|
Thread Number: 91153
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Vintage whirlpool needing TLC |
[Down to Last] |  |
|
| Post# 1156558 , Reply# 1 8/10/2022 at 22:50 (623 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas) | ||
Looks like it was built the 4th week of 1981. What are the specific issues that it is having that led to needing a gearcase diagnosis? Have you pinpointed where the leak is coming from? Usually when these washers reach this age they need a complete rebuild of the drive system as well as the water seal system.
| ||
| Post# 1157905 , Reply# 3 8/26/2022 at 06:10 (608 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas) | ||
|
| ||
| Post# 1157913 , Reply# 4 8/26/2022 at 10:33 (608 days old) by volsboy1 (East Tenn Smoky mountains ) | ||
 I had one like that also that I loved and would have never got rid of it but it turned into a game of wack and mole trying to fix leaks and transmissions, I was fixing gears with JB cole weld but did not hold up . If you love that type of Machine and want the same quality buy a Speed Queen TC5. There the last American made machine made like a tank with a wash transmission I think, all the others have gone to direct drive or something close.There more $$$ but will last .. | ||
| Post# 1157914 , Reply# 5 8/26/2022 at 10:41 (608 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806) | ||
If there’s pinholes on the outer tub, it can be welded since that’s what I did to my 1963 RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII washer last December since it started leaking. Usually if the leak is above the baseplate, it’s usually the seals or the tub itself. If there’s a leak below the baseplate, more than likely the the hose since they are either dry rotted after 40 years or were disturbed which will require rotary hose clamps to help stop the leaks.
As for the transmission, more than likely will need to be taken apart for a oil change if it’s been contaminated with water. It will be a messy and involved job but is worth it since you want to keep your machine for running as long as possible. Be sure to use 90 weight Royal purple gear oil since that’s what I use when I rebuilt the transmission out of my ‘63 Whirlpool last year. | ||
| Post# 1158038 , Reply# 6 8/28/2022 at 02:16 (606 days old) by Stan (Napa CA) | ||
Can you  | ||
Post# 1158150 , Reply# 7 8/28/2022 at 21:24 (605 days old) by combo52  (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
||
Leaking Outer Tub In A WP Belt Drive Washer You pretty much have to raise the top, remove the tub cover, agitator, and wash basket to check the condition of the outer tub, you may even have to remove the outer tub to confirm the location of leaks.
It is a pretty serious job to do this, but it all depends on how much effort you want to put in this and your ability.
John L. | ||
| Post# 1159548 , Reply# 9 9/14/2022 at 11:10 (589 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada) | ||
 | ||
| Post# 1169415 , Reply# 11 1/14/2023 at 07:35 (467 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas) | ||
|
| ||
| Post# 1169671 , Reply# 12 1/15/2023 at 23:49 (465 days old) by vacman1961 (North Babylon, New York) | ||
|
I wouldn't be concerned about the oil coming from the transmission, that is normal for a machine that age. In photo 4 there is a hose hanging down, I am assuming it's from the bleach dispenser, could that be where your leak is coming from. | ||
| Post# 1169804 , Reply# 13 1/17/2023 at 15:56 (463 days old) by whirlpoolfriend (San Ramon, CA) | ||
|
The leak is from the outside barrel and it is kind of visible in the first photo. We had a technician look at the washer and he took the photos. I don't know if the marine JB Weld will work. | ||
| Post# 1170028 , Reply# 14 1/21/2023 at 10:42 (460 days old) by Thatwasherguy (Kentucky) | ||
First off, welcome to the forum!
That’s a beautiful machine! You won’t find anything on the market that will even come close to matching it’s performance. As far as the tub goes, I was going to suggest that you try JB water weld before searching for a donor machine. I have a 1978 Maytag washer that had a small leak when I got it. This leak was coming from the top of the outer tub. I didn’t want to part out another machine for the tub alone, so I tried to use JB Water Weld on the rust hole. My first attempt failed miserably. I think I must not have mixed it good enough, because the second time I tried it, it worked exactly like it said on the package. That stuff feels just like cement when it dries. I haven’t used the machine more than about 30 times since then, but I haven’t had any trouble with leaks from that rust hole since then. I would also strongly recommend buying a water alarm, and a plastic tray to go under the washer, even if you wind up buying a new machine. Ours has saved our floor from floods several times. Good luck,
Thatwasherguy. | ||
| Post# 1170600 , Reply# 15 1/28/2023 at 21:44 (452 days old) by whirlpoolfriend (San Ramon, CA) | ||
|
Thanks so much to all of you for your wonderful help! | ||
| Post# 1195210 , Reply# 16 12/11/2023 at 19:35 by whirlpoolfriend (San Ramon, CA) | ||
|
I have finally decided to let my old friend go. I will need to purchase a new washer. I would prefer a "no frills", dependable washer. I also prefer a top loading washer. Do any of you experts have a recommendation? | ||
|
Post# 1195213 , Reply# 17 12/11/2023 at 19:55 by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas) |
||
|
Speed Queen TC5, or maybe check on a GE. | ||
|
Post# 1195215 , Reply# 18 12/11/2023 at 20:37 by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
||
|
Closest washer to an LHA5500
The only top load washer built today that stands a decent chance of lasting 30 years, and would give you the same type of performance, and without a lid lock would be Speed Queen TC5 series top load washer.
Best automatic washer for your home. That is no nonsense. Would be a Speed Queen front load washer but they are a little different than top load machines, the Speed Queen top loader will cost about $1300 and the front load about $2000. Both have a five-year parts and labor warranty that you’re unlikely to need, the front load Speed Queen will use 1/3 of the water of the top loader and do a much larger load and get your clothing much cleaner and better rinsed., It will take a little longer per cycle, however. You could ship your whirlpool LHA 5500 out to us, and we can rebuild it mechanically, but all said and done it would cost about the same as the new Speed Queen TC5. John | ||
| Post# 1195304 , Reply# 19 12/13/2023 at 08:00 by thatwasherguy (Kentucky) | ||
|
Letting go of a vintage washer...
I'm sorry to hear that you are having to replace it. Before you get rid of it, you may want to save some parts, especially the console with the timer and switches. These are discontinued, and could be worth some pretty good money on Ebay. I would also save the motor and agitator if possible. Those could also be sold on Ebay to help offset the cost of a new machine. In terms of what machine I recommend as a replacement, I would point you to the Speed Queen TC5. I have had a Speed Queen as my daily driver since 2017, and have only had to replace the inlet valve in that time. It is the only washer on the market that is comparable to your old Whirlpool.
Hope this helps, Thatwasherguy. | ||
| Post# 1195522 , Reply# 20 12/17/2023 at 16:21 by whirlpoolfriend (San Ramon, CA) | ||
|
Also, I would like a sturdy washer that will last a long time. My previous washer was from the early 80's so it is obvious that I am a fan of keeping things as long as possible. | ||
| Post# 1195527 , Reply# 21 12/17/2023 at 17:33 by qsd-dan (West) | ||
Also, I would like a sturdy washer that will last a long tim | ||
| Post# 1195577 , Reply# 22 12/18/2023 at 12:46 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah) | ||
Sounds like the SQ TC5 is your only option if you wanted to get a brand new top loader unless you can get away with buying a commercial SQ LWN432SP115TW01 that uses a mechanical timer instead of electronic like the TC5. But if you don't mind buying a used machine, I'd suggest to get a reconditioned direct drive top loader. Much cheaper than buying a brand new SQ.
| ||
| Post# 1195600 , Reply# 23 12/18/2023 at 17:22 by whirlpoolfriend (San Ramon, CA) | ||
|
YOYU GUYS ARE AMAZING! THANK YOU FOR RESPONSES! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOUR ADVICE AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST WITHOUT YOU! I WILL CONSIDER MY OPTIONS, BUT IF I PURCHASE A NEW MACHINE IT WILL BE A SPEED QUEEN! THANK YOU AGAIN! | ||
| Post# 1196117 , Reply# 24 12/27/2023 at 17:59 by dominic20 (Souix falls) | ||
hey you whirpool fan | ||
| Forum Index: |
| Other Forums: |
|
|
|
|
|
Comes to the Rescue!
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}