Yesterday, I finished taking apart, fixing, and putting back together my washing machine (Kenmore 80 series).
What a task!
Of course, my father was invaluable with his endless knowledge, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish it without him, Thanks Dad!
First thing I had to do – figure out what the heck was wrong.
I called my father and he was able to diagnose the issue from the sound, and some “Googling” and researching.
Next, knowing where I need to gain access to, I had to take the thing apart. (I took apart way to much, so keep that in mind, if ever in this situation — it will save you headaches later). I find this much like fixing a script when coding, knowing the issue is only half the battle.
I had to take off the pump (created a wet mess, fyi), then take off the motor (few cuts and brusies achieved), then I found the coupler (which practically crumbled in my had).
After knowing the problem, I had to track down the parts.
Of course, I went straight to Amazon first, found the part, but way too long to deliver. Then I looked on Google Maps for closest appliance repair place, and when I called, I was surprised to find that the guy had no office, but was willing to deliver the part (ONLY $13!).
Now, I thought the hard part would be putting the washer back together, but getting the new couplers (three piece set was what I bought to replace all parts, including non-broken ones) “banged” in, and then pushing the motor back in place to line up right, now that was a PAIN.
After I was able to get the motor and pump back in place, it was on to putting the washer back to how I found it.
On to the final piece of puzzle. Re-Assembly.
Much like re-entry from space, there were some very tense moments (yes, I compared putting a washer back together to coming back from space… what of it?? LOL).
At first, I put everything back together, and thought all was good, but then the washer lunged at me repeated, like an aggrevated lion at it’s keeper. So, I took it apart again, and started re-re-assembly.
I wasn’t able to do this on my own, so I had to call in the wife for backup.
We ended up having to lay the machine on its back (fetal position maybe?), and with a team effort, we managed to tuck the front lip under the frame, while simultaneously layering the sides after the frame (fun stuff), and once everything “snapped” back into place, it was done! Screwed in the remaining screws, re-attached the hoses, plugged in, loaded the machine, and bam (bam, bam, bam, whoosh!) it worked!
Knock on something, it continued to work like a charm.
I called my father to tell him the news, and he welcomed me to the coveted status of washing maching repair person.
I felt more like a lion tamer aftewards…