Thread Number: 71659  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
My New 1954 Bendix Duomatic
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Post# 948168   7/14/2017 at 11:18 (2,449 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
I want to start by saying thanks to Kevin (RevvinKevin) for parting with this fine example of modern engineering!

I bought this machine knowing that it is a project, and I have already started on it dispite it only having been delivered yesterday. The timer reduction gearing is froze up with old grease and will soon be soaking in solvent. Some good news is that the timer motor itself works fine.

The bad news, and where I could use some help is that both the drain valve solenoid and bracket are missing. Also, I am not sure but is there supposed to be a solenoid on both sides of the transmission? If there is, the one on the left when looking from the rear is missing.

I will post pictures later.





Post# 948174 , Reply# 1   7/14/2017 at 11:52 (2,449 days old) by WFT2800 (Leatherhead, Surrey)        

Is this a gas or electric model? Would be nice to see some pics or even a video of it running as and when you get there.

Post# 948176 , Reply# 2   7/14/2017 at 13:01 (2,449 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
Electric

speedqueen's profile picture
It doesn't run yet, or rather I tried but the timer was stuck therefore I started disassembly of the timer gearing. I may turn the timer manually and give the motor a go today. If I do, I will mention the results.


Post# 948192 , Reply# 3   7/14/2017 at 15:42 (2,449 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

Hi Richard, 

 

Great to hear the Duomatic made it OK.  Also awesome to hear the timer motor works, that's one potential headache alleviated!  I look forward to watching your progress with this machine, as it definitely deserves to be brought back to life.

 

Richard (WFT2800), while this is not of a '54 Duomatic, here is a video of a 1957 Duomatic that IS Gas!  Enjoy.

 

Kevin





Post# 948194 , Reply# 4   7/14/2017 at 15:55 (2,449 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
That gas burner

looks like it has enough BTU's to grill a steak.

Post# 948200 , Reply# 5   7/14/2017 at 16:37 (2,449 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
I am missing a transmission solenoid! Here is a picture from the vintage fun stuff page here on AW that shows what I am missing. Note, this is not my machine, just for reference on the solenoid.

Post# 948217 , Reply# 6   7/14/2017 at 20:03 (2,449 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
Update,

speedqueen's profile picture
Kevin told me about Ben's (swestoys) thread about Grainger Dayton Solenoids. I will order the missing solenoids but both the bracket and rod that the solenoid (with arrow in above picture) actuates is missing. Likely the original owner removed it when the solenoid failed and had trouble finding a new one and decided to junk the machine but never reconnected the assembly with the failed solenoid.

I think I can make the bracket with some sheet metal patterning it off the one on the reverse side. The rod on the other hand, I at first thought I could get someone with a lathe to copy the one on the reverse side but I tried to fit the other rod on the left side but unfortunately it is a different rod that I need for that side.

Anyone have a left transmission (when looking from the rear) solenoid rod that they are willing to part with for a price?


Post# 948318 , Reply# 7   7/15/2017 at 11:52 (2,448 days old) by WFT2800 (Leatherhead, Surrey)        

I've seen the gas Duomatic video, would be interested to see an electric one.

Post# 948491 , Reply# 8   7/16/2017 at 19:23 (2,447 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
Parts Urgently Needed.

speedqueen's profile picture
As a bit of a request, Does anyone have the pictured duommatic solenoid rod as shown with the arrow in above picture. I can order the solenoid itself but the rod and bracket are missing. Name your price.

If you have one and are willing to part with it, my email is richard_j_jolly@outlook.com


Post# 948639 , Reply# 9   7/17/2017 at 17:05 (2,446 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
parts

I have a 1985 Dexter Laundromat coin op washer I got from ill. recently and it is the same machine as a duomatic so you may be able to get parts like that from them.They made that machine into the 90s.

Post# 948784 , Reply# 10   7/18/2017 at 13:41 (2,445 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
Thanks Mark, can you tell me the model number of the Dexter for reference? Also Do you know what to do about replacing the door boot, I read somewhere on this site about using a British Bendix door boot but I never heard specifics mentioned.

Post# 949151 , Reply# 11   7/20/2017 at 17:41 (2,443 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
model

The machine is a WCA20k

Post# 949236 , Reply# 12   7/21/2017 at 08:13 (2,442 days old) by Bobbi (Pennsylvania)        

Ooooohhhh....nice! One of my favorite machines! I can't wait to see it in action! Will be watching your progress with anticipation.

Post# 950851 , Reply# 13   7/31/2017 at 00:04 (2,433 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
Update,

speedqueen's profile picture
I tested the motor, and it WORKS!!!

Unfortunately, no luck in finding said solenoid shaft from searching Dexter, Mark, you are very lucky to own those machines because at this point I almost think there are more Duomatics in existence than Dexter WCA20's. Despite being only about 20 years old there are very few references to them even existing let alone a parts diagram so I can begin searching for a part. Every bit of Dexter literature I can find is for the newer models that have variable speed motors and lack a transmission.

If anybody has the left side(when viewed from rear) solenoid rod that they could loan me(I will Pay rent and shipping both ways!) so I could have a duplicate made by someone with a lathe please contact me. richard_j_jolly@outlook.com I'll even throw in a 1976 Maytag A207 for this favor!

I know I have started sounding like a broken record with my appeals but you, the fine members of AW seem to be my only hope.


Post# 950941 , Reply# 14   7/31/2017 at 16:37 (2,432 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
Dexter/Bendix Washer

I had wanted one of these for years and only saw one pop up for sale one other time here and that was at least 5 years ago.However if anybody would like one and I highly recommend it because the machine is just beautiful the guy I bought it from who is very nice has a whole bunch of them and they have been well maintained and work.

Post# 951007 , Reply# 15   8/1/2017 at 03:31 (2,431 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
These wash

SOOO much better than any new frontloader.....they use enough water!

Post# 962501 , Reply# 16   10/14/2017 at 14:48 (2,357 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
An update, and a plea for some help.

speedqueen's profile picture
Well, after seeing nothing on Ebay for a while and no emails, I found the old advert posted here for the Dexter washers that were bought by Mark, and called that Gary fellow and told my plight to him. He said he'd call back in a few days. I'm keeping my hopes up!

Again, does anyone know about the British door boot adaptation for these machines? I emailed one of the members who loosely mentioned it about 10 years ago but got no response. I really need to know what to try to find. The boot on this unit is virtually unusable.

If anyone has a USA boot for sale I'll happily buy it too.

Another question, do these use clutching belts like a Maytag or have an internal clutch?


Post# 962534 , Reply# 17   10/14/2017 at 16:00 (2,357 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
Dexter/Bendix Washer

losangeles's profile picture

Please send information for this guy.  I am just now trying to build up a collection.  I would die for a Bendix Front Loader.  Thanks Tommy


Post# 962559 , Reply# 18   10/14/2017 at 17:12 (2,357 days old) by wft2800 (Leatherhead, Surrey)        

Out of interest, what are the maximum cycle times on the Duomatic like? Does it vary according to which variant of Duomatic you have?

Post# 962593 , Reply# 19   10/14/2017 at 20:31 (2,357 days old) by Losangeles (Muscle Shoals, AL 35661)        
Bendix Duomatic

losangeles's profile picture

What fun watching the video.  Thanks for sharing.


Post# 964777 , Reply# 20   10/29/2017 at 01:15 (2,342 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
Well,

speedqueen's profile picture
the man never called back, leaving me in the same predicament as earlier.

If anyone has the aforementioned parts of a door boot(or information about the British one that will fit) and a transmission or solenoid assembly for the left when viewed from the rear that they would like to sell, please reply.

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and will pay whatever is necessary to secure such parts.


Post# 964784 , Reply# 21   10/29/2017 at 04:21 (2,342 days old) by beekeyknee (Columbia, MO)        

beekeyknee's profile picture
Richard,
Maybe if the parts aren't available someone would be kind enough to have the parts reproduced for you. A precision machine shop could probably do it. They would have to be made aware of how rare and important the donor part is.

Kevin - That machine is really beautiful. It's easy to see that a car company influenced the manufacturing of it. Philco/Bendix and Maytag made these. Were there any others? I've heard that working on these machines can be an aggravating experience. I suppose that combined with the hard to find parts is trying?

Brian


Post# 964809 , Reply# 22   10/29/2017 at 11:33 (2,342 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
Thanks for your response! The problem lies in that I would still need the part for reference and measurement.

In post 13 I suggested the same myself; "If anybody has the left side(when viewed from rear) solenoid rod that they could loan me(I will Pay rent and shipping both ways!) so I could have a duplicate made by someone with a lathe please contact me. richard_j_jolly@outlook.com I'll even throw in a 1976 Maytag A207 for this favor!"

I haven't got any responses to that appeal either. I even emailed directly a well known member around here that talked about having used a British Bendix door boot part pleading for more information. I never heard a response from him. All I wanted was the part number and/or what to search for that.


Post# 965046 , Reply# 23   10/30/2017 at 19:42 (2,341 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
speedqueen

If Gary didn't call you I would call him again he isn't great about returning calls.He is the nicest guy I sent him a hand carved sign from the Topsfield Fair here in Mass for his Laundromat the Wash Basket his father started in 1947.Originally it was an all bendix laundry.He said he had pictures.He also said he had a virtual treasure trove of parts,complete transmissions and whatnot.

Post# 965135 , Reply# 24   10/31/2017 at 11:34 (2,340 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
Bendix/Philco boots and random musings

swestoyz's profile picture
First off, congrats on your Duo! One suggestion I can offer is - patience.

Some members have waited years to find a donor machine to finish a restoration of a prized machine, or decades to locate a hard to find replacement part in the bowls of a long forgotten appliance store. One part of this hobby is finding the machines, and the other is finding parts to fix said machines (and some may argue the third part is time, which we are always lacking). To be honest, it is often times harder to locate and find parts than it is to find the machines themselves, which is why many folks will look for donor machines and make one good one out of several. Many of the machines we are collecting have been out of production for almost 40 or 50 years, and a lot of the appliance shops that sold this stuff new shutter their doors years ago.

With that being said, you may want to consider hunting for another Duomatic to either combine two to make a good one, or one as a parts donor for yours. It may take a considerable amount of time to find one in the wild (see above), but it will take a certain amount of patience if you are willing to do so.

I'd also suggest doing some more research if you are so inclined. There is a treasure trove of information scattered about many threads over the last 15 years of this group talking about these amazing machines. There are also several key pieces of literature on AE.org, that I have found useful. The first is the 1962 Philco Parts Catalog**, which allows anyone to cross reference parts and model numbers going back from the very beginning of Bendix up until the 1962 models, as well as the 1961 - 1965 Duomatic service manuals. Hopefully soon, Robert will be able to add the 1958 Duomatic manual to AE.org that I lent to him, as the absence of a service manual for the 36" Duomatic is a missing piece of ephemera that many would find useful.

Using bits and pieces of what I've learned over the last ten years of studying Bendix/Philco and Duomatics, I've put together a few quick reference guides that I'm happy to share with others. I'm constantly updating a master spreadsheet as I continue to learn more as time goes on, but here is what I have gathered on the boots.

Please note the so-called British Boot you mention WILL NOT fit the 1951 through 1955 Gyromatics and Duomatics, of which you have. A friend has had good luck using the small door Speed Queen boots for the 1951 through 1955 machines, and I really need to order one to test on my 1955 Gyromatic. The 1956 through 1963 Duomatics use the Philco 9118-23 boot, which if you do some digging on this site, you'll find several mentions of the European item number GSK599 or DBT-07. Google search those and you will probably stumble upon the item number 114200620, and you'll find a few eBay auctions in Italy and Spain.

As for your missing shifter rod assembly, I'm sorry it is missing. I don't have any spares on hand and you may need to wait it out for a donor machine to come along. Dexter redesigned the shifter assemblies for the transmission at some point, and I believe you are missing the intermediate assembly, and that assembly is still available from Dexter but it is pricey. The hi-speed shifter assembly is NLA.

I hope this helps.

Ben

** There are a few typos and incorrect groupings within the 1962 Parts Catalog, but the errors are corrected within the document itself, regarding the diaphragms for the 1956 through 1959 Duomatics (9118-9 diaphragm does not fit the Duomatics and is corrected when looking at the fast moving item tables).


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size


This post was last edited 10/31/2017 at 12:21
Post# 965143 , Reply# 25   10/31/2017 at 12:30 (2,340 days old) by mopar65 (Almont MI)        
Shift rod

mopar65's profile picture
Hi Richard, If the 56 shifting rod is the same and you are looking to have one made I could pull the one from the 56 I have as a reference part. I actually know someone that could probably make one I will ask him tonight and get back with you.
Anthony


Post# 966090 , Reply# 26   11/4/2017 at 23:19 (2,336 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
I only just read my thread now!

speedqueen's profile picture
Thanks Ben your postings have been invaluable! Small door SQ boot it is then!

Anthony, I will take you up on your offer and whatever you want for compensation for your troubles!

My e-mail is richard_j_jolly@outlook.com


Post# 966101 , Reply# 27   11/5/2017 at 00:56 (2,335 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
Actually, hold up!!! I was glancing at the documents and wouldn't the shifter be the high speed one as it is opposite the pulley? If so, the rod is p/n 9497-051-001 and PWS laundry online has it for $9.68. If the redesign wasn't too major I am wondering if this will work. I'll order it and see if it fits

www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687...
I guess I won't need your help after all, Anthony. Thanks though.

The bracket it also available:
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6688...

I went through and checked all the high speed part numbers and ALL are availible from PWS. So it seems that while the whole assembly is NLA, the individual parts are not. For your reference the links are as follows.

www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6688871-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-788048-dext...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687444-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6686018-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687533-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687246-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6686997-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687547-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6687658-dex...
www.pwslaundry.com/i-6686701-dex...




Post# 966145 , Reply# 28   11/5/2017 at 08:39 (2,335 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass)        
PWS Laundry

I wonder if that company has the pump drain conversion kit then I would really be in business.My machine is gravity drain.The transmission on my Dexter is different than that of my 58 duomatic in thar the spins are slower.Dont know why they did that.

Post# 966158 , Reply# 29   11/5/2017 at 09:12 (2,335 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
They might, I just couldn't seem to find a whole machine parts list with the model numbers that you posted. Therefore I was held up despite having the information. I couldn't find any documentation anywhere. The info on these Dexter's is few and far between.

Post# 966361 , Reply# 30   11/6/2017 at 09:18 (2,334 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
Another wrench in the mix...

swestoyz's profile picture

You are correct that the high speed solenoid assembly is on the opposite side of the drive pulley.

So.... after some more digging into the doctrine ('62 parts catalog and the '53 & '57 Duo Service Manual), two things are evident:

  1. The intermediate shift rod remained the same for all 36" Duomatic transmissions (17676), and translates as an exact match to the Dexter PN - 9497-007-000 
  2. The hi-speed shift rod CHANGED half way through the 36" Duomatic run, and appears to have changed starting in 1956. I don't know the exact reasons on why it changed but some of the part numbers for the internal transmission parts do change slightly starting with the 1956 models
    • It seems that Philco did convert the Bendix PN for the original style rod (17677) to their numbering conventions - 9497-14 
    • The updated 1956 and later shift rod was Bendix PN 600851, which seems to still be in the Dexter parts system as 9497-006-000


You may want to order the 9497-006-000 rod and see if it works? Unfortunately I don't have an early Duo to see what the differences are between the early and later shift rod, nor do I have access to the 1956 Duo service manual to see if they explain the differences/changes to the transmission.


Ben



CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK

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Post# 966585 , Reply# 31   11/7/2017 at 11:05 (2,333 days old) by mopar65 (Almont MI)        
Well how about that

mopar65's profile picture
Its assume that you were able to find the parts new! I hope it all works right for you.
Anthony


Post# 976816 , Reply# 32   1/4/2018 at 08:51 (2,275 days old) by wft2800 (Leatherhead, Surrey)        

Any news on this machine?

Post# 976836 , Reply# 33   1/4/2018 at 12:15 (2,275 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
No news, sorry. I do however intend to do the door boot in spring. I will have to think of something to replace the rubber ring that seals against the boot on the door side too, however

Post# 976866 , Reply# 34   1/4/2018 at 17:17 (2,275 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
I don't remember if I posted earlier in this thread or not. I manage a machine shop in Minneapolis. The shifter rods are dead simple to make. If you can get dimensions and a photo, I'd gladly whip a few up.



Post# 976902 , Reply# 35   1/4/2018 at 20:29 (2,275 days old) by glhturbo2 (Reidsville, NC)        
She's a beaut!

Congrats on this beautiful machine, I'm hoping to find one of these Duomatics someday. I hope you can get it going again. It takes time and patience!

-Tyler


Post# 976947 , Reply# 36   1/5/2018 at 06:54 (2,274 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
@Mopar65

I notice you're wearing 'International Harvester' hoodies.

The Mike Sammes Singers did a couple of advert jingles for International Harvester, for "The New High Performance 454574" and "The New Hydrostatic 454574".

They seem to have done slightly different versions of the same model; they certainly did for 'Fairy Snow' soap powder... 'Track #7' seems more like a radio broadcast advert, whereas 'Bonus Track #6' is a section from the 'Fairy Snow' tv advert shown on the documentary series, 'Washes Whiter'.

This is a link to Boomkat; you can listen to previews. (Click the '+' to show the track list).


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Rolls_rapide's LINK


Post# 977719 , Reply# 37   1/10/2018 at 06:04 (2,269 days old) by mopar65 (Almont MI)        
Rolls_rapide

mopar65's profile picture
Thank you and yes Charles and I are big IH fans I'm sadly down to only one tractor now. Its a 1954 farmall 200. the pic was before I repainted it.

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Post# 977720 , Reply# 38   1/10/2018 at 06:37 (2,269 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
"1954 Farmall 200"

A sensible uncomplicated design - unlike today's modern nonsense with their electronic doodahs.

Post# 980836 , Reply# 39   2/1/2018 at 09:03 (2,247 days old) by mopar65 (Almont MI)        


mopar65's profile picture
Rolls_rapide yes a nice size does what it dose really well. speedqueen Anything new on your Duo?

Post# 980862 , Reply# 40   2/1/2018 at 13:31 (2,247 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
Sadly, no. The issue is that the solenoid rod needed is the old pre-1956 transmission redesign type. As far as I know, the later dexter part will work on all models '56 and newer, but mine is a '54. I will, however, be changing the door boot this spring. I need someone who has a 1952-55 model to take some measurements so I can have a machinist make another.

Post# 981033 , Reply# 41   2/2/2018 at 17:37 (2,246 days old) by Gyromatic (St. Paul MN.)        
THESE PARTS YOU CAN ORDER

I could not believe shifter rods were not ordered yet. Here you go. get on line.......Dexter laundry Pws is where the parts are.INT ROD 9497-007 HI Spin Rod 9497-051-1 . O-ring 9487-026 Retaining ring 8649-031-002.If you need to know about more part numbers let me know.John 651-447-1365

Post# 982866 , Reply# 42   2/14/2018 at 21:34 (2,234 days old) by dirtyshoes (New York)        

Gorgeous machine! I think I'm in love. Great work

Post# 982867 , Reply# 43   2/14/2018 at 21:54 (2,234 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

speedqueen's profile picture
Good news! Credits to John(Gyromatic) I got my solenoid today! When the latest snow clears I will bring the Duomatic back from the shed into the garage and start work.

Again, thanks John!



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