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Thread Number: 50839
direct drive discussion |
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Post# 731311 1/28/2014 at 17:24 (3,734 days old) by akronman  (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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I believe most makes of DD washers are now over 20 years old, but so far I have concentrated on pre-1980 machines, all belt drives. Being newer and often more plentiful on CL, yet still often inexpensive, what are some good/bad DD models and makes to look for in the first generation of direct drives? I've seen lots of $25 and $50 machines on CL(and lots of $200), I have paid them no attention and would be starting from scratch on knowledge. And I guess if I ever get some DD, I also want the dual-action agitator. So what's the scoop? I am all ears. Sorry if this is too wide a topic. I scan CL 2x weekly, some day I gotta buy a DD fom the 80s.
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Post# 731319 , Reply# 1 1/28/2014 at 17:57 (3,734 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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well, for the most part they haven't changed in all these years underneath, maybe a few upgrades, but nothing major......the tranny, motor, and pump setup was used in every model, so they could be interchanged for the most part....
I know the first generation that came out were spin drain versions called D2000 and I think they were 24 inch models only, and then they went back to the Neutral drain.....the only concern with one of these is finding a tranny if one is ever needed, not impossible, but not plentiful either..... about the only upgrade was a pump with a flapper valve to eliminate cavitation noise, and a more heavy duty coupling was used.... some models were one speed, 2 speed, and rare 3 Speeds...... I think if I had to have just one, it would be an electromechanical Lady Kenmore, or a Digital Limited Edition with the full panel light....for one of the newest models go with a Catalyst machine as pictured here... 
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Post# 731321 , Reply# 2 1/28/2014 at 17:59 (3,734 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Post# 731507 , Reply# 4 1/29/2014 at 11:58 (3,733 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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Thanks
Yogi--Whirlcool-----I have no problem with Whirlpool Kenmore, and you are right, they should be plentiful and inexpensive. Fortunately, some Craigslist folks just see a 20 yr old washer as "used and old" meaning $50 or less. Cool!
I am surprised no one chimed in with other brands. Thanks for the advice, the dials and knobs are preferable in my book to the electronic controls. Cheaper/easier to repair/replace at age 25. | ||
| Post# 731509 , Reply# 5 1/29/2014 at 12:04 (3,733 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
Plastic Knocker | ||
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Post# 731534 , Reply# 6 1/29/2014 at 13:55 (3,733 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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Plastic knockers
...made me think this thread was hijacked into a breast enlargement theme!
Hiya Malcolm---Your Chrome Crown on my Speed Queen is currenlty set aside, I am doing a throough once-over and seal/boot replacement for years of continued use. As for noise-----I have a 1-18, a Norge, and a Hoover TwinTub, it won't bother me at all! | ||
| Post# 731543 , Reply# 7 1/29/2014 at 14:23 (3,733 days old) by DigAPony () | ||
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it is migraine inducing! The cure for that is the soothing "woo-woo-woo" of a Maytag helical drive washer... (Speed Queen long stroke TL's are easy on the ears as well).. | ||
| Post# 731562 , Reply# 8 1/29/2014 at 15:10 (3,733 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
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Actually... | ||
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Post# 731571 , Reply# 9 1/29/2014 at 15:28 (3,733 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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just as well Mark, if you find one with the 'sound package', wonderful.....if it doesn't have one, we can always add it, mine was in a basement as well, and added a few pieces or insulation, just to see how quiet I could make it......that knocking can be tuned down drastically!
even a Kitchen Aid is available as a DD, and look for that larger base agitator, again, not like we could not add one, or use to interchange!...I would look for the model with 3 speeds, and if possible the dryer with the window.... 
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| Post# 731660 , Reply# 10 1/29/2014 at 21:51 (3,733 days old) by ddbeltdrive () | ||
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3 Speed Model 70 Here is my 3 speed Model 70. Its a 2000 model. It was treated to a new clutch assembly and motor coupler and a pump. It does not have Automatic Temp Control. It does however have the quiet pak insulation. 
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| Post# 731676 , Reply# 11 1/29/2014 at 23:10 (3,733 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas) | ||
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Our Whirlpool doesn't make knocking noises while agitating. The laundry closet is adjacent to the den and while in there we don't hear it at all. It makes more noise filling than it does while agitating. | ||
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Post# 732104 , Reply# 12 1/31/2014 at 18:46 (3,731 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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I didn't know KitchenAid made a set that looked like this....and had the Catalyst option.....
beautiful set....just a little pricey.... CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK on Reading Craigslist 
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Post# 732111 , Reply# 13 1/31/2014 at 19:00 (3,731 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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Hey Martin
That set looks FINE, way too fine for me! I'll just watch Craigslist for some early 80-s Kenmore/WP at $75 or less for the washer. I have enough dryers, and am just looking for a decent representative of direct-drive, dual action agitator----any old 2 speed 24" Kenmore----cheap!'
' something will turn up, no doubt. | ||
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Post# 733446 , Reply# 14 2/7/2014 at 00:08 (3,725 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI) |
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Post# 733496 , Reply# 15 2/7/2014 at 10:49 (3,724 days old) by lovestowash (St. Petersburg, FL) |
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I have the same machine as Dave... | ||
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Post# 733503 , Reply# 16 2/7/2014 at 11:23 (3,724 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI) |
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"Wash & Wear", is actually "Line Dry"--an er
However, last night there was a "Ch-ch-ch-" noise & the machine hesitated when it started after the fill (had it on Normal: Slow Agitation; Fast Spin, which is what I mostly use) and the laundry room lights flashed!
I turned off the machine, though I think it was after I'd set the speed to Heavy Duty (Fast, Fast) then then everything went to normal... Then I switched it back to the speed it was on originally & even did another load today and everything went back to normal! Hope that minor glitch was only temporary... -- Dave | ||
| Post# 735439 , Reply# 20 2/15/2014 at 13:46 (3,716 days old) by vintagekenmore (Spokane, Washington) | ||
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forgot to add: I dont raise the lid during the drain or spin portions of the cycle. | ||
| Post# 735441 , Reply# 21 2/15/2014 at 13:56 (3,716 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas) | ||
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Sounds like the clutch may need servicing/replacing. Those aren't very expensive. Usually under $20.00 or so. | ||
| Post# 735444 , Reply# 22 2/15/2014 at 14:06 (3,716 days old) by kitty () | ||
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@vintagekenmore: I think your neutral drain assembled is broken in the transmission. @whirlcool: I must not be a direct drive fan. They are really noisy. [to me] | ||
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Post# 735485 , Reply# 23 2/15/2014 at 17:28 (3,716 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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 A direct-drive machine can run with a "slipping" neutral drain mechanism without much adverse effect. Off-balance risk is increased to some degree if the user tends to run too high of a water level for the load size ... the items will float loosely and may bunch together until the whole mess of water and clothes gets up to speed and the water level drops so the items make contact with the rotating basket. | ||
| Post# 735551 , Reply# 25 2/15/2014 at 21:48 (3,716 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.) | ||
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Wow, he's still got the Kenmore in a box after 27 years? What has he been using that is keeping it packaged? | ||
| Post# 735702 , Reply# 27 2/16/2014 at 19:20 (3,715 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c ) | ||
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Re Kenmore ITB. Its setting on a pallet in his basement!! I tried everything to get him to sell it, not for sale!! he said when the one he is using wears out, he is going to use it, I think the one he is using is a 84 or 85 model. | ||
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Post# 735741 , Reply# 28 2/16/2014 at 22:18 (3,715 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.)) |
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WP/KM DD machines.
There are NO bad ones. These are the most reliable TL washer design EVER! Don't believe the "Shredmore myth" these machines clean clothing well and are no more dangerous to fine fabrics than any other TL.
My current daily driver is a 1996 DD WP that has never needed a repair outside of agitator dogs which is a $5 and 10 minute repair. WK78 | ||
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Post# 735743 , Reply# 29 2/16/2014 at 22:35 (3,715 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Whirlpool Built Direct Drive Washers
Are not only the most produced top loading washer in US history but also one of the best all-around machines in durability and performance.
As a SQ dealer I feel that the SQ TL machines are a good value and if you still want a new traditional TL washer it is the only real choice, but a Super Capacity WP, KM or KA DD washer with a dual-action agitator is a much better washer that the SQ any day. The next best washer to a DD would be a WP built Belt Drive machine however the DD is much more durable, longer lasting and easier to repair. John L. | ||
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Post# 735744 , Reply# 30 2/16/2014 at 22:36 (3,715 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Whirlpool Built Direct Drive Washers
Are not only the most produced top loading washer in US history but also one of the best all-around machines in durability and performance.
As a SQ dealer I feel that the SQ TL machines are a good value and if you still want a new traditional TL washer it is the only real choice, but a Super Capacity WP, KM or KA DD washer with a dual-action agitator is a much better washer that the SQ any day. The next best washer to a DD would be a WP built Belt Drive machine however the DD is much more durable, longer lasting and easier to repair. John L. | ||
| Post# 735792 , Reply# 31 2/17/2014 at 07:05 (3,714 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c ) | ||
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Well... I bought a new set of fairly TOL Kenmores in 2001...I used that washer 3 days and took the set back!! I personally wouldnt trade 1 good belt drive for all the direct drives ever built. | ||
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