Washing Machine Problems

[OverplanninJess]

Last night our washing machine was running and caught on fire! Smoke was coming out from around the edges of the tub and the tub was hot to the touch. We unplugged the machine and got the clothes out immediately (it was only a medium sized load), but we're not sure what happened?!

We let the washer sit to cool off, but were unable to tilt it forward to look at the belt and gears since the tub still had water in it (it was on the beginning of the rinse cycle when it started smoking). So, our only option was to turn it back on to drain and see what happened-which we did-and it drained normally. We tilted it forward and removed the back and found what appeared to be oil splattered all over the inside walls of the washer-the belt looked fine.

We ended up putting the wet clothes back in to finish rinsing-which DBF watched the entire time-and it finished normally, but we didn't risk doing any more loads.

This washer is only 3 1/2 yrs old...we only wash clothes and linens for the 2 of us in it, so it's not like it gets used heavily-I'm gonna be really bummed (along with our budget) if we have to get a new one already

Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be wrong with it?

 

[OverplanninJess]

Hmm...quite a few people have looked at this thread, but no one has replied-leading me to believe that our washing machine troubles may be too perplexing to be solved without a professional

 

[seashoreCM]

Not necessarily related to the fire but it is not too unusual for oil to be splattered about the inside of the cabinet. At the hub of the tub (bottom for top loaders) there is usually an oil filled "transmission" and that can leak, at least on mine it was actually leaking since day one by the puddle left on the floor below that I kept putting newspapers underneath to catch. (The puddling stopped when the oil supply ran out).

It is possible for lint to get into the space between the tub and the cabinet inside. Is there a dryer next to the washer where a loose vent hose may have resulted in air being blown about and by chance aimed at a slit in the washing machine back? Dried out lint often results in laundry room fires, sometimes inside the dryer vent pipe. Some components including the motor get hot in normal use and hotter if covered with lint or if starting to wear out.

Wiring and components inside may well have been damaged by the fire. While the machine may still run for awhile, it would be a good idea to have the machine examined by a professional if not summarily replaced. A short circuit or another fire or a flood could result when a component finally gives way.

Don't feel too bad so as to have a headache or confused look or sad face. A lot of questions asked on boards and forums stump all of the readers who look at them.

Home handyman hints: http://www.cockam.com.home.htm

 

[OverplanninJess]

The lint is a possibility I suppose-the dryer is right next to the washer. I'm just wondering how much it would cost to have a repairman come out and look at the damages, let alone repair them-it could possibly be more cost effective just to buy a new washer! I just wish there was a way to determine what was wrong ourselves...

 

[Lewisc]

Hmm...quite a few people have looked at this thread, but no one has replied-leading me to believe that our washing machine troubles may be too perplexing to be solved without a professional

Problems with the transmission can result in oil leaking. Oil leaks on something hot (motor) results in smoke.

Transmissions shouldn't leak.

I don't like the potential fire hazard. I'd call a professional. Describe the symptoms on the phone. He maybe able to give you a price on a rebuilt transmission on the phone.

You might check with the mfg. There is a small chance the problem is being covered under some kind of recall.

A warning--Some machines a leaking transmission can result in oil entering the drum, ruining clothing.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I can't advise about any repairs but can tell you that the motor on our machine burned up a few years ago. It was pretty scary! The machine was a total loss and it was just a good thing that I went down to the basement for something else when I did, it could have been much worse.

Now I know to never run the washer or dryer when I'm not home. In the past I have assumed that any problem would be from the dryer and would start the washer before I left to go to work or out somewhere.

Good luck!

 

[pwdebbie]

I would definitely contact the manufacturer. If they start hearing similar complaints there will be a recall if there hasn't been one already. I used to work for a builder and I had to send out plenty of recall letters for the appliances we installed in homes. Most of them did have to do with fire hazards of some sort. So do call the manufacturer.

 

[clh2]

Sorry - while there is nothing wrong with contacting the manufacturer...an appliance that has started on fire WOULD NOT be used again in my home. NOT EVER.

And this is coming from someone who had a very small dryer fire. Lint got somewhere, not the "normal" lint-emptying spots. NOPE - not taking that chance.

And yes - it SUCKS from a budget perspective...but just look at "how much" a fire in your home would cost!

 

[OverplanninJess]

Further investigation has led us to believe that it didn't actually catch on fire. As a previous poster mentioned, oil will smoke when it hits something hot-in this case it appears that oil leaked from somewhere (we can't tell from where!?) and hit the hot motor, creating the smoke...we're working on figuring out where the oil came from

 

[d'Isigny]

Further investigation has led us to believe that it didn't actually catch on fire. As a previous poster mentioned, oil will smoke when it hits something hot-in this case it appears that oil leaked from somewhere (we can't tell from where!?) and hit the hot motor, creating the smoke...we're working on figuring out where the oil came from

The oil would have come from your transmission. Oil prob leaked on your motor or clutch....overheated and caused the smoke. Someone above offered great advise...if oil leaks in the tub...a majority - if not all of your load is ruined

my personal 'rule of thumb'....if something 'holds water' (washer - dishwasher - h20 heater - etc) and is over 7 years old...I replace instead of repair. hearing your unit is only ~3.5 years old...it would be worth contacting the mfgr to schedule service. some items in your washer may have extended warranties (could be part only...could be part and labor - you pay the home call charge). so...do your research - check the mfgr's web site for warranty specific to your unit. this would be a great place to find any recall or reworks.

also...IMHO...~3.5 years...2 persons in a home....appears to me this is limited use and too early to be experiencing a failure. you might want to check with the mfgr to see if they have a consumer relations department. who knows...they might offer you some discount upon repair or pro rated replacement.

hope this helps.....k

 

[OverplanninJess]

From what I gather from the Maytag website the warranty on the transmission is 5 yrs-I plan on calling on Monday to find out our options. Thanks everyone for all of the tips-I'll update when I find out more info.

 

[tlh0726]

Definitely call the manufacturer and explain what happened. They may be able to troubleshoot the problem.

 

[TinaMcTeer]

This happened to us. We bought ours from Sears and when I called them they offered a limited waranty?? that we ended up buying for $150.00. It covered up to $500 in repairs for a year or they would give you a credit for the $500 to go towards a new one if the repair was to cost more than $500. We ended up just getting a new one and ended up paying $200 OOP. Just another option depending on where you bought it.