Wednesday, October 16, 2013

TRUE CONFESSIONS!

Maytag Mama 
Got Her B**t Spanked!


source
Some of you may remember when I successfully repaired my senior citizen Maytag washer. I was very proud of my accomplishment and patted my self on the back until I dislocated my shoulder.              



Fast forward almost a year. My matching dryer sounds like someone tossing stones when it's running. I want a new sofa, I want a new car...I DO NOT want a new dryer!! Since the shoulder has recovered from all that "back patting" I decided to do the same thing I did with the washer and play Maytag Mama!



Hmmmm, while I'm at it, why not replace that leaking door seal on the teenage Maytag dishwasher. I can order the parts together. 

The dishwasher repair was easy peasy as I had made repairs to her previously. I didn't take pictures because I wasn't planning on posting. Seven screws and the door was off, old seal removed and new one replaced. No more deteriorated black rubber leaking into the tub.  Success and uneventful!

What? Oh no, hold the applause. We're just getting to the B**t Kicking!

I did my online research of the dryer symptoms and determined that it needed new drum support rollers and a new belt. I had watched the instructional video until I knew it from memory. The dryer is gas so the gas had to be turned off at the connection behind the dryer. CHECK! DONE! I had this! Bob asked how he could help me. I said "Stay as far away as you can!".

Just like the video, two screws at the bottom and the front panel comes off. Four additional screws removed and the bulkhead comes off. At this point, I notice a couple of additional parts that are really worn. Replaced the rollers, the belt was the only difficulty, and put the dryer back together.

Turned on the dryer...same *#@*#% rumbling sound. Back to the internet to order the parts I had noticed worn (they were included in the parts that may be causing my symptoms, front door glides and front door felt seal.

The great thing about my parts supplier, they have the best prices, you get the parts within two days, shipping is low cost and you pay no sales tax (in my state). Parts are here, I am ready, AGAIN!



Replacing these parts was soooooooooo easy. I cleaned up this part of the machine and turned the dryer back on...same *#@*#% rumbling sound!!

This is when I start ranting about "Not being defeated!". Bob steps in and says "Let's just use it until it quits". "NO, there's one more part that might be causing the noise!". 

While turning the gas back on, my soapy test solution was making small bubbles. The old coiled gas line had failed. Granny, knows not to mess with "natural gas".

UPDATE! A sweet friend was worried that I checked the gas line last. The gas was checked and turned off before any repairs began. It was after we had reconnected everything to use the dryer til it died that the leak was detected (the line was old and probably cracked from all the movement). I was ready to order new parts and bought a new gas line connector when Bob asserted his wise decision and we purchased new appliances. Thanks sweet friend, love ya!

Keeping it real here, Granny got her b**t kicked.


THERE IS A REASON THE "REAL" REPAIRMAN, MAKES THE HOUSE CALL, ASSESSES THE MALFUNCTION, THEN ORDERS THE PARTS!!!!

Meet the new Maytag washer and dryer. Bob insisted. He got tired of seeing my backside!



Well, it's not a new sofa but I was able to put the scrub board away. This is causing me making a few changes in the laundry room. More later.

Now I will slink away, pout about being defeated and not getting a new sofa. Really, I will be contemplating my blessings which are many. 

Join me as I party with these lovely Hostesses:





23 comments:

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi Ginger , You have a great sense of humor . In the end you was able to pout and laugh about it . Yeap, that's why the repairmen make the big bucks , thanks for sharing :).

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

You are very brave to do all that. I would just call the repairman. My hats off to you. Hopefully you will get your new sofa soon.
Mary

Unknown said...

You were able to do a lot more than I could! I wouldn't dare! :) Love the way you told the story!!

NanaDiana said...

I think your best instruction was to Sweet Old Bob-to stay as far away from you as he could! lol So, did you get it repaired by someone or have to get a new one?

My Maytags are still going strong after 15 years. I don't know if the new ones will hold up like the old ones did- xo Diana

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I have told so many people about you fixing your washer! I was so proud of you...And I still am goodness I would never even attempt a repair so you way out shined most women (Men) . I think you can still pat your self on the back...Who needs a sofa sit on the washer WEEEE.....OK, now this comment has went way down hill lol!

Carol

LV said...

You have my greatest respect and admiration even to start this job. Never would I attempted. Enjoy your new machines.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Ginger,
That was hilarious. Why not starting out with the soap bubble test to begin with?... Ha-ha, so much for hind sight!
My husband is the very best in solving most problems.
Hugs,
Mariette

Barbara F. said...

I know nothing about appliance repair, parts, tools, etc. So you are an inspiration!! I would have called a repair service and prayed that they wouldn't rip me off too much! xo

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Well your hubby is a very smart man...so glad you did not get hurt repairing that dryer!!!...

Anonymous said...

Wow all I can say is you are brave to tackle repairs on appliances. Not me! I am all thumbs.
New follower from Blackberry Winter Crafts
Donna L.

Beverly said...

I am applauding your attempts, your successes, and even your less than solutions.

I would have never even got it started. hahaha

Babs said...

You probably heard me laughing all the way to Savannah. Y'all sound like us, except I'm the one who's saying, "buy new ones".You definitely got an A++ for trying. I actually hate it too, when appliances fail. A couple of years ago, our dishwasher died just 4 days before Thanksgiving, and we had a house full of family. Needless to say, we got a new.
Hope you still get your new sofa.

Unknown said...

LOL.....This post is great Ginger.
Sorry bout your lost confidence...hey
i'd a neverrrr attempted any of it..
more power to ya....you go girl.

Scribbler said...

You are so funny! I just Mr. Appliance. They always do it right. I have only had one repair on my Maytags which are about 15 years old.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

You get an A+ for effort, Ginger. Mr. Magpie was so impressed with you doing this, even if it didn't exactly work out.

Glad you got new appliances.

Love you,

Sheila

Unknown said...

NO sales tax?
Ginger you are such an amazing lady - really - I would never in a million years tackle a large appliance LMHO that hubby got sick of seeing your butt - you are too funny
NO sales tax?
XOXO

~~louise~~ said...

I must say Ginger, you are remarkable with a capital RE!

I have attempted to fix my dish washer a number of times to no avail. Since I don't really use it all that much I even contemplated removing it. But, once I got to removing the hardware, I simple gave up and called Sears!

Your new appliances are lucky to have you as their "mamma" if they ever need some TLC I'm sure you have them covered, lol...

Thank you so much for sharing, Ginger. Definitely a day brightener!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Wow, I'm impressed! That's something I wouldn't have the guts to do! Enjoy your new ones...
Blessings,
Cindy

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Looks like you are a busy fixing your washer !! I had my washer go out and just got a new one, the one I had was 26 years old don't build them like the old ones. I hope you and Bob are doing well.
xxoo
Diane

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Defeat?????!!!! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT????!!! Do you know how many people wouldn't even attempt what you did?! I think it's awesome that you even tried, because I've often thought of trying things like that myself then chicken out. I've taught Baby Love that that's called GIRL POWER!!!

Always love your story telling, Ginger, and I know what you mean--wanting something more fun than spending money on not-so-fun things...we all feel your pain.

Thanks for your sweet comment about Baby Love helping with the decorating. I DO hope you're able to share such things with your precious baby girl. Hugs and big pat on the back to you, ~Zuni

Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon said...

I would be good at taking it apart, it is putting it back together. Congrats on your new appliances.

Alycia Nichols said...

With natural gas being in the mix, I'm just glad you got away with your LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!! No new sofa for now, but your day will come. Hang in there...since you don't have to hang clothes to dry! :-) :-) :-)

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Ginger, I applaud you for even attempting this! I repaired my dad's garage door opener last week. The part was under warranty but they wanted $90 to install it. It took me 45 minutes to read the instructions and five minutes to install.
xx,
Sherry

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