Thread Number: 34562
Our New Laundry and Dishwasher Appliances - U.S Frigidaire and Aus Dishlex
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 518403   5/17/2011 at 01:26 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Hi Guys

Well, since moving into my current residence with 3 other people, we have had our fair share of appliance woes. The first came when our 3 month old Whirlpool dishwasher, gave up the ghost. It was never a great machine to start with. The only cycle that would successfully wash anything properly was the Intensive cycle which took 2.35 hours. Not ideal in a house where dishes accumulate faster than a cat can scratch.
Then finally about a month ago it stopped taking in the right amount of water to wash with, the solenoid would click off after a short time taking in water, as a result, the water would not heat and the wash spray arms would not rotate at a proper speed. We tried fixing it in a few ways but in the end I caved in and bought a brand new Dishlex D102. Made by Electrolux in Europe, it is a thousand times better than the Chinese Whirlpool which only stayed on the market for about 5 months before being discontinued, the amount of bad reviews and complaints might have been enough to seal their fate.

The Dishlex is a great sturdy machine, takes half the time of the old one and actually washes and dries the dishes properly, something the old one was p*ss poor at. So impressed with it. It is a simple basic model, one dial and one button control.

Our other appliance woe was the capacity of my Indesit W102. Much as this is a fantastic machine, i cannot fault its operation one bit, it just wasn't big enough to cope with our many loads of washing in the week. We had to seperate heavy from light in order for the balance sensor to be happy throughout the wash. We ended up doing approx 10 loads a week for four people.
So off i went around Ebay and appliance stores trying to find a reasonably priced sturdy large capacity machine.
Then, a week ago on Ebay I found a U.S made front loading Frigidaire machine. 8KG capacity, built like a tank, relatively short cycles and simple operation and best of all.......a half hour drive from me. lol

So i put a bid in and won the machine, it got delivered on sunday and after a few teething issues with hoses, we got the machine installed in place. So far, its been fantastic, being able to wash all the household towels in one load instead of three is just so much quicker and water efficient.

Anyway, here are some pictures for you...

The OLD utility room...





Post# 518404 , Reply# 1   5/17/2011 at 01:33 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
The NEW utility room.

Notice the size difference in the washing machines :-D


Post# 518405 , Reply# 2   5/17/2011 at 01:35 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
The Frigidaire in all her glory.

This load of towels only filled the drum a quarter of the way once the water was in. Will save us so much time and money doing laundry.


Post# 518407 , Reply# 3   5/17/2011 at 01:40 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Control Dial

17 Min Wash on the Heavy Cycle
12 mins on the Normal Cycle
9 mins on the Perm Press Cycle
6 Mins on the Light Wash.
Automatic CoolDown/Suds Flush before first spin.

11 Mins on the Knit and Delicate wash but with one less rinse and spin and a slower final spin, also gentler tumbling.

The beauty about it being mechanical is that you can stop and go back to the stop for extra wash if you feel its not enough :-) have not needed to so far :-)


Post# 518409 , Reply# 4   5/17/2011 at 01:43 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Extra Rinse
Buzzer Control
Water Temps

nice and basic


Post# 518410 , Reply# 5   5/17/2011 at 01:47 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Soap Drawer

I love the safety latch on this drawer. You have to move a latch across as you open it for it to open fully. Also if you open the soap drawer while the machine is in the wash cycle it will stop the machine and unlock the door. This is to avoid children getting their hands into the liquid bleach compartment i believe. The fabric softener dispenser cannot handle gluggy softeners i have discovered and not quite a full dose will fit either.


Post# 518411 , Reply# 6   5/17/2011 at 01:49 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Apologies for the darkness, not much light in my laundry even with the light on.

The drum, deep and quite tall, can hold a LOT.


Post# 518412 , Reply# 7   5/17/2011 at 01:56 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
The converter that switches this machine from U.S voltage to Australian voltage.

Has to be unplugged after each use otherwise it gets HOT! and also buzzes slightly...

We also had to get U.S thread pipes from an appliance parts dealer because we tried AUstralian pipes and the threads are different, resulting in a slightly wet utility floor which probably needed mopping anyway......ahem.


Post# 518413 , Reply# 8   5/17/2011 at 02:00 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Washing away happily on its first whites and towels wash (my favourite wash)

in Gain HE (in honour of its US heritage) and Australian Fluffy Summer Breeze with a splash of Dettol Sanitising Laundry Rinse.


Post# 518414 , Reply# 9   5/17/2011 at 02:08 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        
Now the Dishwasher

mattywashboy's profile picture
This is the new Dishlex, nice and easy, good range of programs, the Quick 30 cycle is not too bad for just plates and cups. Washes at 70* so gives them a good albeit short blast, would probably only use a gel detergent on this cycle tho as the powder tab wouldn't have time to dissolve.

Post# 518415 , Reply# 10   5/17/2011 at 02:09 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
The Programme selector close up, thats a light underneath the OFF, it shines when u select a program before you press start.

Post# 518416 , Reply# 11   5/17/2011 at 02:11 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
The interior, i much prefer white racks and arms as it makes the whole thing look shinier and clean...


Thats about it for now, a few vids on Youtube of the Frigidaire should be around soon, will link them as and when.


Post# 518422 , Reply# 12   5/17/2011 at 05:21 (4,949 days old) by twinniefan (Sydney Australia)        
Nice buys.

twinniefan's profile picture
Looks like you got a couple of great buys there Matt, well done, that Frigidaire does look pretty sturdy and should cut your washdays down a bit.

Post# 518431 , Reply# 13   5/17/2011 at 06:17 (4,949 days old) by wilkinsservis (Melbourne Australia)        
Lost and alone so far from home

wilkinsservis's profile picture
It would be interesting to know how the Frigidaire came to be in Australia.

Post# 518443 , Reply# 14   5/17/2011 at 07:11 (4,949 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Apparently someone brought it with them from America and then left it with the sellers on ebay, they said they would have kept it but they could not fit it through their laundry door lol

Post# 518469 , Reply# 15   5/17/2011 at 09:30 (4,949 days old) by aegokocarat (United Kingdom)        

your dishlex is my zanussi zdf131 in Aussie clothes!
Tom


Post# 518482 , Reply# 16   5/17/2011 at 10:37 (4,949 days old) by PassatDoc (Orange County, California)        
Good on ya

Good on ya. I'd recognise that washer anywhere. The classic Frigidaire 3.1 cubic foot model. Still sold in USA and also offered as a "laundry center" with attached stacked dryer in electric or gas. Of course there are drawbacks to a laundry center (if the washer dies, you have to ditch the dryer too), but older people like them because the dryer controls are low and not atop a six foot tall stack.

Note the link shows "suggested price". Typically the price in stores is more like $1100, though prices in USA do NOT include sales tax, which can be 5-9%. A few states do not charge a sales tax: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sales_taxes_in_the_United_States#Summary_table



CLICK HERE TO GO TO PassatDoc's LINK

Post# 518527 , Reply# 17   5/17/2011 at 13:43 (4,948 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        

that washer is really close to the same as my 1998 frigidaire"gallery"
bought mine used with failed bearings and fixed it up.Though your machine is
marked"made in usa",mine was not marked with a country of origin-i suspect mine
was made in canada as the outer tub halves and a few other parts were marked
"made in canada"and many of the screws were the type with a square recess to
turn them-a canadian invention and commonly used up there.on my '98 machine
the motor was swedish,the pump italian,the belt french.
presuming 50hz line frequency in australia, cycles will be slightly longer
than originally intended on 60hz machine.


Post# 518552 , Reply# 18   5/17/2011 at 15:35 (4,948 days old) by PassatDoc (Orange County, California)        

There is a board member from California who posts as "golittlesport" and he bought a Frigidaire Gallery 3.1 machine c.1998-9. Later, c. 2006, he bought a new Frig 2940 for himself. He gave the older Frig 3.1 to his son. The last time I saw him post here, he reported that the older machine was still alive and well at his son's home, which by now would be 12-13 years after purchase. As I understood it, it had never needed any servicing.

Post# 518582 , Reply# 19   5/17/2011 at 16:38 (4,948 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
I've got a 1998 Gallery, still absolutely pleased with it 13yr later. Keep a rag towel on top to dry out the boot and dispenser cavity, and shake the dispense drawer. Left wet they will all mildew. Once that stuff takes root it's the very devil to get rid of.

I also kept a coffee can on a shelf to dilute softener. I think the instructions said to dilute.


Post# 518587 , Reply# 20   5/17/2011 at 16:55 (4,948 days old) by PassatDoc (Orange County, California)        

I have a five year old 2140. Door always open unless washer is in use. No bleach or softener used. I do add some Borax to help with our hard water situation. I keep a stack of white shop towels and wipe the gasket dry. I also remove the dispenser, dissemble it, and allow it to air at the end of the laundry day (I know it's only water, but I once found black mold on the inner surface of the dispenser lid, so I now I let the dispenser air out). No problems whatsoever. I suppose the spider may crack one day, but otherwise it washes great and has never needed any servicing. It would be nice to see a machine last ten years without any issues.

Post# 518610 , Reply# 21   5/17/2011 at 18:15 (4,948 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
follow up to Passat Doc's comment

golittlesport's profile picture
Well, the 3.1 Frigidaire I bought in about 1998 and later gave to my son gave up the ghost late last year. His girlfriend loved it and will only use a front loader now. She said agitator machines ruin her clothes. He bought a very similar 3.1 Kenmore model at Sears outlet to replace it.

That machine gave many years of great service. Definitely got my money's worth out of it. Never had a repair until it died of bearing failure. Actually, it was still working...just roared during spin. I told my son it was not worth fixing.


Post# 518613 , Reply# 22   5/17/2011 at 18:27 (4,948 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Matthew, you'll be pleased to know this machine is still being sold/marketed as a  White-Westinghouse product, in the thread--The Brand That Would Not Die.


Post# 518616 , Reply# 23   5/17/2011 at 18:37 (4,948 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
I am thinking this machine has some bearing failure, it makes a low growl during tumbling and a loud roar during spin, much louder than i would have expected but then i don't know.

I wonder how hard it would be to get bearings over here for this machine. Perhaps Electrolux can order them in, since Frigidaire is made by them... will post a video soon to illustrate.


Post# 518618 , Reply# 24   5/17/2011 at 18:40 (4,948 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
bearing repair on my '98 "frigilux"

the bearing repair on my frigidaire F/L was a labor intensive but easy job
i "split the tub"in the washer,leaving the front half in the washer.
The bearings are plenty stout in these washers-they were damaged by a worn
seal letting water into the bearings...
This washer design was introduced around 1994 and was the first of the new
generation of north-american made front load washers,the maytag neptune
coming out around 1997.


Post# 518620 , Reply# 25   5/17/2011 at 18:54 (4,948 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
bearings

the bearings are just standard ball bearings-6306zz,6307zz-you should be able to
get those locally easy,check any electric motor repair shop or industrial parts
suppler,an auto parts store might have them too-get the "VV"versions,those have
rubber seals for greater water resistance in event of tub seal failure.
The seal is 80x40x10 mm-i got mine at an auto parts store,was same design as
original part.
I can give more detailed "details"on the bearing job if you want.


Post# 518697 , Reply# 26   5/18/2011 at 00:26 (4,948 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
Thank heaven we got the Frigis instead of the first generation Neptunes which never DID work right. I was leaning toward the Neptune but the solid door unsold me. Blessing.

Post# 518811 , Reply# 27   5/18/2011 at 12:00 (4,948 days old) by PassatDoc (Orange County, California)        
Frigidaire obituary

Rich, sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Frigidaire. It had a good life for thirteen years. Had I known, I would have worn black to the funeral. ;)

Post# 519266 , Reply# 28   5/20/2011 at 08:07 (4,946 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Here is a video of the machine

There are more on my Youtube site (Mattie17)

If someone could offer me advice on the noise it makes, wether it be bearings or motor that would be awesome.

Enjoy.

Matt



CLICK HERE TO GO TO mattywashboy's LINK


Post# 519275 , Reply# 29   5/20/2011 at 08:52 (4,946 days old) by gmmcnair (Portland, OR)        
Congratulations on Your Finds...

gmmcnair's profile picture
I really like the dishwasher....I tend to go for the simpler designs after having problems with TOL appliances.

My neighbor and friend has that same (I think) Frigidaire washer. Hers doesn't make noise like the ones I heard in your video. Best of luck getting it ironed out. For what it's worth, hers has been very reliable...now that her daughter got married. She never checked pockets before loading and they were forever retrieving coins out of the pump.


Post# 519290 , Reply# 30   5/20/2011 at 10:26 (4,946 days old) by markt5004 ()        

Congrats on the new machines Matt!

I didn't realise the front loader was so big. I always thought the machine was the same size as our / european front loaders. I know the Americans have larger front loaders but I thought that particular Frigidaire model was the same size as ours.

Im still not and never will be convinced of such a short wash time..lol

Mark
xx


Post# 519292 , Reply# 31   5/20/2011 at 10:47 (4,946 days old) by westie2 ()        

Matthew in the normal wash/rinse tumble the motor does hum some maybe due to the differenct in HZ.  The spin sound though sounds ok with jet sound.  In my family there are 3 of these a Frigidaire, GE and Kenmore all wash for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.  Our front load is the same as Passtdocs only the Kenmore brand.

 

Bob/Appnut has this machine and I know he will respond to the sounds made also.  Mine is just a guess as normallyh in the wash tumble the machines are quite.

 

 


Post# 519304 , Reply# 32   5/20/2011 at 12:25 (4,946 days old) by paulc (Edinburgh, Scotland)        
Welcome back........

paulc's profile picture
Mark!!!

Matt, I do like your washer, especially the controls. I did not realize that they were bigger than euro machines either!


Post# 519377 , Reply# 33   5/20/2011 at 19:09 (4,945 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
Matt

ronhic's profile picture
The thunking noise does sound a little like suspension slap

Post# 519448 , Reply# 34   5/21/2011 at 02:23 (4,945 days old) by Limey ()        
Bearings

Sounds like bearing failure to me. You only really notice the difference when you hear two machines one shortly after the other.
One other point that does seem to be a lot of detergent and fabric softener.
One way to check to see if the bearings are 'less than good'. try lifting the top front of the drum. Anything more than the slightest upward movement indicates that the bearings are on the way out. The 'slap' also does indicate possible suspension problems, as per ronhic.
From the photographs and video you seem to have plenty of room to work so may I suggest that you pull the washer out and take the back panel off, disconnecting the electrical supply first of course, and then remove the belt and turn the drum by hand. Should the bearings be good it will be almost silent. Turn the motor by hand also and listen to the noise.
Now with one hand try to lift the top front of the drum and with the other note how much the pulley moves. Should there be corresponding movement at both ends it is further indication of bearings failing but just to make sure that the pulley is not loose on the shaft check that the bolt in its centre is tight.
When replacing the screws in the back panel please make sure that you put them all back. the only reason there are that many is because the panel contributes to the structural rigidity of the machine.
Good Luck


Post# 519486 , Reply# 35   5/21/2011 at 09:56 (4,945 days old) by limey ()        
Noise from bad bearings

Here is a link which lets you hear what good bearings sound like.
I think the ownwer had one of these detergent dispenser balls in during the wash cycle.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO limey's LINK



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy