How to Overhaul an Old Whirlpool Washer: Repairing Seals, Transmission, and Console

[@cliff.frankenberger]

Wow, I can’t believe how much water was inside the transmission. I replaced both shaft seals because of leaks - never thought about water getting inside the transmission. I have a feeling mine is probably just like that. Great video!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Yeah, that transmission seal is designed to keep oil inside not to keep water out. Thanks for watching!

[@Kookamungawerewolf]

Super Clean is a great degreaser!

[@HarperandKnowles]

It is! Thanks for watching!

[@Eddy63]

Nothing good on TV today , then one of your vids pop's up & to make things even better , I hear the train go through Life is good ... Thx

[@HarperandKnowles]

Ha! I installed a small steam whistle in the shop. I'll do a video of it soon. Thanks for watching another one Eddy!

[@Michaeldewayne97]

Another good one! I’ve learned a lot from watching your channel , I’m curious do you have a video explaining how you started doing washer and dryer repair? Seen a few videos and you spoke a little bit about your previous job as a pilot was curious how you learned it all.

[@HarperandKnowles]

I retired in May of 2019. By June I had all my “honey do’s’” done. Mr. Harper called me to remove a hive of bees that had taken up residence in his bedroom wall. (I’m a beekeeper too.) He had a sign in his yard that said, “Out of business, no repairs!” While I was there he had four people that brought him machines. I said, “I thought you were out of business?” He said, “I can’t give this business away, nobody will stick to it long enough to learn.” Well, I know an opportunity when I see it so I told him I’d be glad to take it over if he’d be willing to teach me. He agreed and taught me as much as he could and I studied and quickly became an expert at it. I continued to work from his garage shop until he passed away last year paying him an agreed on amount that was fair to us both. After he passed I moved the operation to a shop I bought in town and continue the business with both our names on it. That’s a quick history of Harper & Knowles. Thanks for watching!

[@Michaeldewayne97]

@@HarperandKnowles that’s quite the story, you seem to have a lifetime of washer and dryer repair knowledge I wouldn’t of guessed you started in 2019! I look forward to future videos!

[@HarperandKnowles]

I had a good teacher.

[@arturotrevino-gw4we]

I messed my seal up and need pointers on how to put it on

[@HarperandKnowles]

Watch the video my friend.

[@davidwilkinson9385]

Great vid. I’m working on like this Kenmore direct drive neutral transmission. Trying to figure out a small leak coming from front two legs, with the cabinet off I can only see some dripping at the spring fastener screw attached to the outer tub where the plastic tabs are to attach the bracket. Guessing it’s a tub seal . The leaking only happens Intermittently. I think only when in spin mode. Drain spin. It’s impossible to see the source of the issue visually.

[@HarperandKnowles]

You may have to remove the spin basket and examine the tub from the inside. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwilkinson9385]

Yes I did, but cannot see anything wrong , I installed the agitator just to add some resistance and ran a wash cycle no issues, it’s only when the spin basket is in there when the leak shows up

[@HarperandKnowles]

Remove the agitator and basket again. Fill tub to just below the center post seal. That will submerge the tub seal. Wait 20 minutes and check for leaks. If no leaks fill tub to a few inches above the center post seal aka spin tube seal. Wait 20 minutes and check again. Finally fill tub a few inches above the transmission shaft seal and check again. Each time you fill check around the outside of the tub too.

[@davidwilkinson9385]

@@HarperandKnowlesI’m kinda at a loss, I did as suggested with agitators and spin basket removed. Before all this happened I replaced the pump and cleaned out the tub and spin basket , on reassembly I hadn’t attached the splash ring correctly at the back. Customer complained it’s still leaking ! I hadn’t noticed cuz I tested with small water setting. When I went to check it I discovered that. So I’m thinking perhaps there was some residual water trapped in the clutch or somewhere I cannot see that drips down when the washer is running in spin. 😫at a loss like I said

[@davidwilkinson9385]

Appreciate your help!

[@Dooguy]

i have one of these and threw all kinda parts at it other than the board, still no go. does certain things but will not run a complete cylce wish you were close to me

[@HarperandKnowles]

This one has no board. If you were closer we’d figure it out. Thanks for watching!

[@arturotrevino-gw4we]

Sorry for the bother do you have a video on how to replace the upper shaft seal

[@HarperandKnowles]

This video you commented on shows how to do that. Thanks for watching!

[@z06rcr]

I’ve run across many direct drives where both shaft seals badly leak as well as transmission seals and washers just as old where seals are perfect… I’ve always wondered what factors prematurely kill seals… abrasive dirt? Bleach? Very hard water?

[@HarperandKnowles]

I wonder the same thing. If you figure it out let me know! Thanks for watching!

[@cliff.frankenberger]

I think I have the answer. My machine worked flawlessly for 18 years. One of the springs that holds the drum down and keeps it from wobbling broke free - the hole where the spring mounts to the frame rusted through. Before I realized the spring was off, we ran the machine through several cycles. In my opinion, that violent action of a non-centered spin, places a lot of stress on the seal and will wear it out very quickly. At least that what happened in my case.

[@z06rcr]

@@cliff.frankenberger That makes a lot of sense.. by the way, I had the same spring hole rust through and had to drill an alternate hole further down.

[@cliff.frankenberger]

@@z06rcr exactly what I did :)

[@442olds7]

what kind of paint do you use on those machines?

[@HarperandKnowles]

It’s called Appliance Epoxy. You can get it at Walmart.

[@guirolain2319]

I would buy it

[@HarperandKnowles]

SOLD! Thanks for watching!

[@davidwilkinson9385]

Working on the same machine direct drive neutral drain. Should I be able to grab the tub with my hand and stop it while it’s in spin mode? My issue is clothes are not getting spun enough and are still wet when finished.

[@HarperandKnowles]

That indicates a weak clutch. Change your clutch and you’ll be in good shape. Notice if there is a rusty residue on the clutch bell or a ring around the inside of the case. If so there is a leaking seal above the clutch that needs replacing. There’s a video for that job too. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwilkinson9385]

@ thank you 🙏

[@Dboyer1971]

Sir, I’ve learned a lot from your videos. Im not seeing one where you the bearings and seals in the in the spin tube. Perhaps i overlooked it? If not would love one of those when time permits.

[@HarperandKnowles]

I did a rebuild about two years ago where I think I changed those. I know there are several videos where I changed the seals. Try one of these videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHRf3h_Z76AfdU or kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGqrY4GboMqYrrM

[@jacksonrex5810]

Most ppl prefer blonde washers

[@HarperandKnowles]

Lol! Thanks for watching!