washing machine leaks

[Anonymous]

OK, I'm working on a Hotpoint washer. When it spins, water sloshes up over the rim and leaks past the seal between the tub and the top of the unit. The water is splashing against the underside of the top of the unit and about a cupful leaks past. My questions, is the water supposed to slosh up that high and if so is the tub seal just worn out? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks, Joe

[jeff1]

Hi,

*Sounds* like older HP style washer with the metal inner basket...right?...since no age or model# was posted. Newer HP washers have a plastic inner basket.

The older HP washer would spin and pump at the same time, centrifigal (sp?) force pushes the water outwards as the washer spins...that is why the top panal is fitted tight with a tub seal between the outer tank and top panal. Leaking out over the top possible trouble makers:
- rust ( on top panal underneath or outer tank )
- gasket worn/twisted/loose
- outer tank support brackets rusted/broken
- slow drain or too fast spinning ( slim chance usually for these )


My questions, is the water supposed to slosh up that high

Yes.

My own rusted on the bottom of the top panal and started leaking out...

http://www.applianceaid.com/images/gewashleakback.JPG

I have been able to get some "extra time" out of a few rusted ones with replacing the gasket and gluing the gasket to the outer tank and adding some adhesive to where the top panal touches the gasket.

http://www.repairclinic.com/dbimages/00000004/00001301.jpg

http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=2242

jeff.

[Anonymous]

wow thanks Jeff. I'll check out that top for rust and if it looks ok I'll try a new gasket. I thought about the drain being slow or the tub overfilling but it even does it when I let it drain down halfway and stop it then start it again. Yes it is an older model with a steel tub. It's in a house we own that we rent out. Thought I'd try to fix it while house is vacant. I found a gasket in my Johnstone catalog for $16.00 says it fits all G.E. models 1972 to present. Isn't G.E. the same as Hotpoint? What do you use for glue, 3M weatherstrip adhesive? The way the gasket seals onto the top like that seems like a poor design but what do I know it's lasted a long time till now.
I always make an attempt at fixing an appliance but if it turns out too questionable I just replace it.

[Wgoodrich]

Jeff is this the make and model washer that has a tendancy to have socks etc go over the inner tub into the outer tub and plug up the water pump? Is it possible this may be a plugged or stuck water pump?

Curious

Wg

[jeff1]

Hi all,

Isn't G.E. the same as Hotpoint?

GE makes the North American Hotpoint yes.

What do you use for glue

Silicone in a pinch...but this is better...a copy...

**3M Scotch Seal 800 Industrial Sealant - Red, synthetic rubber sealer for metal and other surfaces. Product dries flexible; oil and water resistant. For temperatures from -60 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 5 fl oz tube.**

http://www.repairclinic.com/dbimages/00000128/00036707.jpg

Jeff is this the make and model washer that has a tendancy to have socks etc go over the inner tub into the outer tub and plug up the water pump?

Yes it is...spins and drains at the same time.

Is it possible this may be a plugged or stuck water pump?

The drain port hole on these are so BIG anything like a sock, panties, mitts, gets sucked right into the pump and stops the motor...usually get the complaint of a no go or motor only hummmmmmmmmmms when something gets sucked into the pump assy.

jeff.

[Wgoodrich]

It has been a long long time since I have commercially worked on appliances. I was just remembering back then that socks etc. got stuck in the hose between the outer tub and the pump now and again. I am glad you are covering this subject. My knowledge on the subject is old and have not kept up. Your current knowledge is a major plus on the subject.

Good Luck

Wg