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August 31, 2004

Dishwashers

Maytag® Jetclean® II Dishwasher

To get the best performance from all dishwashers:

Use Jet Dry or any Rinse Aid, either the liquid or the hanging baskets.

Make sure you run the hot water at the sink just b4 you start the dishwasher, to flush the cold water out of the line.

Make sure water temp. is about 130 degrees coming out of your water heater.

Thats it today!
Have a good evening!

South Willamette Valley, Oregon Forcast:

Tonight. Partly cloudy. Lows 50 to 55. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph in the evening. Becoming light wind overnight.

Wednesday. Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Breezy. Highs around 75. West wind 10 to 20 mph.

Jake

Posted by Jake at 09:21 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

August 30, 2004

Full Moon Monday

Hi all,

1998 Frigidaire Front Load Washer:

Dispenser Drawer not releasing all the fabic softner, leaving water in disp. cup.
Replaced Detergent/Fabic Softner Dispenser Drawer, worked great.

1998 Frigidaire Dryer:

Clothes getting caught in between front frame and dryer drum,
Replaced front Glide pad assembly, worked great.

Thats it Today!
Have a good evening!

Tomarrows South Willamette Valley, Oregon Forcast:

Mostly sunny. Highs around 85. Light wind becoming west 10 mph in the afternoon.

Posted by Jake at 09:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 29, 2004

Today's Events

Another Beautiful Oregon Day!

2001 Kemore Washer(Whirlpool made)

Not washing, motor just hums:
This is a very rare problem i see. The timer and motor capacitor are shorted out. Hard to say why it happened, some appliances go 10-15 yrs. without problems, some go 4 or 5 then start breaking.

2002 Kenmore Dishwasher(Whirlpool built)

Heres another motor humming in wash cycle, but this was caused by a piece of broken glass lodged in motor chopper blade, motor bearing was freezing up as well, not related to glass.
This motor/sump assembly is covered under a 5 yr. Part only Warranty,
Which is good.:)

Thats it today!
Have a good evening!

P.S. As you can tell, im a weather fanatic. :)
As a boy of 11 , i can remember having a small radio shack weather radio i would listen to on a daily basis. :)

That being said, heres the Southern Willamette Valley of Oregon forcast for Monday 8-30-2004:

Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Light wind becoming northwest 10 mph in the afternoon.

Posted by Jake at 08:18 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 28, 2004

Sunny Saturday

Hi all,

Very nice sunny day here in Western Oregon, Temps. in the 80's, after a week of much needed rain. :)

2001 Kitchen Aid Dishwasher

When filling with water, the water solinoid was knocking, like a water pipe vibration. Replaced water valve, worked great.

Customer was complaining of dishes not getting as clean. Installed new check valve and chopper blade assembly in sump(pump). Chopper was broken. The check valve is the small rubber flapper in sump(pump) that can stick and not allow proper water flow to spray arms. Replaced both, worked great.

2002 Kenmore Frigidaire built Window Air Conditioner

Compressor was out. Replaced Compressor, worked great.
Replacing a Compressor is major job, takes about 3 hours.

You need to be a certified Type 1 40 CFR part 82, subpart F. AHAM-NARDA Refrigerent Tech. to change Compressors or do any sealed system work involving Freon(Refrigerant Gas). I got certified on 11-17-1994 when i worked for The Montgomery Ward Service Dept.

Thats it Today.
Have a Good Evening!

P.S.
The Forcast Here in the Southern Willamette Valley of Oregon for Sunday 8-29-2004:

Sunny after patchy morning fog. Highs around 85. North wind 10 mph.

Posted by Jake at 08:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 27, 2004

Nice Friday

Hi all,

2003 Kenmore Frigidaire built Top Freezer

Not cooling: Rear Freezer panel frosted up(evaporator coil)
Defrosted Coil,Replaced Defrost Timer.
Under Warranty.

2000 Kitchen Aid SxS Refrig.

Not Cooling: Condenser Coil Clogged with Dog Hair caused Compressor Relay to overheat and break. Replaced Compressor Relay.

Not under warranty.
Always Clean Condenser coil at least once a year. :)

2001 Kitchen Aid Dishwasher

Not coming on:

Thermal fuse out in control panel,
Replaced Thermal fuse.

Thats it Today.
Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 08:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 26, 2004

Thursday

Hi all,

2001 Kenmore Upright Freezer Frigidaire built: not cooling below 30 degrees. Found 2 evaporator coils frosted up think, the rest of the coils were bare. No leak found in sealed system, Compressor not pumping freon properly, ordered a Compressor.

2004 Kenmore brand new portable dishwasher Whirlpool built: not draining properly. All portable dishwashers hook up to the kitchen sink faucet.
The Drain hose was kinked under the dishwasher, i reset the hose and tested it, worked great.

2001 Kenmore SxS Refrig. Whirlpool built: ice maker not making ice, cubes get jammed in ice maker, this whirlpool part #2212352 fixes that. Its a new design ice maker. This is the 5 cube ice maker. Very small and compact.

2004 brand new Amana Range: oven door glass has a stain from customer accidentally spilling something near door vent.
This is the outer door glass, easy to remove and clean. just has 5 screws on the bottom track.

1999 Knemore Whirlpool built washer, not spinning: replaced the motor coupler.

Thats it today!
Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 08:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Water to Refrigerator

Hi all,

Remember: You should change the water filter at least once a year. If the filter is old and clogged it will cause water pressure and ice maker problems too. :)

If your water pressure seems low, or the ice maker is making hollow cubes, check this first:

The best way to check is pull out the refrig. turn off your water supply to the refrig. Take of the water line going to the refrig. water valve.
Get something to catch water in, like a small bucket or container, put the water line in that, then turn the water on.
If you get a good stream and good water pressure then its in the refrig. water valve or ice maker.

Lots of times i see low water pressure because people install those self piercing needle valves to the cold water line under the sink. Those clog up alot, because the hole that supplies water is so small.

Have a Good Day!

Posted by Jake at 07:32 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

August 25, 2004

Home Appliance Weblog

Home Appliance Weblog
Appliances should last 10-20 years, but they do break now and then. Thats where we can help. Here at The Appliance Blog

Posted by Jake at 08:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 24, 2004

Gas and Electric

Hi all,
Some people like Gas Ranges others Electric. I have owned both, and i enjoy both types. I dont have a favorite.

I do get alot of customers that have questions about the Broiling system.

Since the Broil has to stay on all the time when you Broil, the oven door should remain ajar, so the heat can escape, and keeps the thermostat from turning the broiler off.

Thats it for now.

Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 09:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 23, 2004

Cool Monday

Another Cool day in the 60's here in Western Oregon, but our hot days will return, always do in early Sept.

2003 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Portable Dishwasher: Not letting enough water in, changed water valve.

2001 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Front Load Washer: Baffle broken, There is a Baffle Kit Whirlpool makes, its a lifesaver! You dont have to pull out the tub to install it, pulling out the tub is very time consuming.

2004 Kenmore Window Air Conditioner: bad oder coming out when unit is first turned on. Very Rare to see this happen! Smelled like a wet dog.
They did have a dog. :) But other homes have Dogs and there is no problem with dog smell. The house did smell very odd. Like they over-fraganced it. I wouldnt say there was anything wrong with the A/C it was cooling good. Just told them to try vanilla extract to get rid of smell.

1989 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Dryer: Not heating, replaced heating element.

2004 Kenmore Whirlpool Built SxS Refrig.: Ice maker not working, replaced.

Thats it today.
Have a good evening!

Posted by Jake at 10:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 22, 2004

Cool Refreshing Sunday

A cool front moved in last night, bringing some much needed rain and cool temps, in the 60's all day. :)

2002 Kemnore Frigidaire built front load washer: grinding sound, water pump was noisey, replaced.

1997 Kenmore Whirlpool built washer: not spinning, Lid Switch broken, Very common part that can break on most all washers, replaced.

2004 Kenmore Whirlpool built SxS Refrig.: Freezing everything in the Refrig. Section. (Electronic Controls on the Freezer Dispenser Door.)

This is a brand new problem i have yet to see happen on this new generation model. Whirlpool has a fix for it, they will be sending the customer a part to fix the problem, then the customer will call back for us to install it(the main control board).

2004 Frigidaire Top Freezer: boiling sound when unit starts, Normal Sound, The owners guide explains in detail all Refrig. Sounds that are normal. The boiling sound was the freon pressure going through the evaporator. :) My 1999 Montgomery Ward Admiral Refrig. Top Freezer does the same thing. :)

Thats it today.
Have a good evening!

Posted by Jake at 07:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 21, 2004

Saturday

Hi All,

The clouds are rolling in for rain, after a long and hot dry 2 months of summer we get here in Oregon.

2001 Kitchen Aid Dishwasher, making a knocking noise when filling with water, water valve is going bad, ordered.

1997 Amana SxS Refrig. Not cooling, Compressor running but no pumping the freon, Internal Compressor Valve out. Would need a new Compressor.
The cost of this Compressor is about $500. With Labor would be close to $700-$800. Not worth fixing, new SxS Ref. starts at about the same price.
The rule of thumb is: If the price to repair any appliance exceeds more than half the purchase price, its better just to invest all the money into a new Appliance.
Remember all new Refrigerators come with a 5 yr. Parts and Labor Warranty on the Compressor and Sealed System(All parts the Freon travels through) to make it cool.

1998 Maytag Front Load Washer, This problem was solved in 2000 models and on: Mildew forms on the front rubber boot. Maytag solved this by installing a drain in the bottom of the Boot, to let the trapped water run back in the tub and out the drain.

Thats it Today. :)

Posted by Jake at 08:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 20, 2004

Interesting Friday

Hi all,

2003 Kenmore Amana built Freezer on the Bottom Drawer pullout type.
Frost build up on top ceiling of freezer, cause Drawer tracks not sliding well,causing air leak. ordered new ones.

2004 Kenmore Frigidaire Built SxS. This is a new problem i have never seen before. When Ice maker cycles and ice maker calls for water , it not only puts water in the ice maker, but also puts water through the front water dispenser, customer finds water in the front of freezer door on floor. The problem is the Diode for the water valve is shorted. I ordered a Diode kit.

Ok heres another one i never seen happen before,
2003 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Dryer, there was nothing wrong with the dryer, The customer wired the 240 volt Dryer cord wrong, very dangerous!!! He had the Red wire(120 volt) connected to the Green(Ground) that was connected to ther dryer ground screw on dryer cabinet.
He had the Black wire(120 volt) connected to the terminal block middle screw. The White wire(Neutral) was on the terminal block left screw.
And the result: Dryer not heating, customer was getting shocked when they touched the washer, the reason: The Dryer exhaust vent, which had a metal wire to support the exhaust was touching the washer, it also caused a small fire behind the washer, and burned the exhaust vent, the customer saw it , and put it out quickly.

The Correct way to hook up a Dryer Cord to the Dryer Terminal Block: The Red wire(120 volt) and the black wire(120 volt) ONLY goes on the left and right screws of the terminal block, in either order, never in the middle screw or connected to the green cabinet ground wire. The White wire(Neutral) ONLY goes on the middle screw of the terminal Block. Some Dryer cords have 4-prongs, the green wire ONLY goes on the green cabinet ground screw.

Very interesting day! :)

Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 19, 2004

Thursday

The day started well,

2000 G.E. Calibrated a electronic Wall Oven, There is a simple way to do this, Your Owners Guide does show every step. :)

1992 Kenmore Whirlpool Built, not spinning, make bad noise, The Transmission went out. I changed the Transmission(Gearcase), Drive Basket, Drive Block, Clutch, Coupler. Since its a old machine, its better to change all the parts related to the Transmission. :)

2003 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Dishwasher, They said drying problem, and not cleaning. Advised Customer to use Jet Dry, and run hot water at sink before using, to flush the line of cold water.
I changed the check valve in the Sump, that will fix the cleaning issue.

2000 Hotpoint SxS Refrig. Changed the Evaporator Fan Motor, the old motor was running very slow, not cooling properly.

Thats it Today.
Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 07:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 18, 2004

Wonderful Wednesday

Hi all,

Dishwashers have changed alot since i started Appliance Repair in 1987.
I remember the old Maytag's had a belt drive dishwasher, very simple to repair, still is. :)
I changed many belts and Motor/Pump Assemblies. I rarely do now on Maytags.
Since i work for a Major Service Dept. now , i repair more Kenmore and Whirlpool, mainly because its a great product , just like Maytag.

The main problem i run into is if a glass breaks , or bones get in the Sump, it will either jam up the Sump, or make a bad grinding sound when its washing.

At times im able to get most of it out, but if its logged in to far and damages the Motor and/or Sump, then I just replace the Motor/Sump Assembly. :)

Thats it for Today. :)
Have a Good Evening!

Posted by Jake at 09:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 17, 2004

Fair Tuesday

The Lane County Fair opened today , it goes everyday till Sunday. A friend went with me, Very Sunny day, great fair weather!

If your Ice maker quits making ice, the first thing to check for is water to Ice Maker.

Just take the water line off the back of the Refrig. and get something to catch the water in, then turn on the water to make sure you get a good steady stream, if not, your water supply will need to be fixed to allow proper water pressure.

Thats a tip for today, Any questions or comments welcome. :)

Posted by Jake at 11:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 16, 2004

Magnificent Monday

1999 Kenmore Whirlpool built washer, not spinning. Changed Motor Coupler, very common, these are direct drive machines,(No Belt) The Coupler plays the part as the belt, they can just wear out, as belts do.

2004 Frigidaire Dryer squeks, lubricated main drum bearing.

2000 G.E. Refrig. evaporator motor noisey, changed motor.

2002 Kenmore Whirlpool built Refrig., ice maker out, installed new module assembly.

2004 Kenmore Amana built Refrig. freezer on bottom, freezer drawer not closing well, installed tracks.

Thats it today. :)

Posted by Jake at 09:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 15, 2004

Super Sunday

Hi all,

1993 Kenmore Dryer, door latch broken, changed.

2001 Kenmore Dryer, thermal fuse out, changed, Exhaust vent partial clog, will cause fuse in dryer to blow.

2004 Frigidaire upright Freezer, Delivery Damaged door, installed new door.

1999 Frigidaire upright Freezer, Drain iced up, cleared drain.

2004 Kitchen Aid SxS Refrig. No problem found, just let customer know to fill 10 cups of water from water dispenser when its new, to clear air from line. :)

Thats it today.

Posted by Jake at 10:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 14, 2004

Sunny Saturday

2003 Kenmore Whirlpool Built Front Load Washer showed F9 code at times, which indicates drain problem, Changed Water Pump.

2004 Just Delivered Kenmore Washer, Delivery Damage, Gearcase broken.

2004 Kitchen Aid SxS Refrig. Customers floor problem, leveled with shim cust. provided.

2002 Kenmore SxS Refrig. not cooling at times, changed Air Diffuser.

Thats it for today. :)

Posted by Jake at 11:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 13, 2004

Friday the 13th, YEA! :)

Hi All,

Things went pretty good today,

1997 Kenmore SxS Refrig. Ice maker jammed, removed ice jam, blades started moving, cycled ok.

1999 Whirlpool Washer , Dripping water into tub when not on, Changed Water Valve.

1992 Kenmore G.E. Built, Disp. not giving out ice, installed Iceing Kit.

Brand new Kenmore SxS Frigidaire Built, Delivery Damaged Both Doors, Installed new Doors. I would like to thank Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, G.E. for making the Doors Tech. friendly to change, compared to the 1980's and 90's when it took 3 hours to change doors, now its down to 1 hour. :)

Thats it Today!

Posted by Jake at 07:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 12, 2004

Today's Events

The Day started very well.
Changed a Ice Maker in a New Refrigerator Under Warranty. Finding alot of Brand New Refrigerator installed Ice Makers not cycling and putting water In. The new design, Electronic with adjustable cube sizes.

Changed a 1998 Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Frame and Door Springs, Its very rare to change a Door Frame, Door Springs are more common.

1999 Amana SxS in Garage blowing breaker on 1 side of the wall, other side not blowing breaker, They have a Breaker Problem, Not a Refrig. Problem.

Found a wire in the water pump of a 2002 Whirlpool Washer. Not a machine wire.:) Customer left wire in his Pocket. :) ALWAYS CHECK THOSE POCKETS :)

Then 6 check-ups on 6 Appliances in 1 house all under Extended Warranty.

Last but not Least, Changed a Ice Dispenser Motor in a 2001 Amana SxS Refrig.

Thats all for Today. :)

Posted by Jake at 07:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 11, 2004

Dishwashers

The Complaint i get most is Not Drying Dishes at the end of the cycle.
I worked for Montgomery Ward in Texas and Arizona 6 years in both States.
The water there is hard, I told customers to use Jet Dry, Or any Rinse Aid.
Here in Oregon, The water is Soft, suds tends to form more. I also recomend Jet Dry Or any Rinse Aid.
To much degerent will make suds come out the door in Soft water areas.
Now if your Glasses are filmly or Spotting i recomend a good Product from G.E. called Mineral Spot Remover:
G.E. Part# WD35X151

Thats it for now :)

Posted by Jake at 06:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Washers

Washers are pretty much maintance free.
Try to check pockets before loading.
In my 15 years of working on washers, I have pulled out nails, screws, coins, socks, caps, metal bra straps. :)

Posted by Jake at 06:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are working overtime in the Hot Summer.

Tips to help:

Keep the Condenser Clean.
Make sure the Gaskets are in good shape, no rips or tears.

If the Refrig. does not cool properly:

Check for thick frost on back wall of freezer or on bottom of freezer.
If there is, Your Defrost Heater is not coming on.

If you call a Appliance Repair Tech. Please leave the unit running and on. The biggest mistake people make is turning the Refrig. off or unplugging it. The Tech can test it better with it on, even with frost.

Thanks about all for today. :)

Posted by Jake at 06:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Dryer Talk

Dryer Talk:
Lint build up causes lots of problems with Dryers. Will Cause poor drying, taking a very long time to dry clothes.
Check your vent exhaust hose and clean it out , as well at the outside Dryer vent. This will save you many heartaches, and costly repairs. :)
Also vacuum or brush out where the dryer filter goes in.

Thats all for now. :)

Posted by Jake at 06:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Clean Coils

Both the Evaporator and Condenser Coils should be checked and cleaned every year for top proformance.
Always check and clean the filter every 2-4 weeks.

Posted by Jake at 05:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Daily Diary Events

Since my days off from work are Tuesdays and Wednesdays i will post in the Other Categories for both of these days.

Posted by Jake at 09:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 10, 2004

Life of a Appliance Tech

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. :) Those 3 Words are key to Appliance Work!

I service all Major Brands which are in alphabetical Order:

Admiral
Amana
Frigidaire
G.E.
Kenmore
Magic Chief
Maytag
Montgomery Ward
Whirlpool

Since Im off Today, We will start This Diary with 2 Service Calls on my Route from Yesterday.

Front Load Washers on Pedestals: The delivery people did not bolt down the Front Load Washer on the Pedestal. So when it spins, it shakes like crazy. I Bolted It Down to the Pedestal. No more Crazy Shakin and Dancin :)

Compressor Not always starting: Spent a couple hours changing a Compressor on a Refrig. under 2 years old. Remember most all Refrig. have a 5 yr. Parts and Labor Warranty on the Sealed System!

See Ya Tommarrow :)

Posted by Jake at 03:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 09, 2004

New Appliance Blog

Welcome to The All New WeBlog.
Everyone is Free to Post and Comment!

Posted by Jake at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)