Washing Machine Emergency!?

[EricG]

Ok, so my washing machine decided to purge itself all over my garage floor tonight - which wouldn't be half as bad if I didn't have so much crap laying around

Anyway, since I didn't go out and find the mess until the cycle was done, I had to take off the back and fire it up again. It appears that it is leaking all aound the bottom of the barrel?? And fast - probably going out as fast as it goes in. Unfortunately, I can't get in to really see it well. I couldn't pull it out really well - my shoulder is FUBAR (surgery in 2 weeks ) and moving appliances is painful.

Any ideas what let loose? How many ? It's a GE top loader - I bought it used about 9 years ago - I figure 10-13 years old total.

 

[SteveO]

Could have been a few things. Is the garage below freezing? If so, the pump housing is plastic and it could have froze and broke and isn't worth repairing that old machine or maybe just a hose off. Best bet is to pour a bit of water in and see where itl eaks out. ...Steve

 

[EricG]

No, it definitely doesn't get below freezing in there - certainly not since I did a load succesfully yesterday.

I got it laid over and took a closer look. There is some kind of big gasket/diaphram that is loose in there at the bottom of the tub. I don't know what is supposed to hold it in - I didn't see the remains of anything else in there and it doesn't appear to be torn. I suppose I will try to push it back into place and see what happens.

 

[EricG]

One more...

 

[fsusteve]

Given the age, it's usually cheaper to scan the classifieds and pick up a newer used machine for $100 or so. You'll blow that on parts for that one.

 

[ff347]

Wash tub boot, you are looking at 43.70.

 

[NMuzj100]

I have found washers suprisingly easy to work on. Much easier than a vehicle. Smaller, Simpler, Cleaner and you get to do it inside the heated space of the house.

The entire front sheet metal on my Whirlpool lifts off with about 8 screws making it pretty easy to work on.

For parts I recommend Sears. Their online service or phone folks will get you the right part quick.

Repair Clinic.com (some good info too)

Buying used could be the way to go. or upgrading to a new frontloader.

 

[EricG]

I decided to bail out on this one - when I got into it and saw what I needed (shaft seal, wash tub boot, etc.) the parts cost was approaching $100 plus a good bit of work to get it back together. And for my trouble I'd still have a 10-13 year old unit.

I got a great deal ($400!) on a scratch & dent front loader at Lowes. The much lower water usage is particularly attractive here in CO and using a septic field.

 

[AJP]

Upgrading is a good move I think...I did when my GE washer of the same vintage lost the transmission and the tub just spun until water was thrown over the lip and on down to the floor..apparently the transmission is a problem area on some GE washers...

OTOH the GE dryer (also the same vintage) was rebuilt with about 30 bucks worth of parts..belt, bushing and the slippers that the drum front rests on... cheap, easy and runs like new....

I also went front loader as a replacement... water saving is good but even better is the ability to extract most of the moisture before running the dryer... saves a lot on electric bills too..