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Thread Number: 6639
The Bendix Power Surge Washer |
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Post# 133112 6/4/2006 at 17:24 (6,535 days old) by gansky1  (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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A little while ago, Roger in Tuscon found a Bendix Power-Surge washer. Knowing this was one of my dream machines from way back, he called and offered it to me. Of course, I jumped at it and now it's in Roger's carport awaiting shipment to Nebraska. Here are the pictures he sent me and the scans of the 1956 Bendix brochures and sales-facts pages for your viewing pleasure... And then..... CLICK HERE TO GO TO gansky1's LINK | ||
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Post# 133113 , Reply# 1 6/4/2006 at 17:26 (6,535 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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And now
Thanks to David's great fly-in and go saleing find yesterday, because I didn't go to the sales in St. Paul yesterday I now have a new Thor-O-Matic. YAY, thanks David! Thor-o-Matic, who knew?... CLICK HERE TO GO TO unimatic1140's LINK | ||
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Post# 133114 , Reply# 2 6/4/2006 at 17:39 (6,535 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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OMG | ||
| Post# 133115 , Reply# 3 6/4/2006 at 17:41 (6,535 days old) by jamman_98 (Columbia, SC) | ||
WOW | ||
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Post# 133120 , Reply# 5 6/4/2006 at 18:13 (6,535 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Post# 133124 , Reply# 6 6/4/2006 at 18:30 (6,535 days old) by peteski50 (New York) |
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Power Surge  | ||
| Post# 133134 , Reply# 9 6/4/2006 at 20:22 (6,534 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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Excitement Maximus Oh! Gentlemen what a delightful circumstance for both of you. Please do some artsy camera work with your proud faces reflecting in those wonderful chromed energizer quiverizer tops, with and without water. For the first and last pages of the Class of AW.O 2006 Year Book! | ||
| Post# 133137 , Reply# 10 6/4/2006 at 20:37 (6,534 days old) by mint46 (North Eastern Pennsylvania) | ||
gorgeous | ||
| Post# 133139 , Reply# 11 6/4/2006 at 20:53 (6,534 days old) by rogera608s (Tucson,AZ) | ||
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Greg, Robert, Now I am speechless. What a beauty. Roger | ||
| Post# 133142 , Reply# 12 6/4/2006 at 21:10 (6,534 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!) | ||
And remember.... | ||
| Post# 133143 , Reply# 13 6/4/2006 at 21:48 (6,534 days old) by kenmorepeter5ab () | ||
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About VIDEO Hello... How about see the video about Bendix or Thor-O-Matic or both, can I see the video? When? -Peter (kenmorepeter5ab) ;-D | ||
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Post# 133146 , Reply# 15 6/4/2006 at 22:26 (6,534 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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I can't believe my eyes! | ||
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Post# 133147 , Reply# 16 6/4/2006 at 22:35 (6,534 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Well the guy from the estate sale never called, even after I left him a couple of messages, so I’m sure glad I decided to take a ride over to that address first thing this morning. It turns out the owner was there and more than happy to sell me the machine. Here is an update on the Thor-o-Matic: I thought the boot had rips in it, but now on a closer inspection I see that it is worn, but not worn all the way through, so I think, Tonight I ran the washer without the belt on to protect the pump. The motor runs, the timer turns and the water valve seems to work. As soon as I get a chance this week I will give it a water test. The cord was crumbling so I replaced it and grounded the machine, otherwise it looks like its in fine shape. Here are some more pictures from my inspection. CLICK HERE TO GO TO unimatic1140's LINK | ||
| Post# 133150 , Reply# 17 6/4/2006 at 23:01 (6,534 days old) by golittlesport (California) | ||
holy energy disk!!! | ||
| Post# 133153 , Reply# 18 6/4/2006 at 23:09 (6,534 days old) by gregm () | ||
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just when you thought .................. AGAIN, I am amazed and flabbergasted, CONGRADS to both of you guys, you know at this rate Robert, you will find your "bouncing basket" just yet ............ | ||
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Post# 133161 , Reply# 19 6/4/2006 at 23:28 (6,534 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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Very cool pics - it's amazing how similar the design is to the later Philco Automagic. I can't wait to see the quiver-action! I've been searching parts manuals from Marcone and other parts supply houses all evening, even belt manufacturer's guides and I can't find any mention of Thor or Thor-o-Matic for Robert's washer at all. There must have been a connection between Philco and Thor right around 1956-57 because the last of the automatic washer service info I have from Thor is from late 55 and that was only for their design with the spinner-washer/dishwasher mechanisms. Since Philco aquired the Bendix appliance division from Avco in 1957 it might also have been about this same time that they aquired the rights to the Thor name as well. There is still a connection today with the Bendix/Philco/Thor names overseas(Italian made?) but I haven't been able to uncover much about Thor yet. | ||
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Post# 133163 , Reply# 20 6/4/2006 at 23:37 (6,534 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY) |
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Drooling here................
Besides WOW what fabulous machines!, I must say the love that flows in this place is AMAZING. It is beyond description to me that each of you thinks *self-less-ly* of others and making their dreams come true. May the universe bestow upon you (plural) the abundant fulfillment of all your wants and needs and protect you (all) in good health and good spirits. So be it! | ||
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Post# 133166 , Reply# 21 6/4/2006 at 23:41 (6,534 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis) |
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How fun is that! Yeah! | ||
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Post# 133168 , Reply# 22 6/5/2006 at 00:03 (6,534 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York) |
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| Post# 133175 , Reply# 24 6/5/2006 at 00:31 (6,534 days old) by rocky2 (Northwest Indiana) | ||
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Well Ain't That Special... Jees, Go on haitus for a while and this is what happens when I get back. Absolutely incredible finds Greg and Robert. The washer gods have smiled upon you. Can't wait to see some videos of the wash action ;-) Again, congrats guys. | ||
| Post# 133177 , Reply# 25 6/5/2006 at 00:35 (6,534 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio) | ||
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Uhh, this may be a very obvious question, but were these machines from the same line, and one just rebadged? If so, who was the maker? Sincerely happy for you both, Greg and Robert! Lawrence/Maytagbear | ||
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Post# 133227 , Reply# 27 6/5/2006 at 08:44 (6,534 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Hi everyone, Terry I didn't get much history of this machine, the owner was actually the man's daughter. In the house was a 1990 or so GE Filter-Flo Washer and a 1965 Frigidaire Dryer. There also was a electric 1951 Bendix Dryer pushed to the side, just like the one's Greg and I had before and Peter has one too. Greg that is interesting about the Bendix/Philco/Thor name, it makes me also wonder if Philco bought both Bendix and Thor and retired the Thor name. Lawrence Bendix was the designer of both of these machines. Tom the tub is much smaller than I ever thought. It's about 1/2 the size of an AMP wash tub. When I first saw it the first thing that came to mind was a mini-basket in a full size washer! Still the user guide that I got with the Thor says to fill it with 8lbs clothes. | ||
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Post# 133230 , Reply# 28 6/5/2006 at 08:56 (6,534 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut) |
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| Post# 133234 , Reply# 29 6/5/2006 at 09:04 (6,534 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN) | ||
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Calypso 1955 WOW!!!! I can't wait for the next wash-in! | ||
| Post# 133237 , Reply# 30 6/5/2006 at 09:10 (6,534 days old) by westyslantfront () | ||
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Hi Robert. Welcome to the Thor family. I never knew that Thor made a machine like that. Thank you for all the pictures and I look forward to videos. Ross | ||
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Post# 133255 , Reply# 31 6/5/2006 at 10:03 (6,534 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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| Post# 133291 , Reply# 33 6/5/2006 at 11:49 (6,534 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN) | ||
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VIDEOS! Can we see videos? | ||
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Post# 133321 , Reply# 34 6/5/2006 at 13:11 (6,534 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Down Boyz | ||
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Post# 133323 , Reply# 35 6/5/2006 at 13:16 (6,534 days old) by pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI) |
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| Post# 133349 , Reply# 36 6/5/2006 at 14:02 (6,534 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN) | ||
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Yeah, it might be alot better if the machine worked. I'm sure we'll see videos in the future. Great find! June 2006 is now THOR month. | ||
| Post# 133350 , Reply# 37 6/5/2006 at 14:02 (6,534 days old) by peterh770 (Marietta, GA) | ||
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Post# 133411 , Reply# 38 6/5/2006 at 16:00 (6,534 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Post# 133442 , Reply# 39 6/5/2006 at 16:51 (6,534 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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no video with you in it
could ever by boring Robert... But a real question (for a change). It seems like nearly anything can be machined or somehow replaced...except for massive rubber parts like that sump boot. Just how far can you go in restoring or rejuvinating such things? I know the brake fluid trick and the isopropyl trick...the fleet enema trick...but we are talking about some major polymer trauma here. It is a question I have been meaning to ask for sometime, but since it usually comes up when someone is stuck for a rubber when they really need one, it just seemed the wrong time to ask. Thanks again for sharing, this is so fascinating. | ||
| Post# 133450 , Reply# 40 6/5/2006 at 17:03 (6,534 days old) by agiflow () | ||
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Very nice machines Robert and Greg. Hope you two guys get them up and running soon. | ||
| Post# 133494 , Reply# 41 6/5/2006 at 20:49 (6,533 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
Oh My Gansky and Uni !!! | ||
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Post# 133525 , Reply# 42 6/5/2006 at 22:34 (6,533 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Pictures of the Premier Wash
Well this is a very cool washer to say the least. The turnover was not much during the first two minutes of the wash cycle but after that it really started to turn over the clothes. The first was load was a 8lb mixed load of towels and dish towels. The machine still needs some minor work, but its good enough for a load or two... CLICK HERE TO GO TO unimatic1140's LINK | ||
| Post# 133547 , Reply# 43 6/5/2006 at 23:20 (6,533 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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Absolutely Positively Vubulatorius Robert does the triblade turn in one direction while traveling around the tub at its fixed angle? Kind of like the "Round Up" carnival ride. Hope that makes sense!! | ||
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Post# 133554 , Reply# 44 6/5/2006 at 23:37 (6,533 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon) |
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What a cool washer | ||
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Post# 133555 , Reply# 45 6/5/2006 at 23:40 (6,533 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY) |
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Post# 133558 , Reply# 46 6/5/2006 at 23:46 (6,533 days old) by peteski50 (New York) |
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Power Surge | ||
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Post# 133580 , Reply# 47 6/6/2006 at 00:53 (6,533 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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Post# 133590 , Reply# 48 6/6/2006 at 03:29 (6,533 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Turbulations!!! | ||
| Post# 133631 , Reply# 49 6/6/2006 at 08:07 (6,533 days old) by tlee618 () | ||
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Such a fun machine Robert. Can't wait to feel that "shock wave" water. Thanks so much for sharing its maiden load with us!! Terry | ||
| Post# 133633 , Reply# 50 6/6/2006 at 08:21 (6,533 days old) by westyslantfront () | ||
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Hi Robert. Thank you for still pictures. I am looking forward to a video. Glad that machine is up and running. Ross | ||
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Post# 133638 , Reply# 51 6/6/2006 at 08:47 (6,533 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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September 1955
Hi Darrel, yes the Energy Disk moves just like the carnaval ride "Round Up". And Mike, the machine is very similar to my '59 Philco, there are only two major differences, the first is they don't use the "Ball-Point" balance suspension system and the other is there is no clutch so it throws the water out of the tub as fast, if not faster than a Unimatic. I found a date stamp of September 1955 on the water valve last night. | ||
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Post# 133699 , Reply# 52 6/6/2006 at 12:20 (6,533 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD) |
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Going by pictures in old ads for this machine, there were a couple of different energy discs. Whether one replaced the other during production or if one was a design that was not produced, I do not know. | ||
| Post# 133708 , Reply# 55 6/6/2006 at 12:56 (6,533 days old) by westytoploader () | ||
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I saw the picture showing the inner and outer tubs, and the small gap between the two...interesting. When I looked at Greg's machine, I turned the tub slightly and it felt "heavy" like a Unimatic tub, so perhaps the balance ring compensates for that? | ||
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Post# 133715 , Reply# 56 6/6/2006 at 13:21 (6,533 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Mike Consumer Reports never tested this washer as far as I know. Austin the machine has two problems left. First the pump is noisy, tonight I'm going to tackle that. I think I have a spare good pump for this washer in my stash-o-parts so I will go hunting for that tonight. The other problem is a bit of water escapes between from bottom boot into the outer tub and drains away during wash. It loses about 2 gallons of water during the 10 minute wash cycle. I'm going to try and seal it better between the boot and the agitator disk, my first attempt will be without any silicone. I'll post pictures of the pump replacement if I can find the spare pump later on tonight. Oh and the other thing Austin is this machine does not have any balance ring or weight built into the was tub or liner. | ||
| Post# 133724 , Reply# 57 6/6/2006 at 13:47 (6,533 days old) by westytoploader () | ||
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No balance ring? Wow, how strange...from the way that tub felt I never would have thought! How does the machine balance for spin then? | ||
| Post# 133732 , Reply# 58 6/6/2006 at 14:14 (6,533 days old) by geoffdelp (SAUK RAPIDS) | ||
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Congratulations you two!! What beautiful machines; how fun for your both!! | ||
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Post# 133900 , Reply# 60 6/6/2006 at 22:28 (6,532 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Brent the towels came out just fine, everything was clean, of course the phosphated vintage Cheer helps too :) Austin this washer uses a Spring and Leaf suspension system, very similar to what is on the Norge which also does not use any extra weight in the tub for balance. With the pump removed you can see the suspension system. 
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Post# 133901 , Reply# 61 6/6/2006 at 22:32 (6,532 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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| Post# 133912 , Reply# 63 6/6/2006 at 23:08 (6,532 days old) by tlee618 () | ||
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Well Robert after seeing that pump, I guess we know now that this machine has seen some use. Looked so "new" on the outside. Glad that you had a new pump "on hand"!! Terry | ||
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Post# 133922 , Reply# 64 6/6/2006 at 23:56 (6,532 days old) by peteski50 (New York) |
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Bendix Powerserge | ||
| Post# 133928 , Reply# 65 6/7/2006 at 00:19 (6,532 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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FilterFlo In gansky1's link 7 of 9 seems to imply that it was just paired with the basic "super-fast" dryer with a matching formica top. | ||
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Post# 133978 , Reply# 66 6/7/2006 at 09:00 (6,532 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Post# 133981 , Reply# 67 6/7/2006 at 09:27 (6,532 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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Aaaaaak! Look at that pump! Thank goodness for that "Magic Parts Box" you have! That matching dryer was "Super-Fast" because it had a very high airflow, 210 cfm and it could be connected to a 50 amp line for 8000 watts of drying power (like the WP/KM). The gas model had a BTU input rating of 33,000. I acutally found a 1957 model of that dryer in a shop in Nebraska a long time ago and they wouldn't sell it to me, the lying liars kept telling me it was sold! ;-) | ||
| Post# 134018 , Reply# 68 6/7/2006 at 11:38 (6,532 days old) by lightedcontrols () | ||
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CONGRATULATIONS BOYS!!! What a GREAT find. Can't wait to see them in action! Mark | ||
| Post# 134118 , Reply# 69 6/7/2006 at 17:34 (6,532 days old) by jerseymike () | ||
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Wow! Whoever owned this machine took very good care of it! It looks mint from the outside. The pump's condition suggests that that this machine saw more then some use. Good thing that you had an extra pump on hand! Did you find the source of the leaks? Mike | ||
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Post# 134195 , Reply# 70 6/7/2006 at 21:56 (6,531 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Yes the source of the leak of water from the wash tub into the outer tub is between the bottom of the spin tub and the rubber boot. I thought it was between the agitator disk and boot, but that seals perfectly. Unfortunately that means removing the tub to get at the boot retaining ring. Something I don't have time to start until at least early next week. | ||
| Post# 134919 , Reply# 71 6/10/2006 at 20:34 (6,528 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
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Thanks, Roberto
The interior of that pump looks like overly salamandered Creme Brulee, not very pretty but probably delicious. Better, though, is the peek at the late fifties Pulsamatic. Is that the one that alternates hot and cold streams for warm? Gram's machine--I loved it. Hers had aqua or turk dials: water temp dial just as big and mighty as the cycle dial. Again, that machine has the fastest agitation I've ever seen. Do you know of anything faster? Julia Child would love your immaculate doily (sp?) Miguel | ||
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Post# 135407 , Reply# 72 6/13/2006 at 13:10 (6,526 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Update on the PowerSurge
Again, that machine has the fastest agitation I've ever seen. Do you know of anything faster? Mike yes, the Apex bounce/wobbled the tub at 650 wpm, as opposed to the Pulsamatic's 630ppm, so it was slighlty faster. Anyway so back to the PowerSurge washer. Well after a few more fun wash loads in the Thor-o-Matic that big rubber diaphragm boot at the bottom of the wash tub had failed. Where I pointed out there were wear areas where the boot meets the wash plate a large hole suddenly formed and let all the wash water drain from the wash tub down into the outer tub. So here is the good news. The boots from the 1959-1960 Philco Automagic washers are very similar and have the exact same outer diameter. I have a few of those early Automagic boots brand new in my stash-o-parts. But, the inner diameter side of those boots has an extra lip on it compared to the power surge boot. So I took my exacto-blade and carefully trimmed that extra lip off the new boot. The Automagic boot works perfectly and should last for years to come! YAY. This is good news Greg for both of us that the later boots work! | ||
| Post# 135408 , Reply# 73 6/13/2006 at 13:50 (6,526 days old) by tlee618 () | ||
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So glad that you were able to solve the "boot" problem Robert. I will be looking forward to more pictures. Terry | ||
| Post# 135476 , Reply# 74 6/13/2006 at 21:18 (6,525 days old) by bobbyd32l () | ||
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w00h00!! I cant wait to see this one in action! Congrats on such a great find!! Post some more pics soon as well as vids!! | ||
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Post# 135480 , Reply# 75 6/13/2006 at 21:38 (6,525 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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| Post# 135501 , Reply# 76 6/13/2006 at 23:32 (6,525 days old) by jerseymike () | ||
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Awesome!!! I'm so glad that you were able to find a solution to the problem! I can't wait to see this one in action! Mike | ||
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