Thread Number: 60008
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Frigidaire Gallery Series Washer |
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Post# 826637   6/4/2015 at 20:47 (3,219 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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After taking a breather, I'm baaaaack. And this is the culprit, A Frigidaire Gallery MOD. FWS777GH50 Serial: XC10516208. I am guessing Jan. 2001 manufacture. Another basement find. Seems to work, BUT when filling, about halfway in the tub, it starts to leak, a lot. I spinned out the water and removed the front cover. The leak appears to come from directly under the tub seal. The worst possible scenario.
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Post# 826638 , Reply# 1   6/4/2015 at 20:51 (3,219 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 826646 , Reply# 2   6/4/2015 at 22:17 (3,219 days old) by Lorainfurniture (Cleveland )   |   | |
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Tub seal is relatively easy on this machine if I remember. You don't even have to remove the outer tub. I believe the tub seal is like $20. I never really liked this style machine but I will say they run forever. |
Post# 826650 , Reply# 3   6/4/2015 at 22:33 (3,219 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 826670 , Reply# 4   6/5/2015 at 01:35 (3,219 days old) by washdaddy (Baltimore)   |   | |
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That does seem like a relatively easy repair to do on the machine provided you line everything up correctly and follow the proper procedures.
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Post# 826676 , Reply# 5   6/5/2015 at 03:56 (3,219 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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Not a bad repair job at all. Looks like maybe a couple of hours and that's it. |
Post# 826713 , Reply# 6   6/5/2015 at 10:40 (3,219 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Yes it is fixable, BUT why would you ?
We never fix this problem for our customers unless the washer is part of a more expensive stack W&D and even then 90% of people replace the whole thing because they know its junk.
Overall this washer design is rather trouble prone, the seal leak is just one of many serious problems these machines experience. We see a lot of transmission oil leaks, also lower trans bearing and one way clutches, bad motors, timers and problems with lid locks to name a few of the more common problems.
These washers are poor at turn over and capacity for the amount of water used, while still being very on clothing. About the only thing good about this one is at least it is the later design with neutral drain, these machines with spin drain were real dogs as the pump would air-lock and suds-lock and often struggle for 10 minutes while trying to do the final spin and WCIs solution was to make the final spin 16 minutes long LOL. |
Post# 826717 , Reply# 7   6/5/2015 at 12:14 (3,219 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 826781 , Reply# 8   6/5/2015 at 23:39 (3,218 days old) by supersurgilator (Indiana)   |   | |
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I'm glad u are attempting to fix this machine. Yeah it might be old and not excellent at washing, but it is still better then some of what is on the market today. |
Post# 826782 , Reply# 9   6/5/2015 at 23:52 (3,218 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 826790 , Reply# 10   6/6/2015 at 02:50 (3,218 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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yeah, may not be THE best choice for a machine, but I have to agree, I would do it for the experience and something fun to play with for a while, it is a traditional machine with full water levels, and it did survive 14 years of use.....that has to say something for it......
besides, its lasted a lot longer than most Cabrios, and have you priced seals and bearings for one of those.....not to mention the teardown, and special tool?... |
Post# 826820 , Reply# 12   6/6/2015 at 11:01 (3,218 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 826821 , Reply# 13   6/6/2015 at 11:02 (3,218 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Obviously, if the machine looked like a basket case it never would had made it out of the basement. As you can see, the transmission housing is rusty. But it appears to be just surface rust. Everything else seems fine. According to the parts diagram, the pressure switch hose is where it's supposed to be. We'll soon find out what happens on it's maiden wash. Stay tuned. This post was last edited 06/06/2015 at 12:46 |
Post# 826823 , Reply# 14   6/6/2015 at 11:16 (3,218 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 826860 , Reply# 15   6/6/2015 at 18:30 (3,218 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Hi Louie, I do agree with your reasoning about fixing this machine. Jason and I have fixed many machines that we knew were not really worth fixing for the experience. By doing this we can give first hand advice to customers about the feasibility of doing certain major repairs.
The problem for us is that we guarantee every used appliance for a full year parts and labor with in home service, AND when I consider whether I should fix and resell a machine my goal is that it should last an average of ten years or more, so it does not make sense to put even an hour of labor into a machine that probably won't last more than a few years.
Let us know how it comes out.
John L. |
Post# 827599 , Reply# 16   6/11/2015 at 16:59 (3,213 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 827615 , Reply# 17   6/11/2015 at 21:12 (3,212 days old) by wiskybill (Canton, Ohio)   |   | |
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IIRC, this piece just pulls out. Mom had a similar washer for a long time and I know I took the agitator out once, but it was some time ago. Bill |
Post# 827621 , Reply# 18   6/11/2015 at 22:39 (3,212 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 828663 , Reply# 19   6/19/2015 at 17:56 (3,205 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 828666 , Reply# 20   6/19/2015 at 18:20 (3,205 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Post# 828668 , Reply# 21   6/19/2015 at 18:32 (3,205 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 828669 , Reply# 22   6/19/2015 at 18:45 (3,205 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 828671 , Reply# 23   6/19/2015 at 19:04 (3,205 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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John, I'm not looking at this as a business, but as a learning experience.
I think I twisted the bolt the wrong way and snapped it. In theory, once the head of the bolt is gone, the agitator should lift out. From what I have read, there is nothing else retaining the agitator. I'm going to pour some very hot water in the tub to see it that helps. |
Post# 828674 , Reply# 24   6/19/2015 at 20:04 (3,205 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Post# 828759 , Reply# 25   6/20/2015 at 09:22 (3,204 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts)   |   | |
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Post# 828791 , Reply# 26   6/20/2015 at 14:13 (3,204 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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Despite the experiences some have had with these WCI-Frigidaires, it's actually one of my favorite designs, solely because of the one my aunt owns. Bought in '99, it's been running anywhere from once to three or four times a day with two adults and four kids, now three kids and one grandchild. The one and only problem she has had was two years ago, when the pressure sensor tube popped off the tub and it overfilled. Other than that, it's still running perfectly, and does a great job. Robin is pretty particular with her clothes but doesn't invest as much time as I or others here do when it comes to pretreating and soaking stains, but their clothes always look clean and smell fresh. One of my favorite memories growing up was going to their house and smelling the scent of Gain in the air and hearing the whirr-woo-whirr-woo of that Franklin transmission.
I say fix it if you can and clean it up nicely. It's a fine machine when treated properly and loaded correctly. The build quality is leaps and bounds better than what's on the market today in top loaders. |
Post# 829593 , Reply# 27   6/25/2015 at 22:26 (3,198 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829596 , Reply# 28   6/25/2015 at 23:03 (3,198 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Now I need to replace a part that went under the agitator. While removing the agitator this disc snapped out, breaking the tabs that held it to the agitator. I read that it's no big deal, since the agitator screw is what secures it to the shaft. Nevertheless, it needs to be replaced since the center ring is badly corroded. Can I replace this part only?
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Post# 829774 , Reply# 29   6/26/2015 at 22:13 (3,197 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829803 , Reply# 30   6/27/2015 at 09:24 (3,197 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)   |   | |
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Ultra, I've got a similar washer (stack) I was surprised at what you found under the agravator also. I wonder if Afresh would help clean it up? |
Post# 829813 , Reply# 31   6/27/2015 at 10:40 (3,197 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Post# 829827 , Reply# 32   6/27/2015 at 12:58 (3,197 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829829 , Reply# 33   6/27/2015 at 13:02 (3,197 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829861 , Reply# 34   6/27/2015 at 17:06 (3,197 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829870 , Reply# 35   6/27/2015 at 18:10 (3,197 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829874 , Reply# 36   6/27/2015 at 18:35 (3,197 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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Post# 829875 , Reply# 37   6/27/2015 at 18:53 (3,197 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)   |   | |
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Pressure washer? |
Post# 829887 , Reply# 38   6/27/2015 at 20:09 (3,197 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
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Post# 829889 , Reply# 39   6/27/2015 at 20:23 (3,197 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)   |   | |
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Post# 829906 , Reply# 40   6/27/2015 at 23:47 (3,196 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 829974 , Reply# 41   6/28/2015 at 17:50 (3,196 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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the WCI I worked on, of course came out as easy as pie......so I can't help you there....
but I had to use this guys video suggestion when working on the Cabrio......and I was wondering if the agitator shaft was low enough to try this method on your machine Louie.... it is a helpful trick, that really works.....FF to 3:16 just not sure if you have enough clearance for the jack and a board.....but worth a shot..... |
Post# 829977 , Reply# 42   6/28/2015 at 19:39 (3,196 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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Post# 829987 , Reply# 43   6/28/2015 at 21:10 (3,195 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 830396 , Reply# 44   7/2/2015 at 00:43 (3,192 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 830397 , Reply# 45   7/2/2015 at 00:48 (3,192 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 830399 , Reply# 46   7/2/2015 at 01:34 (3,192 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 830412 , Reply# 48   7/2/2015 at 05:15 (3,192 days old) by Chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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Post# 830432 , Reply# 49   7/2/2015 at 07:48 (3,192 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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yeah, we all seen worse.....
but it doesn't stop there.....given anyone out there, you may wash dishes or your hands, taken a shower, and let the water run just until the sink is clean.....BUT, are you running enough water and cleaner to flush and clean the drain and pipes until they reach the septic/sewer....you don't realize it until you have to repair one, and open it up.... better so, when you see machines that have a 'ring around the tub' like a bathtub ring......and people don't seem to mind washing future loads in that scum without a thought to clean it....... |
Post# 830471 , Reply# 50   7/2/2015 at 13:14 (3,192 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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The gunk that hides unseen: This is why I chuckle a bit when people brag that they've never had to run a 'Clean Washer' cycle on their non-HE machines. They should take theirs apart and see what lurks beneath.
I'll gladly run a cleaning cycle every couple of months if it means avoiding what you uncovered in that Frigidaire, Louie. |
Post# 830491 , Reply# 51   7/2/2015 at 14:31 (3,192 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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I've always done pseudo-clean cycles on every washer I've managed myself. Our Maytag Atlantis was always spotless because every couple of weeks I would fill it with an inch or so of hot water and use a cleaning rag, a toothbrush, and a toothpick to clean every nook and cranny I could get to. Afterwards I'd run a "hot" rinse with vinegar to break down any fabric softener and detergent scum. I can't stand the thought of washing my clothes in a dirty machine, and plus it's nice when anyone happens to glance into my machine and comment on how it looks brand new. When I took the Atlantis over to my in laws when their LG front-loader died, they couldn't believe it was bought in 2002.
With the Bravos, I'll run a Bulky cycle on warm water, set with a spray rinse, just to help flush away any crud in between deep cleanings. Although the washer keeps itself generally clean on its own, the higher water level obviously dissolves some residue because the water will sometimes have a bit of fizzy foam on top. |
Post# 830529 , Reply# 52   7/2/2015 at 19:27 (3,192 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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This part being stuck has little if anything to due with all the gunk. Aluminum parts assembled to steel parts that are underwater in washing machines can get very stuck in just a few years. Any GE TL washer built after 1995 can be just as hard to disassemble.
In any case since the plastic wash basket is out of the way you can now take a real torch to the aluminum basket drive block, heat it up and it will easily pull off. However you may still need a new BDB, transmission and basket bearing assembly to do a decent repair or an indecent washer, LOL.
John L. |
Post# 831923 , Reply# 53   7/12/2015 at 05:04 (3,182 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832447 , Reply# 54   7/15/2015 at 21:47 (3,178 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Well I got an extension hose for the propane torch. I heated up the trunnion and NADA. Didn't budge. I have a similar idea that Yogi gave me using a car jack. I'm going to place the jack over the spin tube, I don't want to put it over the washer cabinet since it may warp. My question is, would putting a lot of downward pressure on the spin tube damage it or the tranny? |
Post# 832560 , Reply# 55   7/16/2015 at 20:48 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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I decided to go with the time tested "bang, grunt and spray" method. Hit it with a hammer, pull, spray penetrating lube.
This post was last edited 07/16/2015 at 23:39 |
Post# 832573 , Reply# 56   7/16/2015 at 23:36 (3,177 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Post# 832585 , Reply# 57   7/17/2015 at 03:15 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832586 , Reply# 58   7/17/2015 at 03:21 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832587 , Reply# 59   7/17/2015 at 03:24 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832589 , Reply# 60   7/17/2015 at 03:43 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832590 , Reply# 61   7/17/2015 at 03:46 (3,177 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832668 , Reply# 63   7/17/2015 at 22:50 (3,176 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Post# 832686 , Reply# 64   7/18/2015 at 06:24 (3,176 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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You got it apart, back together and working, now you should tackle a 5YO SQ TLer, any TL GE washer built after 1994, a Norge, or even a compact WP World Washer for major repairs. All of the above washers can also be a major PIA for major tear-downs.
This is why DD WPs, GE FFs and two belt helical drive MT washers were usually the preferred machines by repair folks over the years. |
Post# 832690 , Reply# 65   7/18/2015 at 07:32 (3,176 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Congratulations and huge cheers for you, Louie!
Now you can experience the joy of watching an indexing-tub machine at work. They love loads of mixed cottons, but don't particularly like sheets. Franklin-based machines will actually turn over a load well if just enough--but not too much--water is used. For all its faults, this Frigidaire will handle unbalanced loads like no other top-loader can. |
Post# 832789 , Reply# 67   7/18/2015 at 23:50 (3,175 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Hey thanks guys for all the words of encouragement. While the repair itself was easy, tearing it down was another matter. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. With each repair I hope to get faster and more proficient. It's funny, my dad said when he was doing this almost 40 years ago, I only showed mild interest. Better late than never. :) |
Post# 832791 , Reply# 68   7/19/2015 at 00:11 (3,175 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 832793 , Reply# 69   7/19/2015 at 00:23 (3,175 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Indeed, it does not like sheets too much, but washes them acceptably. Funny, I did a queen size comforter yesterday, and it did a nice job, turnover and all. It uses a FULL tub of water. As God intended.
Never had a indexing tub before. I guess it adds to the drama, and you all know how we like drama in AW. It washes well enough, but then again I'm not putting anything stained or heavily soiled into it yet. One nuisance is the fabric softener dispenser. The fabric softener has to be diluted with water, at least that's what the cap says.
Final images and video coming soon.
This post was last edited 07/19/2015 at 00:58 |
Post# 833212 , Reply# 70   7/22/2015 at 00:57 (3,172 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 833213 , Reply# 71   7/22/2015 at 00:58 (3,172 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 833224 , Reply# 72   7/22/2015 at 03:39 (3,172 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 835422 , Reply# 73   8/6/2015 at 17:18 (3,157 days old) by camMURRAY22 (Savannah,Georgia)   |   | |
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One of White-Consolidated Industries. Agitator clicks and grunts very loud while coasting to a stop from the spin. |
Post# 835887 , Reply# 74   8/10/2015 at 11:00 (3,153 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 836723 , Reply# 75   8/15/2015 at 02:50 (3,148 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 836742 , Reply# 77   8/15/2015 at 07:13 (3,148 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Up and running and looking great, Louie! I have such a soft spot for these Franklin-based washers.
Attaining maximum rollover with it requires using a precise amount of water. The load tends to simply whirl (albeit gracefully) around with the indexing tub when there's a lot of 'open' water. Experiment with it and you'll get really good at nailing the water level's sweet spot for any given load. I'd forgotten how soon the spray rinse occurs in the first spin. Always liked that, as the clothes weren't plastered against the tub. It's a very effective little spray rinse. Just for kicks, put it to the unbalanced load test. You'll be amazed at how well it handles unbalanced conditions. Beats every other top-loader hands down. Thanks for posting the video; it was an enjoyable little blast-from-the-past. Now I miss my 2005, LOL! This post was last edited 08/15/2015 at 07:43 |
Post# 836744 , Reply# 78   8/15/2015 at 07:43 (3,148 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Post# 836746 , Reply# 79   8/15/2015 at 07:52 (3,148 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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Glad you enjoyed it Eugene. That damn mat with the rubber backing just refused to be pulled in! LOL! The machine had a very "light" load compared to the water level. 4 t-shirts, 2 queen size sheets, 2 pillow cases and that blasted mat. It it weren't for that stuck trunnion, it would had been such a quick and easy fix. But hey, I learned, so a valuable experience. was had. Now to find it a happy home! |
Post# 836747 , Reply# 80   8/15/2015 at 07:53 (3,148 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Excellent job as always Louie......
yeah, many times a slow fill can be the result of a flow restrictor as well.... and some areas don't have great water pressure......if you think that's slow, I have a cousin who's machine can take up to 2+ hours to do a load, because of the low water pressure and its a Whirlpool belt drive....definitely not a place for a time fill machine..... and true, finding water levels matching the load will give you a better wash action roll over...like any machine, you have to work within its best qualities.. |
Post# 836751 , Reply# 81   8/15/2015 at 08:23 (3,148 days old) by Murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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Post# 836774 , Reply# 82   8/15/2015 at 10:44 (3,148 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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