Washing Machine Woes

[Ira]

I was fit to be tied recently when my wife told me we actually owned a washing machine, situated in the laundry room. In addiition, I myself had only heard RUMORS of the laundry room, never having gone near such a dreaded place.

Long story short:

It's been taking hours to fill with water, so I replace the feed hoses. And par for the course for me and my mechanical skills, this fixed absoutely nothing. (And yes, I was actually bright enough to turn the spigots on to catch the gushing torrent into a pail as a test.)

I unplug the unit (smart again, huh?), undo the 2 screws that hold the plate which holds the two inlets on the machine, check the filter screens, scratch my head staring at this dangerous-looking electrical apparatus connected to the inlets, reconnect the hoses, plug the electrical back into the spocket, and spark goes the inside of the machine and trip goes the breaker. Must have gotten wet from my prior failure, but the thing is, it wasn't working before I took my hands to it and it ain't working now.

Is this a common "bad" thing with washing machines, like that's the brain, it's busted, and it's not telling the inlets what to do?

By the way:

This machine has been around since the days of Harry Truman, but I couldn't afford to buy a new one because I was building a TD.

[deputydogrick]

Ira
Theres an electrically controlled supply valve, that runs off the main control. If your not quite sure about this stuff, call the Maytag Man so you don't fry yourself(that would be bad) or do a repair search on the internet. Always unplug when "touching"
Rick

[Ira]

Ira
Theres an electrically controlled supply valve

That's what I'm sure is busted.

This machine is so old, I think Edison himself built it.

[Jiminsav]

yep, sounds like the solenoid valve is not opening fully..and the sparkalage you experience may have been the death knell of the main circuit.

[Ira]

[deputydogrick]

Edison helped invent the Trolley car too, with a fella named Frank Sprague.
Not that you especially care with your washer busted.........but. Oh well

[Ira]

I told my wife she could always use a washboard and bucket, but then she threw the iron at me.

Now that's busted too.

[Bobgorilla]

Ira, this won't help with that machine, but I've bought a couple of different used machines for $100 and $150 both lasted 7 or 8 years, there is bound to be a used appliance place near you.

[deputydogrick]

or find out where your sears "scratch and dent" store is. just bought a refrigerator last week for a third of the price

[Nitetimes]

Well,you can either call the washing machine fixer guy and pay $2-300 bucks to get him to look it over and most likely tell you that you shorted it out and it'll cost xxx.xx$$ to fix it or spring for a couple of hundred more and actually fix the problem with a new machine. Of course there's always the laundromat!! I don't want to be around when you suggest that tho, but I'll send flowers.

[Ira]

Gonna buy a new machine. I see a large capacity Frigidaire in the paper for $250.

I'll tell her it's an early birthday present.

[deputydogrick]

than duck big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ira]

So now I'm filthy, I didn't fix anything, and I have to go the supermarket and get the smoker ready.

[Nitetimes]

Gonna buy a new machine. I see a large capacity Frigidaire in the paper for $250.

I don't think more room for your beer is gonna fix that washing machine problem. All tho it can't hurt.

I'll tell her it's her it's early burthday present.

That definitely ain't gonna get you none, and you'd best hide that iron.

[Micro469]

Gonna buy a new machine. I see a large capacity Frigidaire in the paper for $250.

I'll tell her it's an early birthday present.

You do that and we''ll all be sending you flowers....Women, aka wives, don't want appliances for birthday presents.....especially if it's to wash YOUR smelly clothes.....