Thread Number: 79142  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Magic Chef 1.6 cu. ft. Portable Washer MCSTCW16W4
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Post# 1030708   4/24/2019 at 06:32 (1,800 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        

General
I ordered a Magic Chef Portable Washer 1.6 cu. ft. MCSTCW16W4 from Wal-Mart site to store. It arrived in perfect condition. Ideal uses includes for an apartment without washer/dryer hookups, smaller loads (to use in hh where full-size washer has no water-level switch), or temporary use while full-size washer is being repaired). It holds about half as much laundry as I have been putting in the Maytag mvwp575gw 3.5 cu. ft. [Note: It looks like the main design for this washer is the same slight variation depending on the brand stamped on it.]

Water Level
Can choose between small, medium, and large loads. However, the load size seems to affect the time the load washes more so than the amount of water used. It does use less water. I think it only fills up about half-way even on the large load. I can add more water without any issues--an additional two-gallons is enough so the whole large load is immersed under water. A large load is clothes loosely placed in a ring no higher than 3/4 of the basket.

Water temperature
This washer can be hooked up to a sink. The water temperature is determined by the faucet. This washer can also be hooked up to hot and cold taps. From what I understand, it will draw water mostly from the cold tap. If you want temperature control, it is better accomplished using a faucet connected to the cold inlet valve. I am not sure if there is an automatic temperature control. On the washer I have now, it is part of the washer inlet valve part.

Lid Lock
The lid does not physically lock, but the washer stops when lid is lifted and beeps. Must close lid and press the pause/start to resume.

Comments
Surprisingly, this impeller plate washes works well. Belt is thick. Pulley is metal. I would love to share some more information on it including pictures.

Questions
Does anyone know how I can disable the lid open (lid lock) sensor. One of the photos below is the hinge mechanism. Lid is "soft close".

It looks like from the parts list, that this washer has a water level sensor, 17438000001372, that I may be able to use a screwdriver or allen wrench to adjust the water level. The top is easily removed by removing two screws in the back and two covered screws on the side. However, there is a black hose that comes from the top of the unit to the bottom. I don't want to pull anything loose. However, it looks like I would have to unscrew a cover from the bottom of that top panel to get to any parts like the water level sensor. Any suggestions on how to disconnect that hose or how to safely place the top panel so I do not pull that loose?

I have been unable to locate a service manual for this washer. Does anyone know where I can obtain that?

Thank you,


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Post# 1030709 , Reply# 1   4/24/2019 at 08:57 (1,800 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
wash action(gentle to vigorous) is based on water level/cycle/weight of load....big machines don't even do that...


on the Avanti, there was only one lid switch, connected to the left lid hinge....

on the MagicChef, there were two, left lid hinge, and another along the right side of the lid, a magnetic trigger....


water temp....if hooked to the sink, temp was what you set it, if hooked to regular laundry taps, and WARM is selected, the HOT side cycles on and off every 30 seconds...


the 1.6 size machine is equal to a 12lb load, or basically the same size as a standard TL machine from the 60/70's.....


amazing little machine....the size and weight alone make it a perfect fit for so many applications, fits on the back seat of most any vehicle...


Post# 1030715 , Reply# 2   4/24/2019 at 11:42 (1,799 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
wash action(gentle to vigorous) is based on water level/cycle/weight of load....big machines don't even do that...
Can't say about all the brands/models currently available but I have five toploaders ranging 11 to 20 years can do that.  :-)


Post# 1030721 , Reply# 3   4/24/2019 at 13:12 (1,799 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
well, yeah I have to admit my Kenmore Limited does a speed change based on water level....but any model below that doesn't do it automatically...

I am just really impressed with these little machines....

the flexibility on some for cycles, options, spin/rinse or full fill rinse or even both....not to mention the AirDry option....


and many have the fabric softener dispenser built into the balance ring....I remember with the lower levels of Whirlpool's VMW, they offered a 2.00 Downy Ball....


if something like the Cabrios offered all the features of these little machines, especially like the HE or Non-HE mode....they may have been a better more effective machine...


I would still like to get ahold of one of the 3.0 machines....roughly half the price of the standard full size machines...yet all the features of the small ones....

a slight downside is the 3.0 is not portable....they are meant to be permanent hookup....

the matching dryers are catching up in equal sizing to the washer....


Post# 1030766 , Reply# 4   4/25/2019 at 04:35 (1,799 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

I have that magic chef and I love it...

Over 3 years and no problems at all.

If I were you I wouldn't try to hack the water level sensor because it's a PAIN to adjust.


Post# 1030807 , Reply# 5   4/25/2019 at 12:04 (1,798 days old) by JohnBee (USA, NY)        
Great washer but

johnbee's profile picture
Great washer but it was tangling everything. Big mess.
I exchanged it for a Kenmore 41942


Post# 1031000 , Reply# 6   4/27/2019 at 18:23 (1,796 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Tangling?

Wow, i never had a tangling issue with it.


Post# 1031213 , Reply# 7   4/29/2019 at 11:42 (1,794 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Tangling In An Impeller Washer ?

combo52's profile picture

Who ever heard of that, LOL

 

Yes try washing a load of mens long sleeved dress shirts and show me how they come out of almost any impeller washer, or even a FL washer with a slanted tub for that matter.

 

John L.



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