Back to the washer.

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I was able to get the front panel of the machine off. It ended up being quite simple when I finally got around to actually simply trying. I am a bit stuck at the moment though. I had hoped, if I could get the front panel and at least one other panel off the machine, I would be able to see the fittings, hoses, or if nothing else run it while open and look for the leak (is that even safe?). My problem is the rest of the machine is a solid surround. It looks as if there is a front panel, the top panel with the load opening, and the rest is a single piece of formed sheet metal. I suspect I could possibly see where the leak is, or get a better idea. But the compartment is too full for my mechanically lummox sized hands to reach in anywhere. And, I am not sure I actually could see the leak.

Taking it apart further might be possible. This would require, if only simple connections are holding it together, a serious reach at some incredible angles, using a screw driver or socket with one hand and blind. It is not looking all that likely, thought I am going to poke and prod around the machine for a bit to see if there is something I am missing. Some of the bolts look like they might be inside a covered area, requiring either an L screwdriver or open wrench, but they are in the far back of the machine. Oh I hate this. I am betting there is an easier way. Or do they really build these things so as to keep people out?

By the way, knee pads really do make a lot of work much easier. I remember beating up my knees when I used to do various things. When I was younger, beating up the knees was incentive to get the job done quicker and to not put myself into a position in which I would have to work on my knees. Old and poor, knee pads are the thing. Besides, I actually like working on things now. I just... do not know how. Yet? And, actually, even my cheap pair will probably last me years, maybe a lifetime. I suppose it might pay for contractors, in several ways, to buy the good ones. Actually, when my mother arrives, I will probably buy her a pair. No, I do not like her down on her knees but how in the world do you stop such a woman? I think she will be surprised. Initially puzzled, perhaps a bit dismayed at the seemingly silly "gift", but in the end I think she will be quite pleased. How odd the things we never consider until they drop on us?

Well, back to it. I just wanted to bark a complaint in a way somebody might hear. I do not listen to my own whining anymore and the cats just look at me when I bark the way women usually look at men when we say there is a mechanical problem of some sort. I get the feeling they see my unhappiness as a... personal problem. Only interesting because I use such a rich vocabulary or have neat expressions on my face. Then they go right back to preening once their fascination has ended. Ah well. Back to the dungeon.

Update:

While looking online, again, despite little luck to date, I came across a bit of helpful information. At least a notion. The idea is that there is supposed to be a way to flip the top of the machine up, in my case. Going back to the machine, I see there is no real way to do that. The top is connected with machine screws and perhaps zipstrips (which suggests someone else has worked on the machine more recently). As well, one of the other problems my machine has is brown spots on clothes.

Since I found a couple sites which seemed more on target, I decided to review that problem. It seems that the most likely culprit is the seal around the agitator shaft, allowing water down into the transmission. Oil being lighter than water, floats up into the washer. And water stays in the transmission. The fix for that is a new seal and transmission. Beyond being a lot of work, the cost is quite high, assuming I could find the parts. Along with a leak of an unknown source and the difficulty even getting into the work area, I think I am calling this one dead.

If I had more room, and then a way of disposing of the machine, I would love to take it apart by any means necessary just to look things over. Actually, it comes down to space. Oh, I could rip it apart in the living room. I could fill the garage with it and the parts. But I think neither idea really works. So, I am going to close this up and beginning looking for a good new or used machine. A used machine, if new enough where parts could be found and reasonably(?) might be an option. But do I really want to have to tinker with a machine even so? And yet, many new machines are just as bad right off the truck. LG seems to be a decent brand and would come with the offer of an extended warranty.

I am thinking...