[Shop-talk] Fix or replace washer?

[Wayne]

On 8/3/2013 1:53 PM, David Scheidt wrote:
> Weve got a 15 or so old ge washing machine. I believe the timer has failed.
> The motor runs if I jumper it. My question is it worth fixing. Timer is $100
> or &150, depending on source and wait time. It's a plastic tub machine, not
> quite bottom of line, but close.

I'm a big fan of "fix it", but if it's that old and an econo' model I'd 
be inclined to replace.

The [ex]wife & I had a cheap GE top-load washer back in 2003. Then we 
had a recently divorced family member shack up with us for a while till 
she was back on her feet. During that time we bought a Whirpool Duet 
front-loader pair, and I freakin' love the things, despite the price 
tag. My propane (hot water) and electric bill actually dropped 
noticeably after buying it, WITH a 3rd person in the house. And it 
didn't shred the ladies' delicate [expensive] stuff like the old 
agitator did. It spins the water out in the washer, so you don't have to 
burn crazy energy to overcome water's absurd latent heat of vaporization 
to boil it out in the dryer. Electric dryer load usually finishes in 
under 30 [sometimes 20] minutes.

Caveat: dryer puked a temp sensor 1 month out of warranty. Both units 
have an extensive printed service manual inside the cabinet if you pull 
3 screws to get in. Self diagnostics are easy. Parts was $20 and an easy 
install. Local small town appliance shop didn't even ask what it was, 
they had a box right behind the counter. Whirlpool's quality is a little 
spotty, but parts are cheap and they're easy to work on. G.E. parts are 
expensive, and I despise their corporation. The Korean brands look good 
but I don't know about getting them services.

   -Wayne