Thread Number: 10985
What's the prognosis for my 1-18? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 199113   3/23/2007 at 08:18 (6,236 days old) by browncow ()        

Hey folks, new here.

It's incredible how the internet allows people to indulge in their passions, and more importantly, share it with others. I never knew there was such a love for these GM "1-18" washing machines until I found this place.

In any case, to cut to the chase, I have a 1-18 that has faithfully served since circa 1977, but isn't doing too well right now.

It has acted a little quirky in the past, but has now malfunctioned completely.

During the last attempted load, the washer shut down completely after completing the wash cycle and attempting to spin up. I can hear (and the house lights dimming) tell me that an overload switch is engaging. I can also detect a faint whiff of ozone. The tub will start to spin up until the overload engages, then everything stops. The pump that normally drains the tub cannot be heard at all, and the water remains in the tub.

Prior to this, it has had occasional quirks like turning on the water fill jets in the middle of the spin dry cycle. Something in the drum drive/brake mechanism has "stuck" on in the past as well, completely preventing the tub from spinning, and the lateral play in the drum tells me that the bearings aren't in top shape either.

The last time it required service a few years ago was for a new hot water fill valve, but aside from that it's been trouble free.

It seems that most, if not parts are now NLA. My hobby leans toward cars, so hunting down and keeping parts to keep an old car running is more my thing, not trying to keep an old washing machine running.

Though I can and do appreciate the qualities of a well-engineering and well-built machine, all I ask of my washing machine is for it to perform its function reliably.

At this juncture, I'm leaning toward a new replacement, but my budget isn't going to allow for something of a comparable quality level in today's terms (if it's even possible), and I'm not thrilled with the idea of buying a cheap, disposable washer.

Any thoughts? Is it still worthy of a repair/salvage attempt, or is it ready to be parted out?


BTW, the 1-18's companion is a Kenmore dryer that's even older, probably late 60's/early 70's, judging by the styling. Aside from needing a new belt, it hasn't skipped a beat.




Post# 199120 , Reply# 1   3/23/2007 at 09:57 (6,236 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

There could be a small article of clothing stuck in the pump. Sounds like something is putting a strain on the motor. Also the spin clutch might not be releasing the brake to cause the tub to spin freely. There is a nut beneath the spin clutch wheel that may need to be adjusted upward. There are a few 1-18 experts here that can help you more than I.

Post# 199177 , Reply# 2   3/23/2007 at 16:51 (6,236 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
If the bearings are bad, you will know for sure when it spins. It'll sound like a freight train, or worse.

kennyGF

Post# 199404 , Reply# 3   3/25/2007 at 01:29 (6,234 days old) by browncow ()        

Well, I took the front cover off to take a peek.

The pump isn't blocked. The motor runs fine when it's moving the agitator.

However, when rotating in the reverse direction to spin the tub, something in the transmission mechanism is straining the motor and causing it to shut down.

Oddly, the tub spins freely, so the resistance is coming from elsewhere, though it's not evident just by rotating the transmission parts by hand. Such a large motor should have no problem with something I can so easily turn by hand. I got it to work again and spin/drain the tub, just by poking around, but it didn't last and shut down again after starting a new test wash.

I suspect something in the clutch/brake mechanism. Can anyone explain/show how it works?

In lieu of that, 30 years of service has been more than adequate. I don't really feel like messing around with it, so perhaps it's time for the scrap heap.

Post# 199647 , Reply# 4   3/26/2007 at 19:52 (6,232 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
NO DON'T SCRAP IT YET, someone may want it even if you don't. That's a near TOL model, don't see many of these.

Post# 199648 , Reply# 5   3/26/2007 at 19:59 (6,232 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Could be a weak motor. My '78 developed the same symptoms last summer, not coming out of the start winding and tripping the thermal overload protector when it tried to spin, and then the motor refused to run in the reverse direction. I replaced the motor with the only spare I had in the parts stash and now it works fine.

Post# 199652 , Reply# 6   3/26/2007 at 20:01 (6,232 days old) by westytoploader ()        

If you do decide to get rid of it and get a new machine, I know there are plenty of members in California that would gladly take it and repair it for their own use. So I agree with Bob, don't scrap it by any means.


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