I found the video for diagnosing, what parts are likely to cause it, and how to replace it. The fan motor was 67 dollars, and involved about 30 minutes time to replace. Then just out of curiosity I searched on the web for that part number and found replacement motors on Amazon as cheap as 15 dollars. We ordered one for 30 dollars and hope to have it in 5 days.
The site was very helpful, though very slow to load.
Thought it might be useful for those handy enough around the house to use for do it yourself appliance repair.
Try getting a plumber-that’s worse.
I changed the serpentine belt and tensioner pulley this summer on our boat with Volvo Penta outdrive. The local marine repair shop wanted $400 just to drive 8 miles to our dock and that was BEFORE the repair. I figure it would have been $800 all-in with those guys and they were booked two weeks out!
Did it myself for $200 in parts and $60 for a torque wrench. I got to learn a lot of “boat yoga” in the process.
I also like to do my own repairs when possible. That is a great resource, thank you for sharing.
I replaced the belt in a 20 year old dryer. Took about an hour and cost $20.00. Been running another 5 years. That’s the extent of my expertise.
I decided some time ago that it was easier and cheaper to buy modestly priced items and consider them disposable...
Microwave ovens, lawn mowers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, tablets..etc
One particularly annoying item has been keeping a working toaster. They fail often, I just buy several of the cheap 5.99 toasters at walmart and drop the malfunctioning one into the trash and stick a new one on the counter.
Life is a little bit simpler now...
Diagnosing the problem is usually the hard part. It can get real expensive to just start throwing new parts at the problem. It’s worth $100 to get the right diagnosis sometimes. When our chest freezer quit working I paid to have it diagnosed, then bought and replaced the correct circuit board myself.
Ok the rosetta stone analogy is not quite right.
My dad dumped a Curtis Mathes color TV on me. Too expensive to repair said the tech at the local dealer. Fine. I turned it on. Picture won’t sync. Found the sync board. 9 transistors. Spot checked junctions with my VOM. Found one that didn’t look right. Looked up the substitute in the ECG line of components. $1.50 for the part. Replaced suspect with substitute. Picture syncs correctly. A color TV for $1.50 and 20 minutes to diagnose and repair. It served for another 3 years.
Over the years, I figure that I’ve done at least two dozen repairs on my appliances, and never had to call in ‘the man’ and another dozen on my air conditioners (did call in ‘the man’ once when a compressor died, all others were easy electrical repairs).
Huge money savings over the years, not just repair costs, but also because you only have to replace appliances if you want to.
About 20 years ago I replaced the ignitor on a gas stove. When I did it I accidentally loosened the gas line but couldn’t find where I couple fix it. After many attempts, I finally broke down and called a guy. It took him all of 30 seconds to fix.
I said “Can’t you please just humor me and make it look like a challenge?”
This was before there were video’s for everything. I missed a little hidden access port that would have also made changing the ignitor easier.
However, when we got married 35 years ago, our first washer and dryer was from a garage sale. The dryer squeaked and the washer leaked. The dryer repair was a $2.50 part and the washer was about $20. That $120 investment (purchase and parts) lasted us over ten years.
One of my grandfather’s was an appliance repairman. Even though he died when I was five, I must have inherited some skill.
What gets me is that I paid something like $900 for the Kitchen Aid, thinking I was getting a good, American-made machine. The truth is, like my new Whirlpool, they are all assembled in the U.S. but all of the working parts you depend on (circuit boards, pumps, motors) are all made overseas (most likely in China). Formerly reliable brands (like Kitchen Aid) now are loaded with imported components and break down all the time.
Even if I think I know how to fix something I always check the internet for any expert tips and tricks.
I’ve used several appliance parts sites to order replacement parts, but your site is great. Thanks.
We’ve used this site to get parts to repair an old Maytag washer. We got the fixit instructions from the Internet. Ancient Maytag is still doing the job and we’re only out a few bucks.
This site is a great money saver. Highly recommend it.
We’ve also found diy repair work on you tube. The sight has been helpful with repairs and installation.
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Thanks for sharing the new address.
Do any find that when purchased, an appliance is delivered with NO brochures/manuals? In order to find information of any type one must go on line and print their manuals; really, a pain in the rear.
Did mine last year - saved a ton. Fixed my dryer twice using the internet for trouble-shooting and repair tips - sweet.
Still looking for the video to help me replace the fuel rods in my reactor....
I have a small refrigerator that’s over 40 years old, works just fine. It’s washers that don’t last.
Since I’m not handy — with anything involving brute strength — I rely on repairmen when necessary, but when they are going to peel $500 off me, I usually go shopping for a new appliance.
You might want to find a repairman who will give you a few bucks for your albatross; someone who makes a profit repairing and reselling them.
I like to see folks fixing things themselves, as it should be to beat the greedy. I have always fixed everything myself. And I mean everything...
YouTube is a handy helper too!
You can usually find appliance fixes at YouTube videos. Easy to follow. I’ve done this a few times. Oh, and also for setting up electronic devices as well.