Thread Number: 13849
'62 Easy AUTOmatic trouble
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Post# 237967   9/23/2007 at 08:17 (6,031 days old) by gregm ()        

Plugged in, filled fine, agitated fine, spun fine and then just stopped spinning but motor stayed running/humming. Tried on/off several times in all timer positions and machine just hums, yet you can tell the motor is turning by the sound it seems to make when you shut it off. I tried looking at the pump to see if it locked up but it seems OK, although it turns when you push a screwdriver inside against it, it doesn't seem to just spin freely but I think its "directly" linked to the motor on the opposite side. At this point, I think I need a new capacitor and will try replacing that.




Post# 237976 , Reply# 1   9/23/2007 at 08:30 (6,031 days old) by gregm ()        
How do you ???

get the top off ?????? There seems to be a , I assume, pressure switch ?? on the bottom to tell when the machine is full ???

It leaks around that, so I think I need to pull the inner tub to patch around this. Probably easier to "goop"/silicone seal around it on the bottom ........


Post# 238041 , Reply# 2   9/23/2007 at 13:05 (6,031 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

There was a thread a while back from Robert....he had one of these Easy Time Line style washers...can't seem to find it.

IIRC this might be a rebadged Hotpoint washer???? And it was a "direct drive" type design. Sorry to ramble...


Post# 238043 , Reply# 3   9/23/2007 at 13:09 (6,031 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
No this is the Easy Velva-Power design. The motor start switch is probably sticking in the open position.

To remove the top there are two VERY LONG screws that go all the from the toe panel all the way up to the top of the machine.


Post# 238055 , Reply# 4   9/23/2007 at 14:08 (6,031 days old) by gregm ()        
elaborate please ???

Hi Robert, thanks for telling me how to get the top off. Do I have to take apart or break into the motor ??? Is it easy to fix this ? If I take the motor off from the tranny will oil spill out ?? Jon said there was a problem with the machine but I thought he said it was "in the timer" which seems to work fine except it doesn't "shut off". I tried tipping the machine forward on its front side and it started to leak tranny fluid so I put it right back up. Can the machine be tipped on "any" side at all or even tipped "on an angle" ??? Thank you in advance for your advice/help/assistance.

Post# 238057 , Reply# 5   9/23/2007 at 14:10 (6,031 days old) by gregm ()        
coldspot ....

it is a direct drive (no belts) John .......... If I can fix the leak and fix this "start switch" thing. I think the machine will run perfectly.

Post# 238081 , Reply# 6   9/23/2007 at 16:35 (6,031 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Greg - that is an awesome washer...it was my very first machine, the one that I grew up with! Mom bought it in early '63 and it's still going in my old aunt's basement in NY. Still washes well, she says. Unfortunately, it is rusting badly and it's matching gas dryer died years ago, but what a neat set. She only uses it a couple of times a week, if that much. She's selling the house now, so guess it will be gone for good soon.

I do not remember that washer leaking tranny fluid when it was tipped forward or moved in any way. When my machine was just a year old, it did exactly what you are describing, and Easy service had to replace the transmission. After that it was good as new. Don't remember if it was leaking at the time though, but the transmission had gone bad. Hopefully this isn't the same problem you're having, but sounds very similar.

I'm not sure if this is correct or not, but maybe Robert can confirm, but I think there is a relay switch inside the timer that turns the machine on and off. If yours won't turn off, the relay switch might be bad. If I remember correctly (and really not sure about this), that thing was red in color. Maybe just dreaming....it was a long time ago.


Post# 238134 , Reply# 7   9/23/2007 at 21:40 (6,031 days old) by gregm ()        
thanks Andrew

hey, thanks bud, any info is helpful and I hope to hear back from Robert soon with regard to my questions above. I have never seen a mechanism like this one. Its pretty interesting and very cool.

Post# 238135 , Reply# 8   9/23/2007 at 21:46 (6,031 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
I have to take apart or break into the motor ???
Yes, unfortunately

it easy to fix this ?
Unfortunately probably not

I take the motor off from the tranny will oil spill out ??
That is a possibility, next week I will look and see if I can find a repair manual for this. I suspect that this is going to be a big repair job.


Post# 238185 , Reply# 9   9/24/2007 at 09:00 (6,030 days old) by gregm ()        
is it worth it or should I toss ?

I don't really care if I keep or have this machine, so I don't mind tossing it ............

My "limited knowlege" assumption is that I would basically have to tear down the machine, take the motor off, fix the switch inside, replace the oil, gasket, god knows what else ......

Thank you Robert for answering my questions ........


Post# 238215 , Reply# 10   9/24/2007 at 11:40 (6,030 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
I wouldn't just toss that machine Greg, it's only one of two left known in the world. You might want to offer it to someone who is willing to take the time and give it a restoration, if there is such a brave sole out there. :)

Post# 238302 , Reply# 11   9/24/2007 at 22:22 (6,030 days old) by gregm ()        
ok ...

I agree Robert and I would do that first or make that offer before just trashing it. Would you still mind or be able to tell me "how involved" or what I would need to do to fix this and what I am up against ? Obviously this would help not only me but should I part with it, it would help anyone else interested make a decision as well. Your time here is always valued and appreciated by me and I am sure I speak for many when I say others.

Post# 238355 , Reply# 12   9/25/2007 at 07:35 (6,029 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hi Greg

mickeyd's profile picture
Come in off your beautiful porch a while and tell us what the machine looks like, the controls, etc., or snap a few pix if possible. You have the Midas Touch when it comes to Easies. Is it as cosmetically mint as all the rest of your babies: the Blackstone, the THREE Fridigis, the green ancient Spindrier? Take a guess who's been bug-eyed for days, jerking awake in the middle of the night to check the Easy Automatic that is not here but in Worcester

Mike


Post# 238373 , Reply# 13   9/25/2007 at 09:29 (6,029 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Dying to see it.

bajaespuma's profile picture
Could we please get a couple of pictures?

Post# 238380 , Reply# 14   9/25/2007 at 10:24 (6,029 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Would you still mind or be able to tell me "how involved"

No problem Greg, but its going to take some time and research on my part to be able to do that, so I will as soon as I can get a spare moment.


Post# 238393 , Reply# 15   9/25/2007 at 11:23 (6,029 days old) by gregm ()        
Thanks Robert

I appreciate it, its not like I can drop everything and fix it this weekend either :). I will post some pics of it later next week or after and maybe that can be a friendly reminder if you forget or get sidetracked. I know your busy.

Post# 241007 , Reply# 16   10/8/2007 at 09:43 (6,016 days old) by gregm ()        
back up ...

just bringing this back up to the top, Robert, I am ready for your help and/or instructions as to what to do with this machine please ..............

Post# 241115 , Reply# 17   10/8/2007 at 19:23 (6,016 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Robert, I am ready for your help and/or instructions as to what to do with this machine please .

And I am ready for pictures of the machine to pop up on here as well ;)


Post# 241147 , Reply# 18   10/8/2007 at 21:16 (6,016 days old) by gregm ()        
aaaahhhhh

ok :), will try to do that in the next day or two .... worked on the GE combo tonight for two hours, changing one belt, to loose, keeps slipping during wash or when full of water ..... uugghhh

Post# 241541 , Reply# 19   10/10/2007 at 13:02 (6,014 days old) by gregm ()        
pics ...

1962 EASY "AUTO"

Post# 241542 , Reply# 20   10/10/2007 at 13:03 (6,014 days old) by gregm ()        
inside ........

solid tub ..........

Post# 241543 , Reply# 21   10/10/2007 at 13:04 (6,014 days old) by gregm ()        
console

controls ....

Post# 241588 , Reply# 22   10/10/2007 at 16:16 (6,014 days old) by 74simon ()        

Wow, hope you get this machine fixed. That's one of the most fabulous consoles I've ever seen!

Si


Post# 241619 , Reply# 23   10/10/2007 at 19:24 (6,014 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
How do you do it Greg? What is your secret?

mickeyd's profile picture
Mint machines every time without exception?

Simon, It's not for nothing that the Easy motto or slogan is "Precision engineering since 1877."

Greg, even with my magnifier, I can't read the buttons on the left of this grand and unique console. Would you kindly read them for me?


Post# 241620 , Reply# 24   10/10/2007 at 19:28 (6,014 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Greg there are two styles motors, one on the earlier Velvapower models and the other on the later style, this machine is 1963 so it could be either, I don't know which one. You are going to have to take the motor off and clean and sand the contacts on the start switch, this is not a HUGE job, but its not a minor one either. You are going to have to reach the motor from either the front panel or under the machine.

Post# 241640 , Reply# 25   10/10/2007 at 23:07 (6,014 days old) by gregm ()        
ok ...

what do I clean the contacts with ? and then "sand" with "sandpaper" ? fine grit ? What to these contacts look like? do they "stand out" ?

Post# 241704 , Reply# 26   10/11/2007 at 08:03 (6,013 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Greg,

Which style tranny does it have....the first or second picture in the above post? You said the motor hums/turns but no action. If it's the tranny in the second picture, maybe the coupling is broken?? Just an observation.


Post# 241709 , Reply# 27   10/11/2007 at 08:28 (6,013 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
what do I clean the contacts with ? and then "sand" with "sandpaper" ? fine grit ?
Hi Greg, I usually use Medium Grit (60 to 100), you just have to sand gently as to not bend the metal. After sanding be sure to clean them off well, I like to use contact cleaner and a soft cloth for that.

As for what they look like I can't say because every motor is different. So once you take the motor out take some pictures of it and we can guide you from there.


Post# 241713 , Reply# 28   10/11/2007 at 08:44 (6,013 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        
Where did you find this?

bajaespuma's profile picture
That has got to be the most unique vintage Top Loader I've ever seen! That backsplash is pure "Jetsons". Or Stewie, from "Family Guy".

Post# 241734 , Reply# 29   10/11/2007 at 10:05 (6,013 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Ken and interested parties

mickeyd's profile picture
Robert has fabulous videos of this machine, especially of the EIGHT spray rinses. It is the very last machine featured in SEE IT WASH. Check it out--a real treat. He thoroughly explains the Control Ring, but alas, you can't see the buttons on the left.

Post# 241736 , Reply# 30   10/11/2007 at 10:17 (6,013 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Here are some old links to my Easy:

Ding-Score

and

YAY for Easy Washdays



Post# 241741 , Reply# 31   10/11/2007 at 11:01 (6,013 days old) by dj-gabriele ()        

Wow! What a nice machine! That really caught my eye!

Post# 241775 , Reply# 32   10/11/2007 at 14:46 (6,013 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Yay and DING! SCORE! for Robert 1 THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK

mickeyd's profile picture
Yours has way more buttons than Greg's and the coveted Water Saver button which allows you to start agitation any damn time you please. Thanks for letting me see the sayings on the beloved buttons.

Even beter: I forgot that yours was also the suds=saver model.

Did you hook it up" Does it work? Now THAT would be something to see.


Post# 241815 , Reply# 33   10/11/2007 at 18:34 (6,013 days old) by gregm ()        
..............................

John, I will look at the "coupling",however the motor does sound and/or appear to actually turn/spin and not just "hum", but yet not "engaged" to the tranny. Mickey, the three buttons are like Roberts, Hot/Warm, Warm/Warm, Cold/Cold. Roberts is two speed and mine is not. Robert, per your post above and link to past post with photo of motor, is just like mine. I also need to replace that hose which comes out of the bottom of the outer tub and drains to the pump. I "make-shifted" something to go over the existing drain and attach to the pump and during my test run, it drained perfectly and did not leak, however, I obviously only got to run the machine very briefly before it quit. But it did agitate and it did spin all of the water out of the inner tub but did not finish pumping it out of the machine/outer tub before quitting. I don't think I will have time tonight to take the motor off, maybe sunday and I will definately take pics and post such. --(thanks Robert)

Post# 241856 , Reply# 34   10/11/2007 at 20:30 (6,013 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Greg,

If the motor starts and stops on it's own and "clicks" as it coasts to a stop, then the motor switch is prolly ok. If the motor hums but doesn't start and there is a burning smell, then the motor switch is the problem. I'm certainly no expert, but from what your describing, it does sound like nothing is engaging the tranny.


Post# 241890 , Reply# 35   10/11/2007 at 21:46 (6,013 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

These are probably some of the most beautiful vintage washers ever built (just my humble opinion). But if you think the washers are nice, you should see their matching dryers. It would be so great if one of those would turn up somewhere. We had the matching set when I grew up....the TOL washer and dryer. The dryer had a glass door, timeline timer and drum light. We had the gas version. It dried fast. The heat settings were Regular, Delicate, Special, Air Fluff, Dry, and Damp (6 buttons, similar to the washer). What a dryer it was. A little bell rang when it was done. Had ongoing problems with the blower in that machine...rubbing against the blower housing. Replaced it several times. Only a single problem with the washer, the transmission went after just a year, but that was it. Fixed under warranty. Loved that set. Always wished the washer were bigger.

Post# 241893 , Reply# 36   10/11/2007 at 21:55 (6,013 days old) by gregm ()        
john .........

John, I do hear the "click" as you describe as the motor coasts to a stop and I don't smell anything burning. I am inclined to go with your thought that somehow, somewhere, the motor is not engaging with some part or parts in or as the motor connects to the tranny ............. I wonder if the timer plays any roll in telling the motor to engage or disengage with the tranny at any or many points ?? and if something is stuck in "neutral" due to a "timer" issue ?? I wonder if that is a possibility ?

Post# 241894 , Reply# 37   10/11/2007 at 22:04 (6,013 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

All the timer does is send power to the motor and reverse direction when calling for agitation or spin.
The motor itself doesn't engage or disengage anything. If it's like a direct drive whirlpool washer, the motor coupling connects the tranny to the motor(unless something is broken inside the tranny). Turning one way agitates, reverse direction for drain and spin.


Post# 241911 , Reply# 38   10/11/2007 at 23:40 (6,013 days old) by pturo (Syracuse, New York)        

I am impressed with the design of the late EASY designs. I was talking to my dad, and they had an EASY that they used to put beer bottles in the tub with ice when they had parties. My Aunt used to work for Easy Washer in Syracuse. It seems they were bought by the Murray Corporation, who now make huge industry lanundry equipment. I think I will visit them and see if they have an archive section to give to Robert, if they even have anything. I think Easy went to Borg Warner then to Murray, so who knows what they have, but people in Syracuse are very friendly and helpful, for the most part. We are much more like the midwest up here than the downstate New York Hustle mentality.

Post# 241949 , Reply# 39   10/12/2007 at 07:50 (6,012 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Easy appliances are made and sold in Mexico now. There is a website somewhere that shows their line available there.

Post# 241958 , Reply# 40   10/12/2007 at 08:25 (6,012 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
John, I do hear the "click" as you describe as the motor coasts to a stop and I don't smell anything burning. I am inclined to go with your thought that somehow, somewhere, the motor is not engaging with some part or parts in or as the motor connects to the tranny ............. I wonder if the timer plays any roll in telling the motor to engage or disengage with the tranny at any or many points ?? and if something is stuck in "neutral" due to a "timer" issue ?? I wonder if that is a possibility ?

Greg if you do hear the motor running and then a **click** when it slows do to a stop, the start switch is fine. Unfortuantely if that is the case there is probably a more serious problem. It could be that the rubber coupler has worn off, but finding a replacement for that might present a bit of a challenge. Keep us posted when get the motor off.


Post# 242753 , Reply# 41   10/16/2007 at 12:54 (6,008 days old) by gregm ()        
front panel and top

well I tried to locate and/or feel for any screws at the bottom of the front panel or underneath that lip near the bottom of the front panel and can't find anything to "unscrew" as to take or get the front panel or top off ??? I hate to put this machine on its side, well I can't actually or oil will leak out of the tranny and the back access doesn't allow easy access to the motor where the motor is towards the front of the machine ........

Post# 242814 , Reply# 42   10/16/2007 at 17:43 (6,008 days old) by paulg (My sweet home... Chicago)        
EASY question

paulg's profile picture
Was that machine EASY's last?
When did EASY officially disappear and does anyone have a pix of the (approx) final machine?


Post# 243993 , Reply# 43   10/22/2007 at 14:47 (6,002 days old) by gregm ()        
back ...

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