Thread Number: 60519
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Dating a Whirlpool.... |
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Post# 831707 , Reply# 1   7/10/2015 at 14:37 (3,212 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Keith,
That is a 1982 Whirlpool model, as the K in the stock (LA553K) and model number (LA5530XKN2) stands for 1982 models. It was built in the 41st week of 1984 however, so this was another of those longer-running models. I wasn't aware that the woodgrain models were still in production in 1984, but yes, not only is your machine over 20 years old, it is over 31 years old. Why is it lacking? Gordon |
Post# 831708 , Reply# 2   7/10/2015 at 14:41 (3,212 days old) by thefixer ()   |   | |
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Made in October of 1984. Belt drive, nice machine! |
Post# 831730 , Reply# 4   7/10/2015 at 16:50 (3,212 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)   |   | |
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Keith you can uses the normal cycle for most durable clothing without harming the fabric because of the long stroke agitation! You can adjust the water level switch by turning a screw underneath the control panel to a higher level so you don't have to hold the switch. Also the anemic high speed spin 525 RPM is fine with the 4 mini sprays. The purpose of the 4 sprays is to allow the pump to keep up spin speed without water locking the basket (like suds lock). And most fabric damages is not cause by the washer but by dryer. High heat causes wrinkling, color changes, shrinkage and other hosts of wear! As long as you use a good detergent with the least amount of time during the wash cycle, clothing damage will be kept down to a minimum! CLICK HERE TO GO TO cleanteamofny's LINK |
Post# 831732 , Reply# 5   7/10/2015 at 17:11 (3,212 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Here's my view:
I've been using this type of machine my entire life. The normal speed agitation is meant for everything but delicates. These older belt drive Whirlpool and Kenmore machines have rarely if ever (I only say 'rarely' in case there is one or two posts in here somewhere but I'd like to say 'never') been accused of being rough on clothes. I would say that you don't need to be concerned about using the faster agitation, in fact you will find better washing results with the Normal cycle. The delicate spin speed is definitely anemic, but it is intended to be for delicates that could stretch when moving to the basket edges during spin. There has been many a comment over the years that these machines don't spin fast enough, but nobody takes into account the basket diameter, which is a factor in calculating centrifugal force, which is what actually spins water from clothes. While these machines aren't warp-2 fast for sure, I find them sufficient as my laundry in normal cycles takes about 50 minutes to dry a full load of thick towels in a good Whirlpool made dryer. I don't care how fast the spin speed, that's an OK dry time. You are correct though in using something other than a delicate spin for everyday laundry. Timers in these washers always run during the rinse fill, but only for one or two minutes, depending on the model. During these one or two minutes, the machine will not engage agitation even if the water level is satisfied. BUT, at the end of the prescribed minutes, the timer is supposed to advance one increment where the timer motor stops. It stays stopped until the water level is satisfied. At that point, the machine engages rinse agitation, AND the timer motor resumes advancing. Nearly all belt-drives have a 2-minute rinse, though a few older machines had a one-minute. Your machine should be rinsing on any of the three main wash cycles (Normal, Perm Press, or Delicate) for two full minutes. If it is not, there is a flaw in your timer or your water level switch, probably the timer. There should be four spray rinses (those little bursts of water) during the first two minutes of both spins on the Normal cycle. some timers were set for 5-second sprays in the energy saver era of the 1970s/80s, others had 7-second sprays. There are variations model to model on spray rinses in Perm Press and Delicate. If you're using a good detergent and not too much of it, you shouldn't need to augment spray rinses and the deep rinse at all, as many newer washers don't give you the sprays that these older ones do. In the event of the occasional sudsy rinse, especially on towels, many people use a dash of fabric softener to kill suds. Its much better than using more water. I would be a bit careful adding extra water above the full level on this machine unless the water level switch is out of adjustment. The outer tub tops in these machines are very prone to rust degradation. A water level higher then normal will just keep the tub top wet, or wetter more often. This also puts more pressure on the centerpost seals under the agitator, which hold the water from flowing down into the bearings and transmission. I would investigate further the rinse fill issue you mentioned as that could certainly cause usability problems if you aren't getting a full two minutes agitation. My machines of the capacity like yours aren't even half full when the two minutes is up, and probably need two more minutes to fill fully. I can see why you'd have a short rinse if your machine is filling and not agitating during most of your rinse cycle. The rest of what you mentioned is fun, and part of what we like to do when playing with our washers, but I wouldn't think any of it was necessary. Try the Normal cycle for your regular washes, unless your agitator has some rough edges on it, it won't cause any clothes wear if loaded properly. I hope this is of some help! Gordon |
Post# 831916 , Reply# 7   7/12/2015 at 01:34 (3,211 days old) by Realvanman (Southern California)   |   | |
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There are no rough or broken edges on the agitator, and the basket looks good too :) The water level is about three inches from the top. Keith |
Post# 831924 , Reply# 8   7/12/2015 at 05:11 (3,211 days old) by retro-man (- boston,ma)   |   | |
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From your pics that appears to be the correct level of water in the tub. You have to account for the waves of water from the agitator and clothes. Jon |
Post# 831925 , Reply# 9   7/12/2015 at 05:38 (3,211 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)   |   | |
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1. Always sort laundry by weight and colors and fabric type. 2. Never wash cottons with polyester shirts. Pilling will occur on the Polyester/man made fabrics! 3. Wash Jeans inside out using cold to warm to keep colors longer with the shortest wash time as possible 6-10 minuets! Also wash jeans alone to prevent dye transfers. 4. Pretreat stains accordingly before stains sets. 5. Use good detergent and the proper measured amount for the load for best results! (slippery water feel test) 6. Fabric Softener is optional and used according to directions. 7. Rubber backed bathroom rugs should be washed on the gentle cycle. 2 minuets. agitation 5-10 minuets soak, then advanced to drain and spin to complete cycle and hang to dry. These rugs tends to loose its backing by the 10th wash cycle so keep an eye on that backing! And happy washing in that Whirlpool! |
Post# 831939 , Reply# 10   7/12/2015 at 08:01 (3,210 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
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Post# 831969 , Reply# 11   7/12/2015 at 12:32 (3,210 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)   |   | |
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Post# 832036 , Reply# 13   7/12/2015 at 22:32 (3,210 days old) by realvanman (Southern California)   |   | |
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http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Whirlpool+Automatic+Washer%2C+%2782+model%2C+built+10%2F84 CLICK HERE TO GO TO realvanman's LINK |
Post# 832039 , Reply# 14   7/12/2015 at 23:01 (3,210 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Post# 832040 , Reply# 15   7/12/2015 at 23:08 (3,210 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 832075 , Reply# 17   7/13/2015 at 09:52 (3,209 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Keith -
You need a replacement filter for sure, as the locking latch mechanism is gone on your old one. There were two versions of this filter, a more rounded or tapered one with the spikey triangular teeth on it like yours that was used only on Whirlpools, and one without the rounded front corner and different pin-like pegs, which is the Kenmore version. They are interchangeable, and an updated Kenmore version survived at Whirlpool as the 'fits-all' replacement part. These filter cartridges are fairly pricey at $25-$40 on eBay now when someone has a new one, but I think I may have a spare WP part. Would you like me to keep an eye out for one? I think you'll be glad to have it vs. no filter at all. Gordon |
Post# 832283 , Reply# 19   7/14/2015 at 17:55 (3,208 days old) by supersurgilator (Indiana)   |   | |
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You have an AWESOME machine there. I love those old WHirlpools. I hope you will make more videos in the future! |
Post# 832286 , Reply# 21   7/14/2015 at 18:34 (3,208 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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