Thread Number: 76212  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Turquoisedude tackles another Timeline....
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Post# 1000414   7/16/2018 at 12:25 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Insprired by the recent acquisition and rehab of that 55 Norge dryer, I figured my next project should be the 1955 Norge AW450 washer.  

 

This is the washer that surfaced in Syracuse New York in spring of 2016, just months after I had rescued a 1956 AW432 from central Massachusetts (and I wish to sincerely thank launderess for posting the craigslist ad for that '55!!).   I bought the machine with the intention of using it as a parts donor for the 56.   I remember that I got it going pretty quickly (the experience of reviving the '56 was still fresh in my withered brain) but that it had leakage issues. 

 

Of course I had to drag it out of mothballs for an evaluation.   It started right up, no sparks, no flames, no burnt outlets... LOL 

 





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Post# 1000415 , Reply# 1   7/16/2018 at 12:27 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Recalling there had been a leak, I still tried a partial tub load of water. 

 

It looked good and on the initial spin, I did not oberserve any leaks!

 





Post# 1000416 , Reply# 2   7/16/2018 at 12:29 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Feeling really brave, I filled the tub for the next test.  

 

I am always in awe at how a Norge moves the water around!!

 





Post# 1000418 , Reply# 3   7/16/2018 at 12:30 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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And the spin this time around.... Well....  I found the leak, I guess!

 





Post# 1000419 , Reply# 4   7/16/2018 at 12:33 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I observed that the water was coming from the centre of the outer tub, right above the drive pulley and brake.  After seeing this, I recalled that the likely cause is the boot where the drive shaft for the tub and transmission assembly goes.   

 

Hubby was away at a conference in New Orleans so he couldn't kvetch about the new lake in the garage... 


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Post# 1000422 , Reply# 5   7/16/2018 at 12:37 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I've been reviewing the Norge doctrine since I got the dryer running, but I was a little scared to try removing the tub and transmission.  As it turned out, it was really not a big deal!  After removing the three bolts on the drive shaft, the tub and tranny popped right out.  The hardest part may well have been removing the cabinet from the washer base. 

 

That tub and transmission design reminds me of the '66 Blackstone, but I digress....  


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Post# 1000423 , Reply# 6   7/16/2018 at 12:40 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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And what have we here?  Looks like a family of mousies spent the winter in the tub snacking on bird seed and insulation...  GGGRRR!    

 

Fortunately, it was just a wet mess that I had to deal with; the rotten little rodents hadn't chewed any rubber parts or power cables. 

 

Note to self: ask Santa for a cat this year.... 


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Post# 1000424 , Reply# 7   7/16/2018 at 12:45 (2,082 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Once the outer tub was cleaned out, I got to see the infamous boot.  And no wonder it leaked... That boot is pretty far gone!

 

Fortunately, ganksy1 (Greg) had contacted me when I first got the 55 Norge to let me know that a VW axle boot could be used as a substitute for the original BW Norge boot.  I managed to find one today and my order has been placed.

 

It's actually looking good for this machine now.  I was sure that I'd wind up cobbling together one machine from this one and the 56;  however given the scarcity of Norge washers, I also felt compelled to at least try and rehabilitate the 55.  Of course I still have work to do on the 56 (I think the motor bearings are shot) but I am now feeling confident about working on these machines.  Fingers crossed!!


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Post# 1000438 , Reply# 8   7/16/2018 at 16:15 (2,082 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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More excellent work, the Norge is a fun machine to dig into. Hope you have good luck with the boot, a little German influence never hurt any washer :-)


Post# 1000446 , Reply# 9   7/16/2018 at 16:51 (2,082 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Paul, you are time less in determination. 


Post# 1000447 , Reply# 10   7/16/2018 at 17:10 (2,082 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
WOWZERS...

hippiedoll's profile picture
That outer tub!
And that boot!

I hope once you get the VW axle boot on there, the NORGE will be ready to do the TWIST once again after all these years!

Come on baby, let's do the twist...
:oD


Post# 1000476 , Reply# 11   7/16/2018 at 23:18 (2,081 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
When u start washing in that thing, you will fall in love!

THATS a REAL washer!

Post# 1001152 , Reply# 12   7/23/2018 at 13:10 (2,075 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
What's lurking in the garage?

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If trolls live under bridges, what horrible creature might be nesting in a Norge?? 

 

All right, enough messing around... there's work to be done!


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Post# 1001153 , Reply# 13   7/23/2018 at 13:21 (2,075 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I apologize for not documenting this better, however, I was helped by Hubby with the 're-booting' of the 55 Norge. 

 

Recall that I found a VW axle boot; well it arrived just before the weekend = perfect timing!   The upper opening of the boot was too small for the Norge washer shaft opening, however.  I couldn't stretch it enough, but it looked like if it was (carefully) cut, it would fit.  This is where Hubby saved the day - my shuddery hands would have turned tha boot into a pile of rubber shavings no doubt.   The base of the boot had to be trimmed - there was a slight lip at the bottom that would have interfered with the clamp that attaches the boot to the bottom of the inner tub.  And the opening had to be widened; we cut the top protrusion right off.  That had to be stretched to fit the upper part of the drive shaft opening.  We managed to fit it, but then had a good deal of cursing to get the cursed Corbin clamp over the top ridge.  We did it and I did a brief water test - no leakage observed!  Hubby then suggested that we get the tub back in to see if the teeth of the tub drive would engage.  They did, but I now realized that I had no pictures....  I tried running water into the outer tub with the wash tub back in and observed no leaks once again.  At this point I thought to hell with removing the tub to take pictures.


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This post was last edited 07/23/2018 at 14:42
Post# 1001154 , Reply# 14   7/23/2018 at 13:26 (2,075 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I also didn't show the before and after pictures of the outside of the wash tub and the inner tub after de-scaling.  This washer must have been used in a really bad hard water area!

 

Well, knowing the boot was solid, I figured it would be time to attack the cabinet.  My first thought was to repaint it, but with a good cleaning, I think I can get away without it.  

 

That tub lid is another matter... I left it too late in the day yesterday to start painting it, so that will happen later this week with any luck.  


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Post# 1001156 , Reply# 15   7/23/2018 at 13:30 (2,075 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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My last cleaning task was to try and remove the residue from the lip of the tub opening.  It was much easier doing this with the lid off, trust me.  That grey scaly build-up was really ticking me off; I finally got it removed using...wait for it... steel wool!  I need to touch up a couple of chips and then figure out how to re-attach the inner lid gasket when I get back to this later in the week. 

 

I am still surprised that I had practically written this machine off, but here I am - getting it back into shape.  Amazing what a matching dryer will motivate one to do.... LOL 


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Post# 1001157 , Reply# 16   7/23/2018 at 13:38 (2,075 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

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.
The scuzz behind the lid must in all cases be EXERCISED...


Post# 1001163 , Reply# 17   7/23/2018 at 14:39 (2,075 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
Looking good there!

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Wow, you're really coming along & making progress! Keep up the amazing job! Can't wait to see it all finished!
:o)


Post# 1001235 , Reply# 18   7/24/2018 at 01:35 (2,074 days old) by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

My hat is off to you!! Very impressed with your determination and know how. I can't wait to see the finished restoration. Thank you for saving the Norge, one of my all time favorite machines.

Barry


Post# 1001718 , Reply# 19   7/28/2018 at 08:38 (2,070 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

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What an ingenious fix! Plus, a little bit of elbow grease goes a long way too!

Post# 1001722 , Reply# 20   7/28/2018 at 09:46 (2,070 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

That is going to be a great machine. I can't wait to see a video of the maiden wash load! Imagine having TWO timelines!

Post# 1001762 , Reply# 21   7/28/2018 at 20:21 (2,069 days old) by delturner (USA)        

Marvelous machines for washability. Not so great for dependability...

Post# 1001820 , Reply# 22   7/29/2018 at 16:09 (2,069 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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So, remember how I said I regretted not taking a picture of the wash tub after de-scaling it.  Well, there you go!


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Post# 1001821 , Reply# 23   7/29/2018 at 16:12 (2,069 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I'll get to the 'why' shortly....

I had cleaned up the cabinet and reassembled it.  Everything seemed to work, too. Bonus!


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Post# 1001822 , Reply# 24   7/29/2018 at 16:20 (2,069 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
And then the spin....

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Sigh. That's where the wheels came off...

There was a pretty good leak that seemed to be coming from the left front corner of the machine.  Nothing as bad as the previous leak but I just knew it had to be that 'new' boot.

I took the machine apart again and pulled the tub. Sure enough, the top of the upper end of the boot had folded when I clamped it in place.   

I regretted having cut the boot now...

However, I cooked up a plan to secure the too-wide boot to the drive shaft sleeve. If there was a hardware store that opened on Sunday here, it would be fixed... that will delay me to next week.  Just hope my idea works...


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Post# 1001823 , Reply# 25   7/29/2018 at 16:24 (2,069 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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It's not all bad news. I found and bought a NOS replacement pump and installed it. This was a good move for sure. The 56 Timeline will be treated to one, too...

And I think I am doing a half-decent job of repainting the washer lid.  It will all look stunning once I fix that boot.  

I hope!


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Post# 1001832 , Reply# 26   7/29/2018 at 18:44 (2,069 days old) by unclejohn (Can)        


Congrats, Paul (Turquoisedude), for all your endeavours! Hope the results will be to your satisfaction, and that you'll be able to enjoy many washdays to come with one of those legendary machines still operating--after so many years it is always nothing short of a little miracle. I have in mind the most appropriate words of Dr. Spock: 'Live long and prosper' !



Post# 1002071 , Reply# 27   7/31/2018 at 19:51 (2,066 days old) by IowaBear (Cedar Rapids, IA)        

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I have really enjoyed your posts and pictures.  I think the console is my favorite of any of the classic machines.

 

Who knows, maybe one day one will turn up here.


Post# 1002697 , Reply# 28   8/6/2018 at 09:23 (2,061 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Cue up the cheezy organ music and the ads for Dash

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'cause it's time for another episode of the long-running saga of the Norge Timeline... LOL 

 

I headed down to Ogden on Thursday last week; I was itching to try out imagined solution to the leak I had created because of the widened opening at the top of the modified boot. 

 

Last Sunday, I had imagined that if I could attach something to the drive shaft sleeve, I could clamp the boot to it more securely.  I had tried using a section of reinforced flexible tubing, but it wasn't quite wide enough.  I picked up a few plumbing bits and pieces, but what seemed to do it was a short length of 1 1/2 inch ID reinforced hose. 

 

I have a pretty good imagination sometimes!!


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Post# 1002698 , Reply# 29   8/6/2018 at 09:26 (2,061 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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It seemed to be holding vater, so I figured I should try getting the tub back in.  I did and tried another water test - no leak was observed.   I was a little concerned about the clearance of that gear clamp, but the tub seemed to turn fine when spun by hand.  

 

But what would happen with a power assist and a full tub of water? 

 

You be the judge.... 

 





Post# 1002699 , Reply# 30   8/6/2018 at 09:27 (2,061 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I did a full cycle test (cold water only alas) - I nearly fainted when I saw this.... 


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Post# 1002702 , Reply# 31   8/6/2018 at 09:37 (2,061 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Fortunately most of THAT leak was due to a bad hose washer.   However I did notice a couple of splashes coming from an unlikely (well, in my mind, small and simple as that may be...) source.  

 

During the spray-rinse that happens during the spin, water was dribbling from around the fill flume area; I can only guess the way water flows out of the tub during a spin, it would hit the fill flume area and the gasket was kinda rough hence the drip.  

 

I gave the gasket a boost with some 'blue goo' RTV silicone and tried another test.  There was still a very small drip, but enought that I took the whole dang thing apart again to give the gasket some further reinforcement.  I also got a bee in my bonnet about the splashback from the fill hose where water is directed into the fill flume.  My first solution was kinda rough, but it almost worked.  I will be improving it, with any luck. 

 

This unfortunately is where this episode ends.  I had to head back to town today and I probably won't be playing with the Norge again until possibly Sunday (The town-wide garage sale in Derby Line, VT is this Saturday and the temptation is just too much).   I am ever the optimist and have already cleared space in basement for a new Laundry Team member.... LOL .  Stay tuned!


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Post# 1003501 , Reply# 32   8/13/2018 at 11:37 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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So, before the spiders took it over, I figured it was time to complete that 55 Timeline project.  I focused on it for most of this weekend.


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Post# 1003503 , Reply# 33   8/13/2018 at 11:40 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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I still had to seal the gasket for the fill flume and improve the water inlet to the fill flume to reduce splashing.  Plumbing parts can do amazing things.... 

 

A coat of blue silicone fixed the fill flume nicely, too.  Of course I had to test it to be 100% sure.

 

I was 100% sure... LOL 


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Post# 1003504 , Reply# 34   8/13/2018 at 11:41 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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Like a magician, I made space appear in the garage AND the Ogden Laundry!


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Post# 1003505 , Reply# 35   8/13/2018 at 11:43 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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And look who moved in...  Let's welcome the new laundry team member with a load of dirty clothes.  


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Post# 1003506 , Reply# 36   8/13/2018 at 11:45 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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And of course, I had to video the occaison:

 




 

I am very happy with how this turned out - it just goes to show that some machines really do want to come back to life (I'm quoting jetcone Jon on that one...)   

 

I think there's going to be a Norge dryer invading the Ogden Laundry soon.... 


Post# 1003510 , Reply# 37   8/13/2018 at 11:57 (2,054 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        
Congratulations!

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Paul on an excellent restoration. I always thought that these Timeline Norge’s were beautiful in their simplicity. My Aunt Louise had one just like this and I never missed a chance to watch it in action.These washers do use a lot of water, but no one can argue that they didn’t do just what they were supposed to do, with little drama, wash the cloths!

Thanks for sharing the video.

Eddie


Post# 1003513 , Reply# 38   8/13/2018 at 12:04 (2,054 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)        

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Way to go, Paul.  Congratulations!

 

lawrence


Post# 1003520 , Reply# 39   8/13/2018 at 14:11 (2,054 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)        

Paul, does the spray rinse use the main fill flume?


Post# 1003522 , Reply# 40   8/13/2018 at 14:13 (2,054 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

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It does, Tom.  Those 'wings' on the top of the agitator fling the water around quite nicely.... LOL


Post# 1003550 , Reply# 41   8/13/2018 at 17:24 (2,054 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Norge!

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Paul this is a excellent restoration
Best Of Luck with it
Peter




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