Very old front loading washing machine still performs but...

chainsaw_masochist · 19 Jul 2020

A few years ago I passed on old washing machine to a young relative expecting that it might be something she could use for a year or two before it finally exited this world. I was astonished to find out a day or so ago that the bloody thing is still functioning – I actually purchased it in 1982 from John Lewis!

There is, though, one minor snag. The pump cover, which requires to be unscrewed occasionally to clear any accumulated debris, is not able to fully seal when screwed back in place. The sealing washer, quite understandably, has become rather worn but presumably this part would hardly be available as a spare at almost 40 years old? Would it be worth trying to wind a long length of PTFE and fixing it in place of the washer? Any alternative suggestions much appreciated.

By the way the model is a Phillips AWB 098 if that means anything.

sircerebus666 · 19 Jul 2020

Email Philips ask them if it's still available

Have you tried a couple of o rings that should do the trick

jj4091 · 20 Jul 2020

square section o-rings uk

chainsaw_masochist · 20 Jul 2020

sircerebus666: As far as I understand Phillips left the electric appliance business several years ago. Am I incorrect here? I have tried quite a few of the online WM spares retailers but their systems consistently fail to even recognise the model number. No, I have yet to try using a couple of o-rings. That is worth a shot so thanks for the idea. I can try the local plumbers’ merchants to start with.

jj4091: Very interesting link. I do have a digital caliper to measure the washer but it probably needs extreme accuracy to obtain something that does the job. I think I will try the couple of o-rings option and if it makes a reasonably good seal for her then I could send the original off for direct matching with one of the selected suppliers. Thanks for your help.

ericmark · 20 Jul 2020

Try a garage, maybe oil filter ring same size, and when I worked in a garage we had an 'O' ring kit to make them up.

chainsaw_masochist · 20 Jul 2020

Another good idea. Thanks, Eric.

JohnD · 20 Jul 2020

chainsaw_masochist said:
As far as I understand Phillips left the electric appliance business several years ago.

they sold out to Whirlpool

long ago I had Phillips washer and drier. They were a bit smaller than other brands at the time.

delmel · 21 Jul 2020

Should be able to get a replacement universal pump which is a bit of an overkill

chainsaw_masochist · 21 Jul 2020

JohnD said:
they sold out to Whirlpool long ago I had Phillips washer and drier.

Yes, so I have read. I rather doubt that any Whirlpool machine unboxed today will still be functioning in 2060. That said neither, presumably, will quite a few of us.

delmel said:
Should be able to get a replacement universal pump which is a bit of an overkill

Well ultimately I guess you could fix the cover back in with silicone sealant but you would lose the clearing-out functionality. That said it only never seemed to have minor amounts of detritus so probably no great loss.

SFK · 21 Jul 2020

You can get O ring kits for a few pounds:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_....H0.Xo+ring+kit.TRS0&_nkw=o+ring+kit&_sacat=0

chainsaw_masochist · 21 Jul 2020

I have a couple of sets of o-rings but they do not have anything remotely similar to what is required. Don’t forget it is a square-section type. Incidentally it has (approx) OD: 70mm, ID: 60mm.

johnny2007 · 21 Jul 2020

Yes, square section o-ring is the answer.
See if you can get one from gsf, eurocarparts or similar.
They're very knowledgeable in my experience and have matched o-rings from motorbikes to ones they stock.
Good luck.
1982... Nice!

johnny2007 · 21 Jul 2020

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p85937/5mm-Section-60mm-Bore-EPDM-Rubber-O-Rings/product_info.html

These are round section, but maybe it would work.
Have a look online, there are millions of o-rings.

chainsaw_masochist · 22 Jul 2020

Excellent find, Johnny, I think I’ll send for those.

For the moment, weirdly, the leak seems to have stopped. If the replacements from simplybearings seal properly then job done, if there remains a small leak then that is not a problem as the machine is currently raised on two blocks of 4 x4 with a container to catch any water. Then, as I said earlier, I will send the original out to anywhere where it is likely to be matched.

P.S. My young relative, the current custodian, has a friend who works for Which? magazine who are quite interested to include the AWB 098 in a feature on equipment with impressive longevity. Relative, on the other hand, would like to hold out for a couple of years so that it can be seen to have provided service for the full two score years.

johnny2007 · 22 Jul 2020

If new o-ring doesn't seal perfectly, use a little lsx.
It's easy to clean and replace.
I know it's not ideal, but better than throwing the machine away.

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Very old front loading washing machine still performs but...

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