washing machines

[jdog]

alright guys i need some opinions, I found out today that the washer motor went kaputt. the washer is older then some members here. so now the questions are:

1: do i replace the motor?

2 do i replace the washer?

3 if option 2 whats recommended for top loaders?

option 1 will cost me 100-150 for a new motor, but when dissembling i found green wires so i will need to replace the harness

option 2 will cost ??

[eaglescout526]

Heh, I remember when we had a Maytag that was probably around a decade old and we actually bought parts from Maytag to keep that thing going until the bearing for the main tub failed. That being said, if the motor went out and nothing has been replaced on it, who knows what will follow after you replace that motor. 

 

Course here's the other part to this dilemma. In my view, I think modern equipment like washer, dryers and microwaves have become too involved and complex with technology. My mom had a hard time finding a good basic set a few years back that wasnt so high tech. Even apparently the most basic washer and dryer was an expensive commodity. Hell I remember questioning my mom was to why the dryer didnt have a light as the past ones we had did have an internal light but this one didnt. 

 

So I guess with that being said you either fix the old constantly or forced into getting an unnecessarily overly complex and technologically involved simple piece of machinery.   

[Pete M]

when our tub rusted out I bought the cheapest, simplest washer that had a stainless tub.  still a bit too "smart" for my tastes but it's been working fine.

[Dzimm]

I'm one who usually fixes vs replaces.  I agree with the above that the new stuff is expensive and has all kinds of crazy tech now.  A lot more to go wrong on new ones compared to the more simple old ones.  That's said, there is a chance of further failures moving forward if you do fix it but then again you could go another 10 years without issue.  Weigh your pros/cons.

[jdog]

18 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I think modern equipment like washer, dryers and microwaves have become too involved and complex with technology

I will agree with you there

 

10 minutes ago, Dzimm said:

I'm one who usually fixes vs replaces.  I agree with the above that the new stuff is expensive and has all kinds of crazy tech now.  A lot more to go wrong on new ones compared to the more simple old ones.  That's said, there is a chance of further failures moving forward if you do fix it but then again you could go another 10 years without issue.  Weigh your pros/cons.

yeah this isn't the first time i've been inside the case of the washer, 5 or so years ago i had to rebuild the trans in it. one of the things i'm concerned about is this is getting up there in age and the manufacturer (kenmore) likes to start phasing out part availability which sucks. surprisingly enough the motor is still in stock

[Dzimm]

1 hour ago, jdog said:

 

yeah this isn't the first time i've been inside the case of the washer, 5 or so years ago i had to rebuild the trans in it. one of the things i'm concerned about is this is getting up there in age and the manufacturer (kenmore) likes to start phasing out part availability which sucks. surprisingly enough the motor is still in stock

In that case you know the trans is good, the motor is about the only other main part isn't it?  Maybe pull it apart and inspect it for any obvious issues it may have.  If all looks good otherwise maybe a motor replacement is worth it to get you along for a while longer.  

[Ollie]

Just been thru this myself. Our Sears washer was 16 years old and all I have ever done was replace the timer and hot wire the door close switch. Wife says the machine is not spinning the cloths dry as they should and they take longer to dry in the dryer. Ok, so I "looked" at the machine, not knowing what I was looking at, and wow, what a rust bucket underneath. Really didn't know how it was staying together.

 

 Now the search for the "new" washer began. I didn't know what type of journey that was to become. Off to Lowes to take advantage of my 10% military discount. Looks as if you don't have a computer engineering degree from MIT most of the machines are in-operable, with agitator or without, oh, wash with or without water, liquid or dry powder soap? Its crazy. Seems like a Maytag Commercial washer is as close to a old school machine as possible. Actually has knobs, fills with water, two levels, has a agitator, uses soap powder..........

 

Read about every washer on line and the biggest gripe I find is they don't wash with water any more and the cloths don't clean. The only machine that uses water is a "commercial" machine to get around EPA rules. 

 

Settled on a Maytag Commercial washer. I didn't buy at Lowes. Their Maytag Commercial is made exclusively for Lowes and doesn't have a good warranty. I bought from a Maytag dealer, got a 10 year warranty on most parts and a 5 year 100% warranty on everything from Maytag. Sticker shock..... $975, sitting on the back porch. 

 

Wife likes it, so that's a plus in my book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I would purchase it again.

 

 

Having Comanche Fun,

Ollie

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

In my area we have several communities of Mennonites. Every time my family has needed a household appliance we go to their community and ask around for what they use. Every time its been hands down the best purchase compared to the regular C.R.A.P. you get at HomeDepot/ Lowes/ etc. Not sure if its viable for your region, just a thought. 

[jdog]

8 hours ago, Dzimm said:

ood, the motor is about the only other main part isn't it? 

Other then the tub yeah, i gotta pull it apart to asses the  condition of the parts. found a video with the same issue, gonna do a few tests, hoping I can rig it for now then do more research.

[jdog]

2 minutes ago, JustEmptyEveryPocket said:

In my area we have several communities of Mennonites. Every time my family has needed a household appliance we go to their community and ask around for what they use. Every time its been hands down the best purchase compared to the regular C.R.A.P. you get at HomeDepot/ Lowes/ etc. Not sure if its viable for your region, just a thought. 

I wish but not that I know of. And it seems Thats all the big box stores sell anymore

[jdog]

57 minutes ago, Ollie said:

Just been thru this myself. Our Sears washer was 16 years old and all I have ever done was replace the timer and hot wire the door close switch. Wife says the machine is not spinning the cloths dry as they should and they take longer to dry in the dryer. Ok, so I "looked" at the machine, not knowing what I was looking at, and wow, what a rust bucket underneath. Really didn't know how it was staying together.

 

 Now the search for the "new" washer began. I didn't know what type of journey that was to become. Off to Lowes to take advantage of my 10% military discount. Looks as if you don't have a computer engineering degree from MIT most of the machines are in-operable, with agitator or without, oh, wash with or without water, liquid or dry powder soap? Its crazy. Seems like a Maytag Commercial washer is as close to a old school machine as possible. Actually has knobs, fills with water, two levels, has a agitator, uses soap powder..........

 

Read about every washer on line and the biggest gripe I find is they don't wash with water any more and the cloths don't clean. The only machine that uses water is a "commercial" machine to get around EPA rules. 

 

Settled on a Maytag Commercial washer. I didn't buy at Lowes. Their Maytag Commercial is made exclusively for Lowes and doesn't have a good warranty. I bought from a Maytag dealer, got a 10 year warranty on most parts and a 5 year 100% warranty on everything from Maytag. Sticker shock..... $975, sitting on the back porch. 

 

Wife likes it, so that's a plus in my book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I would purchase it again.

 

 

Having Comanche Fun,

Ollie

That one was actually on my list to research, I just want simple choose water temp, possible size and timer. Done. None of what buttons to push at what time or anything like that. Thank you for the review and that Lowes carries there own version.

[FrankTheDog]

When my 3 year old kenmore died 12 years ago money was tight and I found a much older kenmore on freecycle and that washer lasted 10 years.

That washer died in 2019 and I bought a kenmore set from a guy that was remodeling a condo for $50. It’s been working good since I bought it.

My gas dryer is a 1982 Whirlpool. I rebuilt it with new seals, belt and rollers last year. It’s as good as new. Gas heating unit on it is 10-12 years old.

Go find a $100 dollar washer off Craigslist or marketplace. If it’s not still hooked up have them run a hose and extension cord outside so you can test it. May new 2006 kenmore lasted 3 years. My older than 2006 used ones have lasted longer.

Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary.