in parma at modern parts/ i can call him and check. i talked to him today actually.

could you fix the one you have, or modify something to work. it's a pretty simple part really.

there is another no i have for a parts place, it's 1-856-358-2436 and it was posted here awhile ago. now that i have free long distance with time warner phone service i can call them and check for you. i'm off tomorrow, i will try.

 

[norfolksouthern]

I would,

but the LEFT trap door is missing, and the spring of the top lid is gone too. Also, the RIGHT trap door has a weak spring, so it won't open all the way when the solenoid releases. I am going to install the new dishwasher hose and sink hookup, that part should be easy. Just one piece at a time, Pete, and patience is a good virtue. And then, I need to find a way to refinish the cabinet and then get it to stay flat on all four wheels. But it's still a nice dishwasher just the way it is. Like your Rollermatics, boy does that thing CLEAN!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[norfolksouthern]

By the way:

Your help is greatly appreciated, Pete. Thanks!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[rollermatic]

stay flat on all 4 wheels?

i don't get that? you mean it wobbles?

also i would not worry about detergent cup too much if everything else works! at least yours doesn't leak and you didn't ruin the motor trying to get pump impeller bolt out like i did on mine.

also, your detergent cup looks different from mine, this is mine here.

it's not that big of a deal if you have to throw some detergent into the wash, just enjoy it for the classic sears it is! it runs and doesn't leak!

oh by the way, larry in parma does have motors for them!

 

[gyrafoam]

Why would you want to go through the hassle of trying to remove the old bolts on the mechanism support? Just paint 'em over with POR-15 or Rustoleum spray, and forgetaboutit!
With old Frigidaires' the less you have to do--- the better!

 

[yogitunes]

for Parts.............

GO TO ... EASYAPLIANCEPARTS.COM

They have parts for the older machines, at dirt cheap prices and shipping......

I have been stocking up on some extras.....

I got a porcelain top and lid, and a drain hose for under $20.00 total...including the shipping....never hurts to check....some stuff NLA....I checked online first, could not believe parts were available NEW in the box, had to call to confirm availability, and they were special order but still got them in 14 days total!...still can't believe it!

 

[yogitunes]

SORRY....spelled wrong

EASYAPPLIANCEPARTS.COM

1-866-895-9295

Have model and parts numbers ready....it helps alot!

7am to 9pm eastern time...Mon - Fri

9am to 6pm Sat

food for thought....for my model I got a pump, they NLA all the individual pieces to re-build the pump....but they DO sell the whole pump assembled.....just be on the lookout for things like this