Re: Washing machine problem: timing switch or motor?

Meat Plow wrote:
On Fri, 30 Mar 2007 12:25:30 -0600, jakdedert wrote:

Meat Plow wrote:
On Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:48:39 -0500, BE wrote:

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee
Set the knob somewhere in the cycle with the lid up and listen for the
motor. You can usually hear them run because of the gear reduction built
in.

I have a possibly related problem with a Kenmore dryer. The selector never moves, in any mode, including 'timed'. I'm gonna pretty much assume that's a timer motor problem, but I've never heard of one failing before.

jak

I've seen plenty of timer motors fail. The same basic motor can be used in
a multitude of timer related devices. One I'm familiar with is a day/time
timer used to control motors. Out of a dozen or so devices I've probably
replaced the motor once in each in maybe 15 years. If you're handy with a
volt meter and know the risks of working on the unit while powered up it's
easily trouble shot. Even unplugged one can determine if the motor winding
is open with an ohm meter.



That's a good tip. I've got one dryer on it's way to dryer heaven with a good timer. I was thinking I'd have to source a model-specific unit. It never occurred to me that I could just replace the motor....

Duhh....


jak

.

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