Due to pressure from roomies, I'm going to have to at least temporarily, retire the '78 LK. I was trying to repair my '78 compact LK, but I'm unemployed right now and roomie who's footing the bill for now, refuses to put $70 into new motor for small machine for 6 people, even temporarily, while I gather resources to re-build LK from centerpost bearings up.

But, he IS willing to spend up to $350 for a new machine (and I may be able to thrown some more).

Therefore, any recommendations on what to get? Prefer an FL since we do so much laundry, but TL is OK. I'm going to check out one of those places that deal in discontinued models, overruns, and damaged merchandise and see what they have.

This won't be popular advice; Take it from one who fixes them for a living, for the $$$$$ you can't go wrong with Whirlpool top load. Go for the Super plus capacity. Sears is selling a model on sale for $299.00. I think it is a closout. Sounds like it will be within the budget. Simple design, easy to fix. In the REAL world they are hard to beat!

John

However, since it's 6 people, make sure the washer has the Dual-Action agitator! While I've heard (and will find out soon...) that the DD Surgilators and straight-vanes are fun to watch, many people have said that the turnover is TERRIBLE if overloaded, or even loaded normally.

--Austin

The washer I am referring to in the above post DOES have a dual action agitator. It is under the Kenmore label Stock #24642 for $299.00. I usually order online and pick it up at the store to avoid delivery charges. Keep us posted!

John

Good advice, John. Budget concerns are the real world for most people and the Whirlpool/Kenmore does offer the best value for the dollar.

Just got back from shopping, and Sears has a $399 deal for their model 25842. It seems to have the same features the LK had, in fact it's somewhat more flexible in that one can apply, say, slow agitation to long cycle. The only thing I was leery about was the:

"Shredmore" reputation. But, I see, they've gone back to 3 speeds again, so I imagine that problem can be mitigated.

The "cracked outer tub" problem.

Also went to one of those places that sells overstock, dented stuff, etc. They had an electronic GE (though not the TOL electronic model) that I sort of liked, especially since I like electronic things and the LK was electronic.

So, what I ned to know is who makes the better washer repair-wise, GE or WP? That's what I'm ging to base my decision on.



Cheapest FL machine was a Frigidaire FL with the control panel on top(at this same store) for $548. Liked the LG I saw for $750 at Best Buy. But both are out of budget range. I didnotice that FL machines HAVE come down in price since they were re-introduced. The $1500 Hetties and Duets are now around $1000. Siemens and Bosch are now the pricey ones. Also saw a KA version of the Duet.

Further on the '72 LK portable, turns out the starting winding on the motor is bad. Neither a new switch or capacitor will make it start. Only runs if you give it a twirl by hand. And talk about a difference in prices! I priced the motor from a low of $72 (Johnstone Supply) to a high of $150 (local large parts supplier). That's even way higher than the Sears price ($109). Another example is the pump for this same machine. Sears price was $45.49. I had printed out the page and when the counterman looked up the price on his part, it was a little over $60. So he charged me $48. It was an FSP part, not a Gemline or other aftermarket brand.

Whirlpool/Kenmore is the EASIEST washer to service, by far. No comparison to ANY top loader. I know you had wonderful luck with your electronic LK, but given the choice, I would stay away from GE washers for now!

John

Avoid a plastic tub GE washer at all costs!!!

Here's a thought- any used app. dealers in your area? Maybe you can find a decent used washer, Like an older Maytag or something. With 6 roomies, who wash at will and probably overload/oversuds, and I'm sure no one but you is a wash expert, get something heavy duty & simple to use with not alot that can be messed up. 6 or 7 hands handling the thing is almost like a laundromat situation.... You don't want to invest alot of $ & have anexpensive machine hit the skids
Jerry

Good advice Jerry; I've seen used/refurbished BD Whirlpool/Kenmore machines as well as Maytags and GE Filter-Flos at good prices; mainly $140 or lower. However, if you do spot a Maytag or GE that you like, make sure they're large capacity machines, as many models (especially the older low-end Maytags...LOL) have tubs that are painfully small and that appears obvious when you open the lid. Anybody remember the "capacity figures" for old GEs?

Also, have you considered a used Frigidaire FL? They've been around since 1996, and many stores have them (at least around here).

"Budget concerns are the real world for most people and the Whirlpool/Kenmore does offer the best value for the dollar."

I agree Greg; while Frigidaire, GE/Hotpoint, and Maytag TL's have a large tub for their price range, I don't think they clean nearly as well as a Whirlpool/Kenmore/Roper machine. I had to use a Frigidaire and a plastic GE for a week and was not impressed at all. A DD machine does have many benefits in the value aspect, such as better turnover and cleaning ability because of the vigorous agitation and non-indexing METAL tub. The WP/KN agitators don't feel as flimsy as the current Maytag, GE, or Frigidaire agitators either, IMHO.

By the way, I was at Lowe's last week and I could have sworn that the Maytag Performa machines had a plastic tub...just the way it looked and didn't "clang" when you tapped it like a porcelain tub would. Very sad.

The Kenmore sounds like a good deal, I've used lots of these machines and the two and three-speed models aren't nearly as rough on clothes as their (somewhat undeserved) reputation would lead you to believe. Many middle of the line machines have a period of high agitation, then switch down to low speed for the remainder of the wash time selected. I've seen countless WP/KM direct drive washers, some used a short time, some used very heavily and 20 years old and never once have I seen any evidence of a cracked outer tub, an extremely rare occurence I'm sure. I did see a ball point pen between the basket and tub, but that did no damage to the machine, I just rasied the water level high enough to reach the pen with the tub ring removed - boom boom done!

Be very wary of the electronic control GE washers, I've picked up several of these and aside from the usual seal or mechanical problems, most have had bad motors that try to run in high and low speed at the same time and end up chugging through cycles and eventually burn out in a short time. I think the GE machines are far more rough on clothes than the WP/KM multi-speed washers, the best bet is to stay with what you know anyway - get the Kenmore ;-)

I didn't see any Maytags at Menards earlier today other than the genetically spliced Amana/Norge versions - all with plastic tubs. The top of the line model they carry has a SS basket - $569.97. Tsk, tsk, tsk...

Poor Maytag... They are getting ready to settle the class action suit on the Neptunes, looks like they will offer repair or reimbursement for prior repairs out of warranty, replacement credit toward a Maytag Neptune TL, replacement reimbursement for previously replaced Neptunes (a percentage refunded in the form of Maytag appliance purchase certificates)...maybe, all of these remedies are at Maytag's discretion.

I should call to see if they will still honor the recall on the Combination! Maybe I could get a brand new Neptune TL set!! Nahhhhhhh....I'll keep the combo - I might send them pics though...

In my admittedly humble experience, a Whirlpool is the way to go if you want to buy a new washer. My brother has a 5-year-old DD Whirlpool with a straight-vane agitator, and he has no complaints. Or, you could wait 'til October for a Speed Queen!

I've heard a few of you refer to a small lint filter in the post of the Whirlpool DD straight-vane agitator, but haven't been able to locate one while browsing through Best Buy or Lowe's. I thought these machines had gone self-cleaning a long time ago (including BOL models). The cap doesn't come off, and there are only a few holes in the post, which I thought were there to allow air to escape as the tub filled. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding or viewing the wrong models. Can someone please explain further?

Thanks guys!
Pete

Beware of plastic tubs in washers. When I moved to Las Vegas, my company placed me in a corporate apartment until I could find a house here. It had a small GE stack unit. We're talking about 1999 or so vintage. Within a month I noticed all my clothes having a sandwashed effect to them. Not fun!

It turned out the holes in the plastic tub were tearing up my clothes. It appeared they were drilled or molded from the outside of the tub inward, thuse leaving very rough edges inside the tub. Luckily I was just there a couple of more weeks, otherwise, I would have added a new wardrobe to my expense account!

Is $350 the maximum amount to be spent, or is that just the amount that particular roommate is willing to contribute to the pot?

Interesting that Fisher & Paykel is seldom mentioned as a viable choice to those shopping for a new top-loader. Ahh, well, I've thoroughly enjoyed mine.

Hi Pete,my old wp washer had this agitator that lifts off.It was a modular surgilator,the top barrel lifted off to expose a filter in the bottom of the agi barrel.The skirt had 5 vanes on it. I have not seen this on any of wp's washers in a few years.Most of the bottom of the line models now have a 4 vane skirt,but i think they are now all self cleaning.

Pat

Poor Maytag... They are getting ready to settle the class action suit on the Neptunes, Gansky you are so right. POOR MAYTAG. How could anyone not think what has happened to them is so saddening.They were so wonderful with just 3 products w/d and dw. When the center timer design was changed seems like things were never the same. Just my 2cents worth alr2903

Maybe Whirlpool and Maytag should merge and become Maypool.

This was the maximum amount. However, I got the '72 LK portable up and running and so we're thinking of holding on until we save enough to get an FL machine. But, now the '72 has devloped a problem. Did several loads flawlessly, but now apparently the timer has stopped advancing. After fill, sometimes the water shuts off, but agitation doesn't start. Other times, agitation starts byt the timer doesn't advance and it just washes, and washes, and washes, and washes. First thought was water level switch, but then when it started agitation, suspicion switched to the timer. I imagine it's possible for BOTH to be bad. Of course, just another bump in the road (sigh)

My partner gave me a new Whirlpool dd straight-vane for Christmas in 1999. Unfortuately, he doesn't share my passion for appliances. This is a basic 2 speed machine. We have never had a problem with it. And I have always been very impressed with the roll over action no matter how loaded.

I am a 100% Whirlpool advocate. Every major appliance in our home is Whirlpool.

Problem solved, turns out the timer motor stopped turning, even though it had done several cycle with no problem. I know a lot of you guys are against WD-40, but not having anymore $ to invest (already spent $48 for pump, $10 for capacitor, and $75 for motor). I thought I try it anyway. Took timer motor off, sprayed it, and Voila, it started turning at normal speed. Fixed a leak in the pump manifold (it's totally rubber attached to the outer tub, unlike the full size machine manifolds that are plastic and fit into a rubber collar that is squished between the outer tub and the baseplate) and leaked where it went through the outer tub) with silicone sealer. Once the silicone cures, I can water test, re-assemble, and get this thing on the road again. Amazingly, the replacement motor is 1/2 hp, just like the full-size machine. Definately a little bigger tha old motor, which was from GE and welded together. New motor is from Emerson Electric, made in Mexico, and would you believe, GLUED together! Got it at Johnstone Supply.

I agree 100% Robbytuck.Most of our appliances are Whirlpool or Whirlpool made and i have not experienced any problem with their products.Yes and the straight vane agitators in their low end machines DO ROLLOVER very well any size washload.
Boy,can you tell i'm another WP fan :-)

Pat

Here Here; I second that emotion. Whirlpool products have ALWAYS been the preferred brand!