Thread Number: 60789  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Breaks won't release for spin cycle 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 834134   7/28/2015 at 02:56 (3,193 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        

Today, I've serviced my SQ top loader. It's been a stellar performer for 12 years and it was time to give it some tlc. I've put a new belt in, cleaned everything on the inside and installed a new timer; the old one was misbehaving (not advancing properly or consistently). After my loving ministrations I put it through a cycle to see if everything was fine, but it wouldn't release the tub breaks for the spin. The tub remains locked in place, the motor wants to spin, but nothing moves. Yesterday I washed a few loads, everything was working fine mostly. Only once did it not want to spin, but, after I advanced the timer and reset it to spin, it worked fine. This is the first time that's every happened and I'd like some feedback from you good people as to what is causing this and how it can be remedied.




Post# 834294 , Reply# 1   7/28/2015 at 23:44 (3,192 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions

 A good friend of mine, who repairs washing machines, fixed it. He changed the pulley that controls the agitate/spin function and put a smaller belt in. Now the machine takes off like a jet plane when it spins and it washes really quiet too. It's good to know people in the know. Gosh, I'm a lucky guy. With good karma and my tlc I should expect another 12 years of trouble free service from my gorgeous, wonderful, amazing SQ traditional top loading, water hog washer.

To clean my machine, even though it is in tip top condition, he suggests that I do a hot wash on regular with 4 lbs of rock salt.

Luv youse all XXX



This post was last edited 07/29/2015 at 01:34
Post# 834298 , Reply# 2   7/29/2015 at 01:26 (3,192 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
Some pics

 Of my laundry machines for your personal enjoyment, including cavity shots. I know you all enjoy a cavernous opening (or two).

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 7         View Full Size


This post was last edited 07/29/2015 at 03:31
Post# 834299 , Reply# 3   7/29/2015 at 01:30 (3,192 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
more photos

 Of the companion dryer. I hope that's enough washer porn for everyone.

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 4         View Full Size
Post# 834304 , Reply# 4   7/29/2015 at 02:38 (3,192 days old) by washer111 ()        
Nice!

 So your machine hasn't succumbed to the apparently commonplace tub-seal failure?
That must be a miracle!

Its refreshing to see a reasonably modern appliance that hasn't been serviced to an inch of its life by 12 years.

Only ones we've had like that was our "vintage" Hoover TL, was 15 years when it packed in (major water leak/electrical hazard), a 1987 Chef Oven that broke when we tried installing door hinges we made a condition of purchase for our previous house (nearly 8 years after that fact) and a pigeon-pair of F&P refrigerators from 1999.

Definitely do the hot water washes as preventative maintenance. To get that much rock salt, check your local hardware store for either pool salt or salt for water softeners. Same stuff, just different grinding consistency (much like coffee).
I suppose, seeing as I'm here, I should include the obligatory notice to "Put your water heater through its paces" doing more Hot Washes/Warm rinses. 'Specially if you've got solar, 'cos it won't cost you a dime :D

OBTW, loved the washer porn. Your machines would have Hollywood's-Own shaking by the britches.

Post# 834309 , Reply# 5   7/29/2015 at 03:24 (3,192 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        

Hi there washer111

My previous Kleenmaid washer lasted about 20 years and then the tub seal failed, or was it a rusty tub? I don't remember. It was uncanny though and happened the day the repairman came. For a few months there had been a small trickle coming out from underneath that machine and I had called the service guy to make an assessment. He had filled the machine and put it through its paces and, as expected, it worked without flaw. He left it standing with a full tub to check the source of the leak. We were discussing the value of repair over replacement within earshot of the old washer. This feller offered a good deal on a brand new Kleenmaid (SQ), (as seen in pictures). It really was as if the machine was listening and decided to help me make up my mind. All of a sudden it just let go of the water. It didn't trickle, but gushed out from underneath. That was in 2003 and the replacement had just gotten off the boat from America. I believe it had been manufactured three months prior to me buying it. The repair dude pointed this out when he delivered and installed it.

I know how to take care of my stuff. Warm and hot washes are standard laundry practice in my house and so are warm rinses. I have gas hot water btw. Yesterday I also opened up my dryer and cleaned that out. Not that there was all that much lint in there. I also wanted to see if the belt and rollers needed replacing, but it all still looks and works just fine. That dryer is actually older than the washer. I got that off another friend, who was downsizing in the late nineties. The original rollers were changed when I first installed this machine, but that's all the maintenance it's ever had. It's a great dryer and it's fast.

As my mate was fixing my washer, he was telling me that there is a good and consistent demand for restored Kleenmaid/Speed Queen washers. People pay as much as a thousand bucks for them. He reconditions and sells between three and four machines a week. I just hope that mine will last another decade and, based on personal experience, that is not an unreasonable expectation.

Post# 834335 , Reply# 6   7/29/2015 at 08:05 (3,192 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
great job, I would like to know more about that pulley upgrade and the belt...part numbers if you have them.....

seemed like the helix was not opening the brake up enough to allow it to release, never encountered an issue like that

Raytheon built machines were prone to tub seal failures and excessive belt replacements.....if this is an Alliance built machine, those issues were corrected......







Post# 834547 , Reply# 7   7/30/2015 at 21:33 (3,190 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
Mr Yogitunes

 I asked my friend to give me the part numbers, but he hasn't gotten back to me. When I find out I'll put the info up for you.

Post# 834693 , Reply# 8   8/1/2015 at 00:02 (3,189 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
Mr Yogitunes

 The belt was labeled RSPC #200923 and the other replacement parts were the idler wheel and bearing, part #510142P from Alliance Laundry Systems.

This is the first and only belt change in 12 years. No excessive belt wear and tear, but with this new belt and bearing the machine runs smoother, quieter and the spin sounds faster. The breaks work fine also. Everything is as it should be and my laundry universe is in harmony once more.

Good day too you Sir.


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