My wife has been extremely frustrated with our washer, which often leaves oily spots on clothes, which weren't on the clothes before they were washed. We have tried all the inexpensive solutions such as washer cleaner, washing with a load of vinegar, manually cleaning all the surfaces we can, etc. A little bit of Internet searching leads me to believe that the motor might have a leaky seal, or some oil from somewhere is in the system.
Anyone have experience with something like this? Is it something I could fix by myself?
The washer is about 5 years old, a Fridgidaire FTF2140ES3.
I'm guessing that getting a appliance repairman in will cost $300 to $500, depending on the price of the parts. Hardly worth it for a $700 (new) washer.
I was having problems with our washing machine and came across an appliance repair fourm. You may wish to post your question there to see if you can obtain more detailed info.
Your assessment of the cost of repair seems to make sense though.
__________________
If I do not come back avenge my death
At the cost of many of the repairs anymore, you might just be better off getting a new washer. I found this out first hand when I went to have mine repaired. The spring had broken which was cheap to fix the repairman told me, but it fallen on the computer and was starting to cook it. He said 4 or 5 more loads and the washer was done anyway. 500 dollar computer or new washer. Lucky enough to get an honest repair man anyway, didn't charge me a dime. New washer works well also.
__________________
I hate just about everyone and just about everything.
At the cost of many of the repairs anymore, you might just be better off getting a new washer. I found this out first hand when I went to have mine repaired. The spring had broken which was cheap to fix the repairman told me, but it fallen on the computer and was starting to cook it. He said 4 or 5 more loads and the washer was done anyway. 500 dollar computer or new washer. Lucky enough to get an honest repair man anyway, didn't charge me a dime. New washer works well also.
So post his name and company, honest guys should get a reward some how, more business is a good start
I had to repair my washing machine blower thingy. Forgot the name but I looked it up and found instructions and taking the machines apart not too difficult. Order the part online or go to a shop an buy it and it will only be a hundred bucks or so. Easy to do on my machine.
Well worth the $400 i saved even though it took my Friday evening.
Opened up the back, I can see a little trail of oil that has leaked down from the rear gasket (where the shaft goes through the external drum to spin the interior drum).
This is likely the source of the problem, according to what I've looked up on the interwebs.
Here’s a photo, you can see an oil residue trail down from the seal, and a tiny pool close to the bottom:
From the Parts Manual, it looks like the part I need is this one - on page 7:
22 134509510 Shell, outer tub, rear, w/bearing, seal
It doesn't look like there's just a separate gasket or seal piece. The part is the whole back of the external tub. To get that off, I'm going to have to take a whole bunch of the washer apart.
Anyway, I'll have to see how much this part costs. Anyone have recommendations for a parts supplier in the city or online?
The most frustrating part of repairing appliances is that I bet you'll have a damn hard time finding anyone in the US that will ship to Canada selling your part for $180.
The plastic water lever broke on my fridge. $25 online, wouldn't ship to Canada. $95 at Trail!! The kid working there felt bad for me and gave me a 20% discount on it.
The most frustrating part of repairing appliances is that I bet you'll have a damn hard time finding anyone in the US that will ship to Canada selling your part for $180.
The plastic water lever broke on my fridge. $25 online, wouldn't ship to Canada. $95 at Trail!! The kid working there felt bad for me and gave me a 20% discount on it.
You probably intimidated him with your grisly reputation earned from living in the hood.
I'm sure gang warfare has been waged in the name of appliance repair in some places.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
The most frustrating part of repairing appliances is that I bet you'll have a damn hard time finding anyone in the US that will ship to Canada selling your part for $180.
The plastic water lever broke on my fridge. $25 online, wouldn't ship to Canada. $95 at Trail!! The kid working there felt bad for me and gave me a 20% discount on it.
If that's the case, new appliance it is for sure. There's no way I'm going to spend more than half the cost of a new washer, then try to replace it (it looks like I would have to take a good portion of the washer apart) without wrecking something else, or putting something back together wrong.
I know If I get a repairman out, it will cost at least 75% of a new similar washer.
I had the same problem, except it was with a brand new washing machine. I thought it might've been the seal as well, but it ended up being fabric softener. We quit using fabric softener (instead used those plastic dryer balls) and the spots/stains went away. Do a little googling about it before you go blow $1000.
Another idea would be to check out Estate Sales. We just scored a new washer/dryer set that was less than a year old for less than half price because the family just wanted to unload the stuff as fast as possible after the passing of their family member.
The Following User Says Thank You to meanmachine13 For This Useful Post:
So what was the solution in the end? We're having the same issue right now with the grease/oil spots on clothes. We're expecting our first baby any day now so I don't want to spend unnecessarily but I'm wondering if a new machine might be the way to go at this point.....
I've bought many things from A.P. Wagner and the folks there are quick to help with providing ideas and fixes for those who are not the most handy (like me)
So what was the solution in the end? We're having the same issue right now with the grease/oil spots on clothes. We're expecting our first baby any day now so I don't want to spend unnecessarily but I'm wondering if a new machine might be the way to go at this point.....
I still haven't done anything. The solution will be to get a new washer, but that hasn't happened yet. Right now, it's just occasionally annoying when stuff needs to be rewashed, but the washer still works.
I still haven't done anything. The solution will be to get a new washer, but that hasn't happened yet. Right now, it's just occasionally annoying when stuff needs to be rewashed, but the washer still works.
Do the stains come out in the wash a second time? I've been washing things inside our where possible, so at least if something does show up it's on the inside and not as visible.
Washing Machine Problem - self repair possible?
