Thread Number: 40325
Westinghouse Laundromat L-4 48 |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 596859   5/16/2012 at 13:16 (4,362 days old) by kristid ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I need a timer for this washing machine circa 1948. Can anybody refer me to a place where I can get one? I'm new to this group so thanks for any help you can give. |
|
Post# 596863 , Reply# 1   5/16/2012 at 13:55 (4,362 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 596941 , Reply# 2   5/16/2012 at 19:29 (4,362 days old) by kristid ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
doesn't run but used to. The electrical cord tested good and the repairman said the next thing to try would be to replace the timer... |
Post# 596949 , Reply# 3   5/16/2012 at 20:44 (4,362 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
It if the machine is completely dead but the cord is OK, it could be the on/off pull/push contact in the timer.
It could be as simple as finding this contact and giving the points a good but gentle sanding. Finding a new timer for this machine is possible, but it most likely wouldn't be easy. By coincidence there is a Westinghouse Timer Repair manual for download in our Daily Doctrine Dispenser today, please see the link below... CLICK HERE TO GO TO Unimatic1140's LINK |
Post# 596950 , Reply# 4   5/16/2012 at 20:48 (4,362 days old) by turquoisedude (.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It may a long shot, but my CLB-6 initially wouldn't run due to a bad starting capacitor on the motor. Not sure if the L4 had a capacitor-start motor, but the L5 I once had did, so I'd guess yes...
Of course the machine conked out again and that was the fault of the timer - the push-pull start contacts described by Robert were the culprit. Don't despair! It can be fixed!! |
Post# 596978 , Reply# 5   5/17/2012 at 01:09 (4,362 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597037 , Reply# 7   5/17/2012 at 10:50 (4,361 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
No push pull, are you sure? I've never heard of a Westinghouse washer without a push pull timer.
Please do this, with the machine plugged in please give the timer dial and good HARD pull outwards. Pushed in is off, pulled out is on. And no, that timer service manual is generic enough to cover timers from 1940's thru the 1970s. |
Post# 597038 , Reply# 8   5/17/2012 at 10:51 (4,361 days old) by kristid ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I'm in southern Cal, Idyllwild |
Post# 597039 , Reply# 9   5/17/2012 at 11:08 (4,361 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
THANK YOU for posting the photo!
That is the same model washer my grandmother used to have!! I have fond memories of watching it!
By the way... I sent you an e-mail.
Thanks! Kevin This post was last edited 05/17/2012 at 16:10 |
Post# 597170 , Reply# 10   5/17/2012 at 20:03 (4,361 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597187 , Reply# 11   5/17/2012 at 20:40 (4,361 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597214 , Reply# 12   5/17/2012 at 22:54 (4,361 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597235 , Reply# 14   5/18/2012 at 00:42 (4,361 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597238 , Reply# 15   5/18/2012 at 01:52 (4,361 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Experience the earthquake spin solenoid! It will scare you even when you're expecting it.
Might do a hot water fill and tumble but then pause. Hopefully the hot water will renew the pump seal. It's still available if not. That machine is only 2yr younger than I am. Trust me, I have trouble with my pump seals too. |
Post# 597276 , Reply# 16   5/18/2012 at 07:33 (4,360 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
you were so right!!! with some effort the dial did pull out and the machine started right up!!! I'm so excited. I haven't used it for a while so I need to run a full test cycle, but at least I know it's not dead. THANK YOU everyone....
Yay, great to hear, enjoy that wonderful vintage washing machine Kristid! The Westinghouse Laundromats are beautiful machines. |
Post# 597278 , Reply# 17   5/18/2012 at 07:42 (4,360 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597282 , Reply# 18   5/18/2012 at 08:55 (4,360 days old) by golittlesport (California)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597290 , Reply# 19   5/18/2012 at 09:42 (4,360 days old) by turquoisedude (.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597327 , Reply# 20   5/18/2012 at 14:05 (4,360 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597332 , Reply# 21   5/18/2012 at 14:57 (4,360 days old) by in2itdood ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I'll give a little dab to the timers on the L5 and the new L6 this weekend when I get home. |
Post# 597440 , Reply# 23   5/19/2012 at 00:54 (4,360 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
So the motor doesn't run at all? Only hums? This model had no capacitor so you can eliminate that.
It doesn't take much friction to prevent a 1/4HP motor from starting. A vicegrip pliers and your hand can do it. I've done it. I'd say, put a good grade of electric motor oil (NOT "3 in One") in the oil holes (I think these motors had them) and let it soak in for 24 hours. Then see if you can free the shaft with vicegrip pliers. It's also possible the start switch is open and the motor is free to turn. But without the start winding it will only growl. To an extent, that switch is accessible for maintenance by taking the motor apart. Not as big a chore as it sounds. If that motor cannot be made to run, it is a very common/standard size and should be readily replaceable. |
Post# 597443 , Reply# 24   5/19/2012 at 01:02 (4,360 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 597444 , Reply# 25   5/19/2012 at 01:08 (4,360 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It filled with water but wouldn't start to spin.
When you say doesn't spin, do you mean the wash drum doesn't turn at all or only turns at low speed for wash and doesn't spin at high speed? I suspect you mean it doesn't turn at all. You need to pull the machine out and remove the back and see if the belt is slipping or if the motor isn't turning at all. If the motor doesn't turn at all but the transmission pulley itself turns easily, as stated above the motor start switch probably is stuck and needs cleaning and lubrication. |