Frigidaire Washer/Dryer Combo FLXE52RBS8

[maskay]

Complaint was "smell then quit altogether".  I tested to verify complaint and everything was working. I am assuming the motor overload tripped. Took off the front to check things out. Black belt powder on my hands after touching belt, but the belt still looked to be in good shape. She agreed that it may have been too large a load of laundry, but also said it has been acting like it is off balance for the last few weeks. This is my first time with this unit but I seemed to be able to move the whole assembly around on the snubber pretty easily. Since I haven't seen a new snubber, I couldn't tell if it was worn or not.  Is the snubbers job to tighten the movement of the assembly? Is it probable that a new snubber would help the "seeming off balance" or should I be looking at something else?

 Also, are there other things I could be testing to make sure I don't have another cause for the motor overload to trip, besides a large load of laundry? I ran it thru an entire wash cycle and it ran fine.

They told me over the phone that it was a whirlpool. :puffin:

Thanks

Mike

[BrntToast]

you could simulate an off balance load to get that belt slipping and see if it heats the motor enough to trip overload, i usually use a phonebook for this, its quicker than asking for towels (turn off cold water so you dont spray rinse the book)

i always change a belt if customer complains of burning, also turn trans by hand to make sure it isn't binding

last look good and close and make sure she aint leaking oil on that belt to cause the slip

 

[maskay]

Thanks Brnt toast,

The transmission turned easily. I'll bring a belt with me when I go back. So when I try the phone book, if the motor trips, what does that tell me? Weak springs? Worn Snubber? Weak motor?  I'll check closer for an oil leak.

Thanks for the help 

[maskay]

So....... anyone have an idea why it would be "acting out of balance"? I'm going back on friday. Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

[BrntToast]

the only time the snubbers ever go bad is if the machine is used for years with the shipping bolt still in it

the snubber will move freely, will move too freely if there is even a wee bit of tranny oil down there, there are adjustments in the springs if you think its too loose and no oil

but to be honest the only time i have to adjust springs is if the machine is on a real flimsy floor

check the 3 bolts that secure the tub to the tripod, they come loose sometimes, also make sure the inner basket is tight, the 2 bolts that clamp the inner tub to the tranny shaft like to snap

 

[BrntToast]

oh.....

re. phone book test, turn off the cold water so you dont spray rinse the book during the spin 

[maskay]

Thanks BrntToast !!! 

That gives me some good stuff to work on. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[maskay]

Just following up.

Took off the agitator and all of the bolts were intact and tight. Same under the tub. Checked everything under the transmission, some dust but no oil. she had some wet towels in for us to test and it ran ok. moved more towels to one side and I couldn't wait long enough for the motor to trip as I thought the unit was going to jump out of the room and fly apart. I did adjust the springs and that helped some. I am surprised that this thing lasted twelve years! It may be that the springs need replacing but we also talked about it being time to consider a replacement unit.

 Overall this was a miserable unit to work on. Nothing was easy to get at. It seemed more like tin than metal and it was cramed into a small, crowded space. Anyway the dryer is working much better with the vent unpluged, the washer may last a little while longer and I got paid so everyone is happy.

Thanks for your help BrntToast, I felt alot better going back out there with the info you gave me. 

Mike