Yet Another BD Whirlpool Portable Query

[launderess]

If anyone can stand it, that is! *LOL*

Yesterday ran my little man through several loads and things went rather well. But then again no next to nothing about the normal operations of this machine, so thats' me for you.

A few things strike me as "off", and want to clear up what they could be so as to perhaps order parts in advice of Mr. Repairman's arrival. Call out service for appliances in our area is quite dear, and as this unit requires removing the entire cabinette (not an easy nor fun job one gathers), want to have as much on hand as possible. This way Repairman does not have to make multiple (and costly) trips and keep taking the machine apart. Or worse, leaving the thing taken apart lying about until parts can be found and installed.

Anway, back to the things one noticed.

Leaks: Have taken to shoving a large "wee-wee" pad under the washer before starting. Saves wiping up leaks and such, and one easily can tell where water is coming from by the damp areas.

Just as one was comfortable with the idea the pump was leaking, noticed there is a small amount of water from the center area (by damp spots on the wee-wee pad). After doing about six loads yesterday, tipped the maching slightly upwards and felt around the base plate area where the agitator is, and could feel dampness, not totally wet, just damp. There were also two small "oil and water" spots, about the size of a large pin head. Not total oil mind, but more like drops of water with bits of oil. Rather like salad dressing that has separated.

Next, sometimes while the machine is agitating there is a slight tiny rattle sound. Nothing major, and almost sounds like crickets.

Finally there is a slight "bang" or could be cluck when the tranny shifts from neutral to agitate. From what one has been able to research this could mean a rusting pin or low cam bar needing replacement.

On the bright side there is little if any "muck" or rust bits coming out of the drain water. So perhaps the original gunk was stuff built up between the tubs and pump that was disloged by my "acid bath" cleaning.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

L -

The transmission "bang" when it engages agitate is normal. There is a spring-loaded 'fork' inside the transmission that pulls and holds the gearcase OUT of gear. When it is engaged, the bang is the sound from the release of tension on the spring and the agitator shaft locking with the drive gear. The 'bang' is more normal than not, and when/if it goes away, that is the time to be concerned about internal gearcase issues.

Leaks - they are a common cause of concern with BD machines. Your machine may be leaking from the centerpost gasket as well as from the pump. Water mixed with oil is not good and may be a sign of water seeping from the centerpost. All BD and some DD machines drip some gearcase oil at times, so if it's just accidentally mixing with water, this may not be a big deal. I hope your servicer can diagnose this properly. My approach would be to clear-up the pump and potential tub leaks, and see what you have left then continue the diagnosis.

The rattle sound you mention I have heard in various machines and can have various sources. A worn impeller shaft in the pump can causes rattling. The basket drive pulley also can create noise when the sleeve bearing in it begins to wear. There also seems to be bearing noise from motors when they wear. I have even noticed these rattles to vary with external temperature variations, etc.

Be cautious of what the service guy tells you - many are quick to provide a diagnosis when they really don't know what they are telling you. My mother got a "needs a new motor" pronouncement from GE Factory service on a 2004 dishwasher in late 2007, but it turned out to be a loose center wash-arm conduit that was vibrating. The machine with the supposed bad motor continues on today having done about 3-4 loads per week all through 2008 and 2009 with a "bad motor".

G

 

[launderess]

Thanks Gordon

Problem is, at least around here there are so few if any repairmen left that really know older appliances.

All one gets are young men or worse teenagers who know nothing about anything built outside of the recent ten years or so.

L.

 

[norfolksouthern]

Parts are extremely rare for these machines!

I am really sorry for all your troubles with the BD Whirlpool, Laundress. And I am hoping you can get it fixed. I think the oil would give me some concerns, but I can't say absolutely how I would solve the problem. Or, even know where to get another transmission, should that be the issue. I do know that I am going to need a new timer for mine if I want to get the control knob to work properly, and there is only one source that I'm even aware of.

First and foremost, these machines are collector's antiques. I have thought about pressing mine into regular service, but I get to feeling a little squeamish when I have other options, such as my 24" DD Kenmore 70, after I finish rebuilding it.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[launderess]

Thanks NS

Will know more when the repairman has had a look, but when one spoke with the manager of the service he couldn't exactly say if any of his men or even himself had worked on this particular machine, but what else can one do?

The oil is not a vast amount, and two drops after several wash loads does not concern me as much as if the unit had a steady drip, even when not in use.

Repair service did NOT seem to like the idea one had pumps and belts already. Kept asking "where did you get these from?" and "how long have you had them?". Not sure if he was concerned about being done out of a mark-up on parts, or that even NOS parts could be past their sell by date.

Though did several loads this weekend, wouldn't and couldn't use this washer as a daily driver. Sheets,for instance unless loaded carefully tangle, bunch up and can send the washer into an unbalanced spin, which makes a horrible racket. Also while the capacity is great for say small laundry (a good sized mixed load of T-shirts, undies, and such fit nicely, and came out CLEAN), large towels can only go one at a time, with perhaps some washcloths or face towels to balance things out.

Originally gave $135 for mine (yes, am an idiot aren't I?), but got back nearly half via a PayPal claim. Expected something to be wrong, afterall the washer is over 20 years old, and it would be amazing if it arrived working totally perfectly. If one can get five or so years out of the unit, even with say $100 so of repairs and parts, still think the unit was a good deal.

Newer "vintage" Whirlpool portables tend to go for more on CL and the like, and aren't as easily repairable as these units.

While some parts may be rare, there is still quite allot out there. Remember Whirlpool/Kenmore had this model (with slight modifications) for a long time, almost right up to the "World Washer" era. Also many of the parts for this smaller unit, were also used on many large Whirlpool units, aside from the tub assembly and trannie of course, and various knobs, the timer and cabinette.

Sorry to hear your timer is acting up. Am keeping my eyes peeled for a NOS one for myself, just to add to my stash. Will keep you posted should any turn up. You never know!

Like you have other options, namely the Miele and Hoover TT, so yes, won't be using mine as a daily driver either. Have to say it is rather nice to get washing done in less than one half hour per load. The power of Top Loading Washing! *LOL*