Thread Number: 33594
Give it to me straight: how long have I got?
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Post# 505215   3/19/2011 at 16:44 (4,950 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

Dark clouds are on the horizon.

Much used and much loved, my Hotpoint WM12 has started to make a new noise.

She's always been a noisy presence; over the years I've got used to the odd rattle and such but none have ever been fatal. This time, however, I rather suspect the bearings are finally on their way out...just before her 15th birthday...






Post# 505216 , Reply# 1   3/19/2011 at 16:46 (4,950 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

Having popped the hood and removed the backplate, I suspect the following is sign of seepage from the bearing...

Post# 505220 , Reply# 2   3/19/2011 at 16:54 (4,950 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

There's no rattling yet...it's more of a pronounced scraping of metal against metal.

The noise is only present when spinning but even turning the drum by hand sounds and feels different - not smooth as usual. I can also detect a VERY slight play in the drum when pushed up/down; barely noticable to be honest.

So I ask you: how long have I got before I call in the repair personnel? And what do I do in the meantime:

(1) nothing - you've got ages yet...

(2) decommission the Hottie and resurrect the Proline until a repair can be effected

(3) start looking for something new(er)

Option 4 I refuse to countenance: reinstall the Proline full time.

Yours, with heavy heart,

Alex.


Post# 505242 , Reply# 3   3/19/2011 at 18:11 (4,950 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
#2...

i'd do option #2-a bearing repair may have it running another 15yrs.
might be expensive repair if you have an appliance shop do the job though..
Also presuming it has an aluminum spider,condition of that could be a
factor too-though i have not yet came across a badly corroded spider,i have
seen a few nasty ones on here before!


Post# 505328 , Reply# 4   3/20/2011 at 08:24 (4,949 days old) by hotpoint95622 (Powys)        
hotpoint 95622

hotpoint95622's profile picture
How long have I got;

It’s a job to know, don’t let it get too bad, as the drum can start rubbing on the heater or the front lip of the tub front plate, which can increase the cost of repairs, you can also get rust spots on your whites as the rusty muck leaks back thought the knackered bearing seal which is why the bearings have failed. 15 years hasn’t she done well?

If you have it done I would have the shaft/spider changed as well as the bearings/seal.


Post# 505335 , Reply# 5   3/20/2011 at 09:38 (4,949 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
It IS tricky to know...

I'm thinking that repair will be scheduled for early May...so we're talking 6-7 weeks at about 4 loads a week.

It's literally only just started to sound bad and as I said, there's barely any sideways movement in the drum. I seem to recall my sister having an earlier machine (9540) with a loose drum for AGES so maybe I can get away without a machine swap. Might try and keep to short spin programmes; thank heavens the better weather's arrived!

Anyone got any clues as to an estimated repair cost? I'd guess anything up to £200 but given I could spend that on a cheap newbie and get less wear out of it, I'd probably be spending wisely!


Post# 505341 , Reply# 6   3/20/2011 at 10:23 (4,949 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
i do hope you can have it repaired and all i can say is good luck because like i mention in other post repair techs today recommend the replacement of the machine but if its reparable then go for a repair you would have your washer last alot longer goodluck

Post# 505522 , Reply# 7   3/21/2011 at 01:17 (4,949 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Hottie bearings.....

seamusuk's profile picture
Hey Al

You may just about get to early May, but if it gets any worse id advise temporary substitution of the Proline...

Id ALWAYS get the spider changed on one of these as well as the bearing unit.

Regarding price Hotpoint have a fixed price repair service and they dont stipulate a maximum age- think its around the £100-110 mark, or you might be better off phoning round your local repair places for a quote.

Or you could ask one of the lads up country if they fancied a weekend in London lol......

Just DO NOT send it to the tip :)

Seamus


CLICK HERE TO GO TO SeamusUK's LINK


Post# 505542 , Reply# 8   3/21/2011 at 07:50 (4,948 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

Thanks for the advice Seamus. Seems the consensus is no half measures when it comes to the repair!

I've had a look at the HP service website before now and their fixed price jobs...I'd worry they'd tell me it was Beyond Economic Repair though. Who can say...

Whilst it's true I do have the necessary "connections" to get a mates' service, I think it might fall under the category of taking liberties! Plus they're from the Posh North...standards in grimy ol' SE4 might not match expectations, ha ha!

Might ask the landlords next door if they know of anyone good - they're that sort after all.

I do feel somewhat obliged to keep it going but have to confess a longing to start afresh with something shiny and new, chosen by me for me; the Hotpoint was in fact a compromise when purchased. Still, a repair is probably more likely overall. And if I do go mad I'll be sure to try and offload the WM12 to someone deserving for the sake of posterity!

Toodles

Alex


Post# 505551 , Reply# 9   3/21/2011 at 09:05 (4,948 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
don't forget it cost nothing to ask for a repair estimate and then you can decide depending on what the tech tells you if you went to spend for a new washer or have the one you have fix

Post# 505615 , Reply# 10   3/21/2011 at 14:25 (4,948 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Cannot Speak To Anywhere Else

launderess's profile picture
But in our neck of the woods repair service calls have a flat call out charge just to walk into the door. Should one agree to whatever work is required the deposit is normally credited towards the final bill. However if the work is declined, you are out whatever funds were collected.

To be fair can see a reason for this. Petrol and a repair person's time aren't cheap, and the man deserves something for his efforts. Otherwise his day could be filled with calls that do not pay and he will be out of pocket.

L.


Post# 505668 , Reply# 11   3/21/2011 at 18:05 (4,948 days old) by grahamW ()        

Whether the machine is repairable will depend on the availabiltiy of parts, their cost and the time/labour it takes to do the job. You can check out my Miele bearing thread if you are at all interested in seeing what is involved in dissassembly. There are plenty of other threads here and great videos on youtube that describe the process. From my experience, I'd say 200 pounds is a low estimate. I'd have spent that in parts alone if I purchased from Miele Canada.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO grahamW's LINK


Post# 505676 , Reply# 12   3/21/2011 at 18:24 (4,948 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
I'm pleased to say...

...that parts are somewhat less expensive than on a Miele, as well as widely available! These machines were extremely popular in one guise or another for the best part of 20 years - one of the real mainstays of British laundry equipment.

Labour and call out are where the spend comes in though fixed price repairs rather than charge by the hour seem to be gaining popularity. Will have to address Launderess' pertinent point about call out fees - are they refundable should a repair be deemed uneconomical? Not that I think the machine is beyond repair.

Funnily enough it's just finished a cycle and now the drum is back to sounding normal after a bit of an unbalanced spin! Mind you, the bearing noise was noticeable on the interims.

Ah well...at least it will be an experience; at 31 it's probably high time I had to commission and pay for something to be repaired! Seems to have got away with it so far...

Bye for now!

Alex


Post# 505687 , Reply# 13   3/21/2011 at 18:40 (4,948 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Repair It

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Hi Alex

Pity we wernt nearer, could have had a workshop experience!!, the parts are very reasonable, £40 quid for the complete spider & bearing kit on fleebay!!



CLICK HERE TO GO TO chestermikeuk's LINK on eBay


Post# 505689 , Reply# 14   3/21/2011 at 18:42 (4,948 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Or

chestermikeuk's profile picture
you could resort to this way again, plenty of these about, I believe Rob mentioned thining some of his out!!!

Post# 505695 , Reply# 15   3/21/2011 at 18:55 (4,948 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Call Out Fees

launderess's profile picture
Normally aren't refundable. Once they walk in the door, you must pay. Well suppose one could try refusing to pay, but the mind reels at what could happen then. *LOL*

Went through this when my "new to me" vintage Whirlpool had a leak and required tub seal work. To their credit every repair service contacted asked what the problem was, and a off the cuff response was it was indeed the gasket seals, but given costs (parts, labour, etc) involved for such an "old" machine best of chucking it in the rubbish and buying new. If one stuck to the request for a service call, then a price was given for call out charges which again would be applied to any work required.

Most repair services won't take the word of any consumer, no matter how well intentioned or experieced in DIY matters, and will insist on coming out themselves to examine. If the service is honest many will do as above and tell you off the bat either not to bother or what costs *might* be.


If you really like this machine, I'd go for the mortgage and call in a repair service to have a look at the bearings. Sooner the matter is sorted the easier the repair and will save potential future damage that could totally take out your machine.



Post# 505699 , Reply# 16   3/21/2011 at 19:01 (4,948 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth)        
ha!

aquarius1984's profile picture
what was I thinking letting an OOOOooovah in the back door?

Must have wayyyy too much time on me hands to be untangling shirt sleeves and snaked jean legs.

Tell me to get knotted??? I will be!

Alex, wish there was an easy way round this, id have it up here and repaired in a flash (rings Mathew in a panic).

Id say find space for it - B&Q have those plastic outdoor sheds on offer atm which might help and scour for vintage machines on your doorstep.

Mind I better not let the village WI lot know about the arrival of a BOL 800 spin machine in the Shavington vicinity, id be kicked out! One simply needs either programme 8 or a 30degs cool quick wash to launder ones dailys while preparing for bed!



Post# 505718 , Reply# 17   3/21/2011 at 20:13 (4,948 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
and sometime you can also get a refurbish part in a way if i can explain this is a part thats was broken but in a factory they can fix it i know on my old 93 topload inglis superb2 the timer knob was defective as the washer would not spin it was replace by a refurbishpart that means its an old part that they where able to fix in a factory aand i think that a repair would cost lest than having to buy a new washer as well but if you decide to buy a new washer have a look at this link as they say the washer is super quiet pic of the machine

CLICK HERE TO GO TO pierreandreply4's LINK


Post# 505788 , Reply# 18   3/22/2011 at 06:57 (4,947 days old) by washerlover24 ()        

would love that white machine u have what make its it and details.

Post# 505809 , Reply# 19   3/22/2011 at 08:26 (4,947 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
Mine went 6 years after being noiser in the SPIN cycle.

In ball bearings once they start to make noise they can still often run along time before a complete failure.

What is called a failure is sometimes when the races have 10 percent in area in pitting.


In a front load washer typically the water seal fails/leaks they the closest ball bearing starts to rust like mad, then one gets surface finish pits and noise.

With the 1976 Westinghhouse FL washer here it got "noisy" in the spin cycle about 1999 and had its front ball bearing cage broke the summer of 2005; ie it went 6 YEARS.

****When a FL washer has a failed water seal and 1 or 2 rusty ball bearings; one has the chances of the white clothes getting tainted by rust.

How long a bearing goes after getting noisy varies all over the place. With a washer the seal after leaking rusts the bearings which are 52100 ball bearing steel.

In some consumer products they "go" often 0.3 to 10 times the "time" after they get noisy.


Post# 505813 , Reply# 20   3/22/2011 at 09:10 (4,947 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

Oh Pierre, your suggestion for a new washer is a real hoot! That's a Hotpoint Aqualtis - the premium range in the brand's lineup. NOT to be confused with or any way related to the "Made in Great Britain" clasic machine in need of repair: Hotpoint were taken over by the Indesit group a few years ago and to a Hotpoint fan it's an unforgivable travesty! They look pretty, I'll give you that...and some say they're not too badly made (not that that's saying much by current standards). Sadly, I just couldn't bring myself part with any cash for a new Hotpoint. It would be like a diehard US classic Maytag fan buying one of the new Whirlpool rebadges, I suppose.

Mike - good to know parts are indeed cheap! And if the twinnie option were viable I'd take it - I rather enjoyed my time with the Hoovermatic. Then I could maybe put a dishwasher in place of the autowasher and generally make my day-to-day living somewhat less of a drudge! Sadly, not sure the housemates would share my joy on the twin-tub front. Ho hum.

Rob - were it not for the lack of transport and driving skills, I'd be sure to pop the WM12 up your way for some prearranged engineering masterclass with the usual suspects. We could even swap mine for your near-identical machine in the shed! It may well lack programme 8 for swilling out the lingerie ready for the morning but I'm sure Quick Wash is good enough. Plus it does have the HIGH GLOSS fascia which I'm sure you'll agree in rich chocolate brown adds a touch of class few current machines can offer!

I'll consider the B&Q shed but the Queen Vic does only has a small patio area; extensive grouds with swimming pool and room for a pony a la South Fork Shavington are strictly the preserve of those on a 6-figure salary around these parts.

Washerlover24 - well, that white machine is the Proline W850 and if it didn't belong to the landlords believe me, you'd be welcome to it! 6 years I put up with that old thing...6 very long years! To give it its due, the machine is very robust having survived from 1995 with just a couple of heating elements being replaced. It was made by a company called Brandt (Fagor Brandt of Spain I think these days) and distributed through Comet as an exclusive. As a washer it's fine if all you wash is towles and jeans but the programmes aren't well suited to giving good clothes care - either full on action or hardly any at all. I've done a couple of threads before - I think if you click on the "Posts" icon next to my name it will do the necessary...alternatively, search the Deluxe forum archives from January 2010 - the pic thread is there somewhere.

Now...back to work I think!

Alex




Post# 505818 , Reply# 21   3/22/2011 at 09:28 (4,947 days old) by washerlover24 ()        

haha would love it i am in need of a washer soon wont be long til i move out of the parents house !!

Post# 506178 , Reply# 22   3/23/2011 at 15:59 (4,946 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Prices....

Well, 1st enquiry down: dropped a line to Hotpoint service earlier.

The response doesn't inspire confidence - it starts "thank you for your enquiry about your dishwasher..."!

Looks like a stock response. Working in Customer Services I know the drill and feel for the staff but you'd think they'd actually tailor the response to the enquiry, no?

Anyway, machines over 8 years old get a fixed price repair for £134.99. Not too bad, methinks. I have, however, replied to ask if it's more for a washer!

I'll consider further.

Must be the season for problems - now the phone's on the blink too. Apparently written in the stars for those who follow them...Mercury is about to go retrograde *LOL*!!! Easily dismissed as bunkum but the woman I've been reading has been scarily on the money of late. But enough on that!

Drum still sounds rough so the perceived reprive from 2 nights ago was a fluke.

The search continues...


Post# 506438 , Reply# 23   3/24/2011 at 11:50 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

If it is really the ball bearings then it a major rebuild. If you pay a service guy often it really may not make sense. It is a like if one's engine and transmission blow on the car do you have them fixed or buy another car?

The spider and bearings and seal typically cost 70 to 200 bucks on a FL washer; the rest is labor, gobs of it. A pro might do it in 4 hours and an amateur in 8 hours.


Post# 506443 , Reply# 24   3/24/2011 at 12:00 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
About the entire cost is labor.

Replacing a slider, 2 bearings and seal is probably 3/4 labor and 1/4 parts cost,

Thus here in the USA the labor might be as a rough crude guess 70 to 120 dollars per hour for 4 hours at least.

There are folks whose quotes are here with parts in the 500 to 800 buck range; thus the old washer goes into a landfill.

One has to take the entire machine apart to replace those two bearings; whose cost might be only 25 bucks on ebay. The seal has to be replaced too; the spider probably too since it is probably corroded or has its seal surface scored.

Many folks repair these by themselves, it is not rocket science, but often the old bearings have to be beat out and new ones pressed back in without ruining them.

About the entire cost is labor.


Post# 506456 , Reply# 25   3/24/2011 at 12:38 (4,945 days old) by hoover1100 (UK)        
A bearing change

Is a very common repair over here, and while not cheap, is rarely so expensive as to warrant purchasing a new machine (unless it's an LG or a low end machine with the bearings pressed into the tub).

A bearing change on a machine of this era and brand would be particularly worthwhile, I know of many machines of this age and older which have gone through more than one bearing change in their lives, perfectly economically viable and a common repair!

Even on modern machines of better quality, a bearing change would not be ruled out by cost.

It seems in the U.S. worn out bearings or a damaged spider are seen as a front loading machine's death, here it's really not a problem.

I'd definitely try and get some quote's off independent repairers, my local shop charges £40 call out and parts on top of that, very reasonable if you ask me and certainly worth the expense on this particular machine!

Matt


Post# 506461 , Reply# 26   3/24/2011 at 12:54 (4,945 days old) by aegokocarat (United Kingdom)        
i would say

install the proline untill you fix ye olde faithful hottie
Tom :)


Post# 506469 , Reply# 27   3/24/2011 at 13:12 (4,945 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
Hotpoint Bearings

electron1100's profile picture
Piece of Pi** job 4 hours! more like 2 on one these easy to work on machines (that goes for 90% of old UK machines aswell), get it done, dont even consider replacing it with a modern machine, you only have to look through all the threads on modern mainstream machines on this forum to see why not.

Go For It!

My mate had one of those Prolines came with job when he was a manager at Comet


Post# 506474 , Reply# 28   3/24/2011 at 13:44 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
Get actual written quotes in writting

If one is paying another then getting a firm quote is all that matters.

The end user really should not care if the quoted labor is 300 in both cases; ie 2 hours at 150 or 4 hours at 75.

Unless one has a firm defined cost of Labor plus parts; there is no rational way to say if paying another makes any sense.

Thus get several actual written quotes to see if it makes any sense.

Sometimes the labor can vary a lot between similar models, ie one has to have a different tool or some other issue like another part breaks during the rebuild.

Here in the USA many of us get actual written quotes for consumer items; so there is a basis on making a repair versus scrapping decision and no miss understandings.

Here is somebody says it is an easy job of 2 hours and the repair shop charges 4, it is the estimate that matters, not some others comment.

Here if there is risk with repair or the shop has less experience the quote often is higher; to absorb risks.


Post# 506478 , Reply# 29   3/24/2011 at 13:56 (4,945 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
"not some others comment"

electron1100's profile picture
Just speaking from experience matey which is extensive with older British washers

oh and by the way we here also get quotes aswell if we are unable to do the work ourselves, and any business that does not stick to its quote gets the bums rush


Post# 506484 , Reply# 30   3/24/2011 at 14:37 (4,945 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
its nice to have it repair But its important to check if the part in question is still avalable for that era 's model as after sometime you can get as a message that the part is discontinued or no longer avalable

Post# 506492 , Reply# 31   3/24/2011 at 15:10 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

Just let the guys quoting the repairs hunt down the parts and have then include the parts in the actual quote.

Parts are often available decades after offically gone; it is like fishing; it takes time to find them.





Post# 506493 , Reply# 32   3/24/2011 at 15:13 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

If you but the parts for the repair guy; often the labor charge will go up. You reduced a way he makes money. Often parts are inflated to make the labor seem less. This is because the average person thinks the labor time and cost is too much.

Post# 506496 , Reply# 33   3/24/2011 at 15:19 (4,945 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
What Part Of....

chestermikeuk's profile picture
"It Can Easily Be Fixed" here in the UK are some of you NOT getting???

See post 13, complete kit is easily available, as Gary (whoes swapped bearings & spiders MANY times) has said so nicely!!!

Front Loaders - Excellence In Motion - World Domination - coming To A Home near You - SOON!!!

p.s Good To See You Back Gary!!! Oovah Oovah!!!




This post was last edited 03/24/2011 at 15:43
Post# 506497 , Reply# 34   3/24/2011 at 15:29 (4,945 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Here We are

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Getting to grips with Johns Oovah A3260 - now wheres that bitumen Morrag!!!



Post# 506499 , Reply# 35   3/24/2011 at 15:34 (4,945 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Tub Gasket.....

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Being re-sealed and Backplate positioned

Post# 506500 , Reply# 36   3/24/2011 at 15:37 (4,945 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
repair cost

pierreandreply4's profile picture
repair cost might differ depending on the contry like i know that for me here in canada repairs cost more and may cost the price of a new washer and thats not counting the price of the service call witch cost close to 100$.

Post# 506501 , Reply# 37   3/24/2011 at 15:39 (4,945 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Spit & Polish

chestermikeuk's profile picture
and eventually chasing the nuts round the magnetic dish!!! Push To Start...!!!

Post# 506508 , Reply# 38   3/24/2011 at 15:57 (4,945 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
Repair costs...

ronhic's profile picture

Vary quite markedly from country to country and can also vary from region to region within a given country.

 

2yrs ago I had the left hand suspension replaced on the Zanussi/Westinghouse for after 3yrs of doing up to 20 loads a week (that's the equivalent of 9yrs usage for a normal machine), it had decided it had had enough. I was quite happy with the AUD$200 it cost which included the first call to assess the issue, parts and fitting on another visit. Even when weighed up against the $500 purchase price of the machine, it was cheap....

 

...the big question is, would I do it again? Probably. I like the programming flexibility that this particular machine has.


Post# 506521 , Reply# 39   3/24/2011 at 17:05 (4,945 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

RE "What Part Of....


"It Can Easily Be Fixed" here in the UK are some of you NOT getting??? "

Just because the parts are cheap has no bearing:) on what *another* will charge if you pay a repair shop..LABOR rates vary all over map.

NOTE nobody has shown an actual real life quote.


Here just to get a clutch swapped out in the 1970's was about 1500 bucks on a MGB the whole engine is pulled then there is always something else so the bill was 2 grand. With a 2 grand used MGB a 95 buck clutch would last 2 to 3 years. In running a UK car here in 10 years one would spend more than the cars cost every 2 years in clutches. Thus some of us here in the USA tend to think that some UK stuff has a monster repair cost!

In many USA places it is 80 to 100 for somebody just to look at a flakey old washer; the labor cost governs the repair not the part's price. With a token 300 buck top loader, a repair chap will often quote 120 to 170 to fix a dumb pump. Thus *IF* one pays another; most here want a quote and "It Can Easily Be Fixed" often is a danger sign unless one gets a quote!

If a repair is easy to do for YOU; it has no bearing what another charges. Heck they might be unionized and the parts might be some variant that is oddball.



Without a quote you can be assuming and get stuck when a repair becomes opened ended.

*IF* you are not doing the job yourself then the variable is what another charges to do the repair. He might not repair for fun and have trucks, liability insurance, rent and overhead far higher than an amateur who rebuilds for fun and not a profit.

Here the repair rates vary widely; ALL over the map. Many repair places today only repair minor things like pumps, some like only certain brands. In rural areas it is worse, an oddball brand has little local following.

When I was in New Zealand 20 years ago an oddball appliance often had little repair knowledge. Ones parts were ordered out of NZ by air at about 6 bucks per Lb. A friend dad had a boneyard of appliances that were "easy to repair" but the parts were the devil in cost thus the item got scrapped or gutted for spares.



Post# 506551 , Reply# 40   3/24/2011 at 18:42 (4,945 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
story time

pierreandreply4's profile picture
here is a little story about repair cost,

my grandmother around 2009 still had her 1988 belt drive kenmore washer bought when my grandfather died to replace her old inglis whirlpool liberator washer that was a push to start washer don't know the year but i estimate it was a 69 model since it was a push to start pull to stop model she called her repair tech around 2009 to have something fix on her kenmore belt drive washer, it was fix but her repair guy even if her kenmore washer was still in good working order du to a leak she bought her direct drive washer left of her old 40 year old dryer now replace with the match to her 2009 whirlpool washer. In other word even if the washer is fix today won't mean it will be fixable next time and thats go for any contry or any type of washing machines front loaders or toploaders.


Post# 506644 , Reply# 41   3/25/2011 at 05:41 (4,945 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
This machine of Alex's

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Is probably very easily repairable and will do many years good service, Mathews Oovah machine is running as a daily driver and showing no signs of wear, like everything if its looked after, used right and repaired when required then happy washing ensues!!!

Post# 506646 , Reply# 42   3/25/2011 at 06:05 (4,944 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
Ok

ronhic's profile picture
Given the price of GBP134.00 is the price quoted by Hotpoint, the manufacturer, and Assuming it is also applicable to washers, how much more of a blasted quote would you like 3Belt?

Post# 506653 , Reply# 43   3/25/2011 at 06:55 (4,944 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
*chuckles*

Thank you Ronhic for pointing that one out...not sure I had the heart/energy!

Having seen a repairman in action before on this kind of machine, I'd definitely put it as more like a 2 hour job for a pro. Even to me the basic sequence seems pretty straighforward: front and fascia off, tub front off, release the drum from the back, remove old bearing and pop in new, reinsert drum (with new spider) then reassemble! Still, I'd rather pay than risk the f___-up factor in attempting it myself.

Still erring on the side of getting the thing fixed rather than sporting out on something new, by the way. Nice as it would be to splash the cash and get up-to-date performance and economy (e.g. fast spin, more programming flexibility, quieter running), the Hottie probably covers my needs well enough at a price that's right! Besides, I'm not so sure about installing high-tech equipment on a suspended floor...all that vibration may give me grief!

Alex



Post# 506675 , Reply# 44   3/25/2011 at 08:46 (4,944 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
Washers and Dishwashers are different machines with repair c

Ronic; folks vary on how they assume and manage their money in life!



RE :"Given the price of GBP134.00 is the price quoted by Hotpoint, the manufacturer, and Assuming it is also applicable to washers, how much more of a blasted quote would you like 3Belt? "

/n




My take is you must be of the more assuming type in life than I am; see the actual comment:
/n




RE :"Well, 1st enquiry down: dropped a line to Hotpoint service earlier.

The response doesn't inspire confidence - it starts "thank you for your enquiry about your dishwasher..."!

Looks like a stock response. Working in Customer Services I know the drill and feel for the staff but you'd think they'd actually tailor the response to the enquiry, no?

Anyway, machines over 8 years old get a fixed price repair for £134.99. Not too bad, methinks. I have, however, replied to ask if it's more for a washer!"


/n



HERE there is NO way in heck that *I* would assume that a dishwater repair quote is going to be the same as a quote to replace the bearings in a FL washer. I have replaced bearings on several different vintages of FL machines, and all had a decent amount of labor. /n


One is free to assume that a stock response of "thank you for your enquiry about your dishwasher..."! also is the same as a washing machine if one wants to.

Assuming is often dangerous; here a "fixed price repair for £134.99" and "thank you for your enquiry about your dishwasher..."!set off alarm bells for me. One they mentioned a dishwasher, two the quote seems to low. /n





Maybe in non usa countries getting a vague quote referencing a different type of device somehow protects the customer through odd laws. Here a quote mentioning a different type of appliance and a low quote sets off warnings, and there might not be any magic to protect the assuming folks.



Post# 506678 , Reply# 45   3/25/2011 at 08:56 (4,944 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

135 Lbs British is 218 bucks US today.

At least in my neck of the woods in the USA, no sane repair chap would replace the bearings and seals on a washer for parts and labor for that cost.

Even if the parts were free and you gave him the parts I know of no repair place that would give out such a low labor price of 218 dollars to rip a machine apart and swap out bearings and the seal.

With a price to just arrive at the door of 80 to 120 bucks *HERE* ; that leaves only 118 in labor; if the parts are free. This means the shop rate for 2 hours is 59 per hour and for 3 hours is 40 per hour and for 4 hours is 30 per hour.

This state is the poorest in the USA and no repair shops are at those low levels.

A quote of 218 bucks HERE is more typical to replace a low end easy to swap out pump, bearings would be 2 to 3 times that rate.

a quote of 218 bucks for parts and labor seems so low that it sets off alarm bells here.


Post# 506682 , Reply# 46   3/25/2011 at 09:04 (4,944 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

A quote of 218 bucks here to replace the bearings on a FL washer seems more like a side job for a retired service guy.

Ie one pays him in cash and he thus does not report the income and thus has not impacted his retirement benefits; that limit ones income.

Since the economy is bad; often folks in the USA *do* work for cash. Ie they have there 99 weeks of unemployment; and basically work for cash "off the grid" at lower rates all undocumented. Some make more than there old jobs since the cash avoids the tax man.

***The whole point of the rebuttal is that to me 218 bucks for labor or 218 bucks for parts and labor to swap out the 2 ball bearings and seal on a house call seams super low ball; thus suspect if one really got a quote on a washer and not a dishwaher.



Post# 506683 , Reply# 47   3/25/2011 at 09:07 (4,944 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
me i would say that for 218$ and up you can get a brand new washing machine for this price and also even if you have it repair today do not mean that the tech will use a brand new part as most repair tech today use refurbish parts that where fix in a factory and also Please note that not evryone can fix there washing machines them selves i for 1 can say that if my duet breaks for me its not worth spending money on a repair i would rather spend that money and buy a brand new washer dryer set. and here is a qote from my last post

" her repair tech around 2009 to have something fix on her kenmore belt drive washer, it was fix but her repair guy advise my grandmother to buy a brand new washer even if her kenmore washer was still in good working order."

so in a word think before having it fix sure i could of had my old toploading inglis whirlpool supberb2 washer fix but the washer was already 10 years old and did its time as well.


Post# 506687 , Reply# 48   3/25/2011 at 09:35 (4,944 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
and in a way maybe you should also think that if the hotpoint company say thank you for your quote on a dishwasher maybe its there way in saying that they are not intressted in fixing your washing machine and telling you to buy a new 1 and going off topic for a sec i have a fridedair fridge pro gallery that had 2 repair, the first repair was the whole electronic. Cercuit board that was change and the second, repair was the handle where i get water from the fridge my mother was lucky the 1 repair was when the fridge was still under warrenty and the second repair cost 200$. She was lucky to have fix because the tech could of told my mother to buy a new fridge. Ok back on topic so in other word maybe you should think about it repair your actual washer or buy a new one.

Post# 506694 , Reply# 49   3/25/2011 at 10:07 (4,944 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Good news - QUOTE IS CORRECT!!!

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Was booking a service call for a fan oven and asked about fixed price repair of your said machine - I think its an excellent deal

£135 for a fixed price repair - bearings & spider - AND anything else neede to make the machine usable (so if he found pump knackered, then you will get this)

AND - This is covererd for 90 days - Alex you may find a local repair out of london could do it cheaper but I'm not sure for where you are....

Like I say you would be hard pushed to find many other Service Departments offering that type of service these days!!!



Post# 506696 , Reply# 50   3/25/2011 at 10:16 (4,944 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Well actually...

...I had a reply earlier to state that £134.99 stood for washing machine repairs too!

I would point out that I have NOT accepted this or booked a repair. And yes - the email correspondence hasn't instilled total confidence. Then again, companies other than Hotpoint operate similar pricing structures (e.g. Hoover Candy - about £110 + parts for machines over 8 years old last time I looked at the website).

I somewhat doubt they'd send some retired/out of work sort to pop round and try his hand at a repair/former trade.

Britain is a very different country to the US in some respects; it sounds like repairs to washing machines is one of them.

Now if anyone else who actually lives in the UK would like to add their thoughts, do speak up!

May you all have a very pleasant day.

Alex


Post# 506698 , Reply# 51   3/25/2011 at 10:18 (4,944 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

Thanks Mike - was composing as you posted! I'd agree it sounds very reasonable.

I'll be sure to keep all updated once I move things on a bit.


Post# 506699 , Reply# 52   3/25/2011 at 10:22 (4,944 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

If that quote is really 135 Lbs British for parts and labor then it sounds like a great deal !


The point about a retired person is that here a low quote is not normal for a real company with overhead;

ie a low quote is due to little overhead. The side line guy skirts taxes; skirts insurance, skirts the normal expenses an actual company has.


Post# 506718 , Reply# 53   3/25/2011 at 11:08 (4,944 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

Your quote of 135 Lbs British/ 218 US is less than a local quote to replace an air baffle on my 1992 Frigidaire refrigerator; the quote from last summer.

An exhaustive search showed few parts and thus the going internet price is about 130 bucks for the few that have the discontinued baffle. The quotes to have the parts plus labor were in the 230 to 250 buck range. The part only takes about 15 minutes to swap out, but the first time took me a lot longer to figure how to pop off the hidden snaps.

Since the fridge is old I really did not even spend 130 to do it myself; the fridge actually died 2 weeks ago. I just manually adjusted the dead air baffle to do the freezer versus refrigerator temp balance.



Post# 506720 , Reply# 54   3/25/2011 at 11:09 (4,944 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
Good Price Indeed

electron1100's profile picture
Thats a good price, and from the manufacturer. dont forget these people have to make a living aswell so it is only fair that they are paid for their skills.

I cannot think of a worse recomendation than going out and buying a new budget machine, god knows middle range machines are nothing to rave about in terms of build qaulity look at what Asia produces and unfortunately because of their cheap labour rates the rest of the world has to struggle to keep up or go under, hmmm we have been here before in the 1970s when Japan started up

Come and do my job for a few weeks and you will see loads of modern shite being dumped after a few years use

I hope you go for the repair as these are excellent machines, they are from a time when you could have good build quality and performance at a not unreasonable price


Post# 506731 , Reply# 55   3/25/2011 at 11:48 (4,944 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
sure its a good price for a repair but just ask your self this question are the parts new or refurbish{refurbish parts means that they where parts taken from an old machine and fix in a factory}

Post# 506740 , Reply# 56   3/25/2011 at 12:31 (4,944 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
New Parts

electron1100's profile picture
In reply number 13 which Chestermike posted, there is a picture of the complete kit, tell me do these look like second hand/refurbished parts, you know it is possible (in this country at least) to obtain genuine parts for older machines relatively cheaply.

The thought that anyone would attempt to remove bearings and seals (providing they dont damage them doing so) and then clean them up and try and pass them off as new is laughable......................

You really have no idea about repairs in this country at all

Regards


Post# 506742 , Reply# 57   3/25/2011 at 12:41 (4,944 days old) by hoover1100 (UK)        
£135 (NOT 135lbs!)

Is very reasonable indeed! I misread it at first and thought that was their callout charge!

You would certainly be getting new, genuine Hotpoint parts from a Hotpoint engineer.

You may be able to buy a new machine for £200, but to buy one of comparable quality to this you would be looking at upwards of £700 these days!

Who cares if it goes wrong again, chances are it will still last longer without requiring repair than a £200 machine!

Matt


Post# 506799 , Reply# 58   3/25/2011 at 15:19 (4,944 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
I agree...

ronhic's profile picture

If it were me faced with a repair of GBP135 on a limited budget or trying to buy a budget machine for around the GBP200-250 mark, I would be fixing the old girl up....

 

I'd look at it this way....If I get more than 2 years out of her, which I have no doubt I would, then I've equalled the warranty on a new machine and am now in front....by a minimum of GBP70...


Post# 506908 , Reply# 59   3/26/2011 at 05:18 (4,944 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Me too

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Faced with a fixed up old Hottie whizzing away versus a cheap newbie on a 12 minute wash screaming its plastic pulley off, I know which I`d go for....Ohh, just got slapped for that remark, am in the Oovahhh Officionados house for the weekend..(the one with the modern Servis still in the utility..theres class for you...Coughs..Ahem..Clears Throat)

have just been told ditch the Otpoint & wash with OOvahhh, more wine I say!!!


Post# 506911 , Reply# 60   3/26/2011 at 06:29 (4,943 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Cheap newbies?

...not on my watch, love!

No, thankfully I'm not on an economy drive unlike so many of us these days. Nonetheless, repair gets my vote as money well spent.

Now, if I WERE to play fantasy shopping, my current choices for a household setting are between the AEG L74650 (£565) and the Siemens WM14 S4 95GB (£699). My rationale is that both offer a full 5 years' parts AND labour guarantee, are from relatively reputable manufactures, have inverter motors (none of that high pitched screech for me, please) and look nice too. I wasn't bowled over when I saw them in the flesh admittedly but they'd do and at least aren't totally white. The Siemens is a bit pricey for my liking so the AEG would probably get to the checkout. Don't suppose either would give me 15 years' service but frankly I'll probably get bored after a while anyway!

Of course, if we're talking new machines for fun, I'd be more than happy to snap up that Vision pictured above! Two thirds of the Brit contingent will probably burn me at the stake for saying it though...

Ditch the Hotpoint for a Hoover (dropping the Aitches as necessary)? Well if we're talking the classic "clatter/rattle/'what speed am I on again?'" spin variety I'll pass if it's all the same...and you could float Noah's Ark on all that water they get though! BUT they do look lovely and have some solid engineering to boot; just not my choice as the daily machine!

Ta ta...

Alex


...you know, brochure shots just ain't what they used to be, are they?


Post# 506913 , Reply# 61   3/26/2011 at 06:49 (4,943 days old) by aegokocarat (United Kingdom)        

go fo the siemens not the aeg

Post# 506932 , Reply# 62   3/26/2011 at 08:18 (4,943 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
you could also look at whirlpool that have some nice features as well but it all depends on the price your ready to put on it and there is also lg that have some great washers as well.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO pierreandreply4's LINK


Post# 506933 , Reply# 63   3/26/2011 at 08:25 (4,943 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

That Aquasteam 9770 B costs £ 598.00 - £ 666.00 new

versus a £ 135 repair


***Here in the USA many folks would pay 1/5 of a new washers price to have an old one fixed. But here many of us prefer repairing than filling landfills!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO 3beltwesty's LINK


Post# 507568 , Reply# 64   3/28/2011 at 11:13 (4,941 days old) by AquaCycle (West Yorkshire, UK)        
"It Can Easily Be Fixed" here in the UK are some of

aquacycle's profile picture
Oh God, Mike, that post was the funniest thing I've read all week!!
If I have to read "here in the US..." one more time, I swear, I'll go mad! It seems certain people have not yet realised, the US is NOT the world.


Post# 507639 , Reply# 65   3/28/2011 at 14:16 (4,941 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
All that assuming is real funny too!

It is also quite funny to ready how others believe through blind faith that a blanket canned quote for a dishwasher also works for a washing machine!

ie assuming!


It is real funny how assuming is common in one part of the world is alarm bells and a giant read flag in other parts of the world.

It is rather funny how some of us are concerned about details while others gloss over details were not concerned about the word "dish" in the canned quote.

It shows the UK is not as detail oriented; and quotes that mention the wrong appliance to be fixed bother folks less.



Post# 507656 , Reply# 66   3/28/2011 at 15:41 (4,941 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
Posts 49 and 50....

ronhic's profile picture

...confirmed that the quote was also applicable to washers, 3Belt...

 

It would appear from your cynicism, that Americans appear to get a much worse deal (for a change) than other nationalities do when it comes to appliance service....and that the level of trust that people are prepared to extend to a major appliance manufacturer when it comes to sales and service (Note, I've not mentioned quality of appliance) is vastly different to that experienced in, in this instance, the UK.

 

...and as for your comment that the 'UK is not detail oriented', what a complete and utter load of rubbish! I'd suggest that you sweep up your own vast yard before leveling that comment at another nation....


Post# 507690 , Reply# 67   3/28/2011 at 16:43 (4,941 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
when it comes to repairs i can say that for canadian washers tech today don't even bother to repair the appliance they say to the customer calling for a repair to clearly buy a new machine so in order to be able to have the washer or any appliances repaired here in canada its important to keep the bill of purchuse of the appliance and all papers as well in order to be able to have a repair. if you look at the following pic that i am posting my grandmother had a 40 year old dryer the heating element did its time sure she could of called her repair tech to have it fix but after 40 years of use for this dryer she decided to buy a new dryer.


Post# 507856 , Reply# 68   3/29/2011 at 08:57 (4,940 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Getting back on track...

I think it's time to iron out some misconceptions here...

(1) the new washers suggested were "fantasy shopping" only; I'm not buying any of them (including the Whirlpool: don't think they have they best rep over here).

(2) No-one is going to book a repair for a washing machine when the quote states "dishwasher" without double checking first...and if they do, more fool them, wherever they live!

(3) All over the world, there are bound to be those who focus on detail and those who don't; to make a sweeping statement about an entire nation is pretty rich (and not exactly based on detail either). Ditto on the assertion that a nation prefers to send things to landfill rather than repair.

(4) My machine is easy to repair if you know what you're doing and parts ARE readily available. The chance of my being presented with a repair bill several hundred more than anticipated is very slim indeed, unless I find the most crooked repair service in my local area...and frankly I'm probably going to go with the Nationwide manufacturer's service at that very reasonable fixed price anyway.

It's certainly interesting to hear about a more global perspective on repairs; ultimately, however, I was originally posing a question directly relevant to my situation and location!

Thanks to all for the input.

Alex




This post was last edited 03/29/2011 at 14:21
Post# 507870 , Reply# 69   3/29/2011 at 09:45 (4,940 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        

Ronhic; Re :"Posts 49 and 50....




...confirmed that the quote was also applicable to washers, 3Belt..."


So it too 49 comments to have somebody very that the quote for repairing a dishwasher also fits the major repair of the actual washer in question!

SUPER FUNNY!

Not the massive comments that the job is super easy, but ZERO time spent with getting the quote on the washer, not the dishwasher!

TOO FUNNY!

Even Matt in the UK mentioned the quote was low and seemed more like a service call charge

Folks differ on how they assume stuff:

Thus you say

"Given the price of GBP134.00 is the price quoted by Hotpoint, the manufacturer, and Assuming it is also applicable to washers, how much more of a blasted quote would you like 3Belt? "

Here we do not assume a low quote for a dishwasher is the same as one for a washing machine.

Instead of attacking others when a quote defines the wrong appliance, here most get a better defined quote so the risk is zero. It seems others get off attacking a concern that a quote references the wrong appliance. It seems many are scared to clarify a quote that references the wrong appliance, it is far easier to just post comments that the job is easy than pick up the telephone and get a quote on the washer.

Here I value if another comments that a quote is maybe in error due to the wrong item being referenced or the quote seems too low. It looks like in other areas folks do not want others concerns, ie you hope that the quote is the same and attack others who question that the quote referenced the wrong appliance.

How folks assume varies widely


Post# 507872 , Reply# 70   3/29/2011 at 09:58 (4,940 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
Price for parts also vary greatly as well depending on the appliance needing the repair

for an exemple i have a 3 year old fridgedair gallery pro fridge that has receved 2 repairs the first repair being the fridge still under the warranty and it was an whole curcit board that was replace the second repair was to fix a handle for taking water from the fridge the repair cost 200$ witch also includes the service call witch is 50$ minmum and also please note that some appliance tech may have to bring the appliance in question in there shop for the repair if it needs a particular tool that they can't transport.


Post# 507882 , Reply# 71   3/29/2011 at 10:40 (4,940 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on

electron1100's profile picture
I can only assume that it is 3 belts intention to bore us all into submission ;-( zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Post# 507895 , Reply# 72   3/29/2011 at 11:21 (4,940 days old) by hoover1100 (UK)        
Indeed

We seem to just be going round and round in circles about issues which have already been resolved here, and words are being put into peoples mouths (mine included it seems).

The machine is easily repairable, the repair will not take very long, it will not be too costly and is well worth it.

Surely there is no more left to discuss?

Matt


Post# 507906 , Reply# 73   3/29/2011 at 11:46 (4,940 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
sure its repairable but there will come a time where it will be impossible to repair repairs are not eternal

"Quote from my last post my grandmother had a 40 year old dryer the heating element did its time sure she could of called her repair tech to have it fix but after 40 years of use for this dryer she decided to buy a new dryer". That she could of had repaired witch would of lasted her another year or 2 but know that appliance have a max life for use also and this is my final post in this topic

canadian appliance max life for use is 10 years for newer appliance compared to when appliances that had longer life use du to very large familys.


Post# 507907 , Reply# 74   3/29/2011 at 11:53 (4,940 days old) by hoover1100 (UK)        
there will come a time where it will be impossible to repair

yes...that's true for any machine.

Does that mean we should just stop bothering to have machines repaired, even if the repair is perfectly economically sensible?

Even if it is only a couple of years before the machine is beyond economical repair, the repair will still have been paid off in the extra service the machine has given.

All of these issues have been covered in this thread many times over already.

Matt


Post# 510802 , Reply# 75   4/11/2011 at 08:56 (4,927 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
So how long did I have?

Well, I couldn't put up with the noise any more as of last Thursday so I have had to wave the white flag and re-install the Proline. Considering the Hotpoint's drum seizes up if left for a couple of days it's probably for the best (though it is readily freed and will wash away quite merrily).

I've yet to arrange a repair as getting a day off is tricky at the moment.

Things really aren't running too smoothly - even in the process of swapping machines I have found that (a) the neutral pin of the Hotpoint plug had somehow fused itself into the socket (a mini-short - Lord knows what happened there) and (b) I can't get the Proline's drain hose to fit on the under-sink drain properly so a drip tray has to live underneath it.

Using the old machine was fun for about half an hour but I very quickly remembered the irritating features - hissy filling, 2 minute delay interlock, slower cycles and a less "positive" agitation. That's before one considers the woeful lack of usable programmes and the conditioner compartment that doesn't work by design! It was nice to witness the high water level rinses and the fill as it coasts down from spin...and the pump is definitely quieter than the Hotpoint's. Somehow, though, the vibration from final spin always manages to wake me up all the way upstairs (doesn't help that it shakes the dispenser drawer all the way out either).

Still, I will just have to grin and bear it for a couple more weeks.

Absense definitely makes the heart grow fonder!



Post# 511080 , Reply# 76   4/12/2011 at 16:38 (4,926 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
The shocking discovery...

Opened up the melted socket earlier...it's a wonder there wasn't some sort of fire!

 

I'm blaming the slightly old socket rather than the plug. And to think I only used it to avoid cutting off the machine's plug to feed the flex through the hole to the socket!

 

The moral: DO check your installations from time to time.

 

Pic's not the best...sorry! Note the blue wire in socket has gone black and the bubbled plastic around one of the plug pins. Could old soldered ends on the copper wire in the socket have been to blame?


Post# 511083 , Reply# 77   4/12/2011 at 16:40 (4,926 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Back with a vengeance

...but hopefully not for long!


Post# 511091 , Reply# 78   4/12/2011 at 17:06 (4,926 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
there will come a time where it will be impossible to repair


there will come a time where it will be impossible to repair


There are folks who repair and fix items well beyond what "normal" industry support declares "impossible" or "no parts available".

In cars when I lived in Los Angeles, one store only carried pre WW2 new old stock Ford Car parts.

If one wants to invest in time for old parts; or to remake them then items can be used past declared "one cannot get parts"

On the other hand; saying "it is impossible to repair" is a common way to "jusify" buying a new item. Thus a couple I know junked their old "1990's" dryer; since their expert repair guy says one cannot get timers for stuff that old ( he sells nes dryers! ) !!!!


Post# 515966 , Reply# 79   5/6/2011 at 07:43 (4,902 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        

So finally the Hotpoint repairman has been!

Pronosis: repairable!

Downside: did not have the parts on his van. These have been ordered and now I am waiting for another appointment. Whilst it might not be a machine they commonly repair, you'd think they'd load the van with likely parts given the fault description they had from me!

Is it me or do you think 7.40am is a bit early for a repairman to pitch up? Caught me completely unawares. I did get the text they promised but with no time slot.

Anyway, I'm pretty vexed about the continued delay (admittedly mostly on my part trying to find a suitable day off).

The bloke who turned up was very pleasant though!

Oh well...I've sent my feedback.


Post# 515994 , Reply# 80   5/6/2011 at 10:30 (4,902 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
I think its because since its an older washer i don't know what year repair tech end to keep in there trucks or shops parts for newer machines but this is just my tought in the matter but in other word congratulation on having your machine repaired and i also agree with you that 7:40 am is a bit to early repair techs should call first to set up the perfect time eater mid morning or start of the afternoon after lunch.

Post# 515998 , Reply# 81   5/6/2011 at 11:06 (4,902 days old) by FL1012 ()        
Early.....

7:40am is early for a visit. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that i'd still be in bed at that time. They should've phoned ahead, ideally the night before, and checked it was okay.

Kinda agree with you about the lack of spares too, although i'd say this is pretty much normal. I always find wherever i go to get something repaired, whether it be a laptop, car or washing machine, parts always need ordering in. We just don't seem to stock anything in this Country anymore.

Whilst it would've been nice for the engineer to break the mould given your prior fault-description, i'd say a return visit is fairly normal. Least it's gonna be fixed - fair play for not scrapping the machine like so many people annoyingly do these days.

Liam :)


Post# 516020 , Reply# 82   5/6/2011 at 13:22 (4,902 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
Me i think just a crazy tough the main reason pepole trash there old washing machines, and buy new one is because they are afraid of high repair cost me i know i could of had the agitator on my old 1993 inglis superb2 repaired if i wanted but sadly the washer had done its time it was already 10 years old and in 2004 bought a whirlpool duet thats laready 5 years old i am sure it will last another five years but knowing that when it reachs its 10 year life span i know that i will have to replace bought washer and dryer or maybe before its time since i have a pet but only time will say.

Post# 516061 , Reply# 83   5/6/2011 at 18:12 (4,902 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
Don't complain....

ronhic's profile picture

...that they turned up at 7:40.....

 

...complain if they DIDN'T turn up at all....

 

...and be grateful that it was early - there is little more frustrating than waiting all day for a repairperson to show knowing there are other things away from the house you need to do....


Post# 516140 , Reply# 84   5/7/2011 at 03:37 (4,902 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Service at the crack of dawn...

I've no objection to a repairman turning up very early...I just wish they'd warned me it would be that early! Looking at the text message I received, I suspect part of it was missing (cock up in the service centre I imagine). And I was in bed at 7.40am with the kitchen still in total disarray from the night before...oh the shame of it!

 

Seems it's my lot in life always to receive service personnel in some-or-other state of undress/unpreparedness based on previous experience.

 

Thankfully the early arrival meant I ended up going to work (no need for a day off after all our UK bank hols) where I had an equally frustrating day that required several drinks in the pub to get over.

 

'Til repair day II...


Post# 519715 , Reply# 85   5/22/2011 at 12:34 (4,886 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
For the sake of completeness...

...I'm pleased to report Repair Day II was a success!

 

The machine now has new bearings and whirs away the manner one expects.

 

The repair itself was done in under the hour plus an extra half hour for prep/testing etc. The old bearings and spider were taken away so I have no pics of them (didn't want to get under the feet of the repairman by snapping away whilst he was working). All I can say is it looked rather chalky, though the internals of the tub really weren't bad at all given the age.

 

I've run it through a hot wash with descaler; have half a mind to repeat the application though - there are still some deposits here and there!

 

The Proline has been banished back to its corner in the hall where it ought to be.

 

In closing I'm happy to have shelled out the £135 and look forward to a few more years' washing the Hotpoint way (but not forever and a day, obviously).

 

* FIN *


Post# 519736 , Reply# 86   5/22/2011 at 14:36 (4,886 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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congratulation on your repair but if you went your machine to last longer this is just my own personel tought it would be better off washing in cold water this will make the machine last longer as well as prtoecting the parts but this might also be temporary as eventulaly your actual washer will be beyond repair might be a year or 2 but eventaly it will happen

Post# 519738 , Reply# 87   5/22/2011 at 14:51 (4,886 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
Why do you think washing in COLD water extends a washers ser

Most all FL washers die due to bad bearings; the water seal leaks and then the 52100 ball bearing's steel corrode like mad. The actual ball bearing life drops like mad once they are corroded.

"hot" water temperatures in washers is mild compared to a car's water pump seal; and these are only weakly die with temperature.


Post# 521344 , Reply# 88   5/29/2011 at 19:34 (4,879 days old) by richardc1983 (Leeds, UK)        

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Glad to hear you got the repair done.

My Hoover A3100 is still working as a daily driver with no problems at all.

Its a little star!


Post# 521526 , Reply# 89   5/30/2011 at 18:34 (4,878 days old) by Fl1012 ()        
Good news.....

Glad the Hotpoint's back in full working order, Alex. Do feel abit sorry for the Proline though - it's not THAT bad, is it?! ;-)


Richard - Also glad to hear the Hoover is problem free, long may it continue. You struck gold there! :)


Liam


Post# 521693 , Reply# 90   5/31/2011 at 18:18 (4,877 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
[The Proline]'s not THAT bad, is it?

....nothing a petrol bomb wouldnt't solve, Liam!Wink

 

(For a more reasonable precis of the Proline W850, you may wish to refer to my archived posts...)


Post# 521742 , Reply# 91   6/1/2011 at 03:44 (4,877 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
OH MIKE

jetcone's profile picture

You are cracking me up! Yes more wine! Ta Da!

 

Me too

 chestermikeuk's profile pictureFaced with a fixed up old Hottie whizzing away versus a cheap newbie on a 12 minute wash screaming its plastic pulley off, I know which I`d go for....Ohh, just got slapped for that remark, am in the Oovahhh Officionados house for the weekend..(the one with the modern Servis still in the utility..theres class for you...Coughs..Ahem..Clears Throat) 

have just been told ditch the Otpoint & wash with OOvahhh, more wine I say!!!


Post# 524931 , Reply# 92   6/16/2011 at 15:52 (4,861 days old) by matchboxpaul (U.K)        

Hi Alex.

A bit late in the day (thanks to Internet Explorer not letting me sign in), but I can finally offer my congratulations on the WM12.

Really pleased that you proceeded with the repair and long may it give good service.

Have to say, I would have been a nervous wreck letting a stranger tinker with any New/Next or early WM Hotpoint. Would constantly be thinking 'dont break the facia, dont break the facia, be careful, BE CAREFUL' and so on.

Thank god they didnt give them side strips or lid strips, or I would have been climbing the walls! lol.

Paul



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