A Washing Machine Passes

The They say timing is everything and in this case that turned out to be true.

The timer on the washing machine would not turn. 

Time for Mr Fix it (AKA me) to save the day.

I diligently searched the great internet resource, YouTube, and found a video about how to replace the timer switch.

I just had to pull off the knob, then remove the control panel, then unscrew and disconnect the timer. Replacement is just the reverse.

I pulled, and pulled,.... and pulled. Then I pulled with a little more force then a little more then... SNAP! the knob comes off.... along with the shaft...

Unlike the washer in the video, this knob screwed on. Now I definitely know that the timer is bad. It may not have been before my knob removal but there can be no doubt about its condition now. "It's dead Jim."

No problem. It was probably bad anyway. Then it was to the internet to find a replacement timer. 

I found several for about $135 each.

Hmmmm. This washer is quite a few years old and the safety lockout switch does not work either. That means that it spins or spun with the lid open or closed. In the old days one just needed to be careful but nowadays we have to have everything as idiot proofed as we can get it. My children could possibly throw the dog in to see if the washer would get him dry during the spin cycle. Probably best to shop around for a different washer.

The day, or week at this point, can still be saved.

Back to the internet via my phone. Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's, and others... The cheapest new washer I can find that is HE was $430 and they go waaaay up from there. Sears had one that looked promising for $500 plus setup if I don't want to haul the old one up the stairs and the new one down the stairs.

What about used?

I found a few on CraigsList for $150 or more. But then I have to call, go there, haggle, load it up, haul the old one up the stairs, the new one down the stairs, and take the old one to the dump. Maybe the machine lasts a day, maybe it lasts 10 years. No way to tell.

There are at least two used appliance stores in town so off we go. I priced the part at one and a washer as well. He had a top loading HE washer for about $385. They had a 90 day parts and labor warranty. For $385, I'll buy new. He also had some sets for $430 or so. However, the dryer still works.

I picked up my lovely wife and we made a date of going to the used appliance store. We got a large capacity Whirlpool for $200 and a used commercial freezer for $475. I was not planning on buying a freezer but she is the cook and wanted one. I didn't argue since I get to eat what she cooks. We have been without a freezer since the old one nearly killed me a few months ago. 

Project Review:

Objective: Get a large capacity washer quickly and as inexpensively as we can.

Objective Achieved? Yes

Things that went well:

Got a washer without a great deal of time invested at a good used appliance store.

Was able to fairly quickly determine what the problem was and determine that it was too much money to fix.

It was worth $30 to have the guys move the old appliances out and the new ones in. My back appreciates it.

Things that didn't go well or that I would do differently if I had to do it again.

Spend very little time looking at new washers. 15 minutes on the internet would have been enough to determine that used is a much better deal. I spent too much time shopping both in person and online. I would like an HE machine and were cash less of an issue I would buy one but cash is a very big issue and the cost savings are not enough to pay for the difference in price even over the long run. I would really like to conserve resources and save the planet but I need to eat. Make the price close and I'll go with the HE machine. In a few years there will be plenty of them on the used market.

Due to other priorities and distractions what could have been done in a day took me about a week. It was a very simple choice.

I was not counting on purchasing a freezer but my wife wanted it so we spent much more than I had in mind. All total we spent less than the cost of a new HE front loading washer.

Cost: $212 for the washer and $512 for a used commercial freezer plus a $30 tip to the guys for moving both appliances.

Summary: A simple project that could have been done in two days but took about a week due to distractions. The used appliance dealer cost me about $1,000 less than new.

Washing machine repair

Washing machine timer switch