The Queen is Sidelined...


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Thread Number: 32186
The Queen is Sidelined...

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Post# 485517 12/31/2010 at 16:08 (4,857 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well, here we are closing out the year with no functioning washer. My Speed Queen top loader is not quite 5 years old, but yesterday while trying to wade through the table linens from three dinner parties this week, as well as bed linens for some overnight guests and a mountain of towels, dishcloths and so forth, we stopped functioning. Here is how it went. Loaded and started the washer. Water going in and went downstairs to put some things away. 15 minutes later I come up and hear nothing. Thinking I either left the lid up or forgot to pull the timer knob out - but wait, do I smell something like "hot machinery" or almost a burning smell? Indeed I do!! Tried the timer dial on several different positions, and nothing. Completely dead. By now it is 4:15pm, so I called for service and unfortunately, no one can come out until Tuesday, but the owner of the service company thinks it is a belt. If that is the case, then it isn't a big deal, but I am not running a commercial laundry here so thought I could have gotten more than four plus years before that happens or is that unreasonable? So I bailed out the machine, wrung out the towels and this morning headed to the coin laundry with everything. Must be something about New Years' Eve - the place was packed and I had to wait 30 minutes for a few washers...Very bizarre. Still drying

Post# 485525 , Reply# 1 12/31/2010 at 17:06 (4,857 days old) by KenmoreBD (Mass, usa )
Checkrate/Likes Oh no it is never fun not haveing a working washer, Im not tech guy but it sounds like maybe the motor went bad? Or maybe the winding im not sure if speedqueen motors have that part or not?

Post# 485530 , Reply# 2 12/31/2010 at 17:32 (4,857 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)
Checkrate/Likes First question....does it pump out?.....as in does the motor run, but no agitation or spin...this would indicate a broken belt.....you could have that put on yourself in less than 30 minutes also...after a cool down does the motor now run...overheated maybe?

Post# 485531 , Reply# 3 12/31/2010 at 17:33 (4,857 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes Wow it does sound to me that the motor is dead and not a belt. If it was a belt the washer would be able to drain since the pump is a direct drive right off the motor. And the motor has only a 5 year warranty on it and it looks like if your machine is 5 years old you may have to cough up for a new motor. Not to mention the labor involved. Oh that just plain stinks.

Post# 485549 , Reply# 4 12/31/2010 at 18:42 (4,857 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well, we haven't hit the 5 year mark yet. The machine went into service in May, 2006 so if it is the motor, we may have just made it under the wire. I should have mentioned that on one of the earlier loads, when the machine was in the spin cycle, it "sounded" like it was taking a long time to reach full spin speed and the clothes emerging from the cycle were too wet. Not sopping, mind you, but I could wring some water of the dish cloths. Now this was not a full or particularly heavy load. Then it was the next load where the machine stopped dead in the middle of the wash cycle and put forth that odor. Now for some real confusion. Yesterday, the machine would do nothing -not even pump out the water that was in the tub. I just tried now, and whatever water was in the tub that I couldn't bail out pumped right out and the tub spun. So now I am thoroughly confused - belt or motor? Who knows???

Post# 485551 , Reply# 5 12/31/2010 at 18:50 (4,857 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes Could be that the motor just overheated or it could be dying a slow death. I had that happen to a washer years ago and it was a solid tub SQ washer that was bought in 1975. The motor died on it about 6 months later and did it stink. Nothing like burnt motor smell.

Post# 485553 , Reply# 6 12/31/2010 at 18:53 (4,857 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)
Checkrate/Likes *might be belt* could be a worn belt-if the fabric "slip"coating has worn through,the belt might not have enough slip causing the motor to overload and trip the thermal protector when tring to spin. '81 and newer speed queens are one of several washer designs that use a special"clutching" belt.

Post# 485555 , Reply# 7 12/31/2010 at 19:02 (4,857 days old) by magic clean ()
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Don't* overlook the power supply to the washer. Check to make sure there is a consistent 110-120 volts to the machine while it is running under load. Sometimes an outlet, circuit breaker or fuse holder can deteriorate; creating intermittant trouble.

Post# 485595 , Reply# 8 1/1/2011 at 04:15 (4,856 days old) by alr2903 (TN)
Checkrate/Likes Oh no, Angus i think you and I had the Amana twins, with the center seal leak. IMHO the Amana and SQ are pretty similar machines. I hope its a cheap fix. My craigslist tags are older than many of our members.Please keep us posted on the outcome. The "New" SQ's have been in service long enough now, to see just how great they are. I know many here like the machines. We will now see if they are all they claim to be. alr2903

Post# 485613 , Reply# 9 1/1/2011 at 08:18 (4,856 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *CALL ALLIANCE* I also have a SQ washer, I would call Alliance and let them know, if there are any out of pocket expenses, I bet they will cover them! Let us know what happens, and I wish you good luck. Mike

Post# 486207 , Reply# 10 1/3/2011 at 21:10 (4,854 days old) by kqkenmore (memphis tn)
Checkrate/Likes *Speed Queen* Oh I so hate to hear this because I just bought a Speed Queen washer today it is going to be delivered tomorrow. I hope that Aliance treats you right check them out on facebook.good luck

Post# 486209 , Reply# 11 1/3/2011 at 21:25 (4,854 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Call Alliance as mentioned--they've always been a class act on even the smallest of my concerns. Basically if it's under warranty, you can go on their site, locate an authorized servicer and they take care of what's still under warranty. I would call first to make sure if your warranty is still in effect though.

Post# 486387 , Reply# 12 1/4/2011 at 17:53 (4,853 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *LET'S NOT GET HYSTERICAL NOW!!!!!!!!!!* Ok people, let's not get hysterical LOL. Everything, and I mean everything sooner or later will need service, if it is a motor, or a belt, Alliance will cover it. I had the VP of marketing at Alliance personally call me when I let Alliance know how much I liked my machine, that I went out and bought one for my mom. I would feel a million times better dealing with an American company, and English speaking customer service reps who I can understand. ( No offense to anyone out there in the Middle East ) Try this with Sears, Whirlpool, and GE or LG. It just sucks waiting to get your machine looked at. Best of luck. Mike

Post# 486610 , Reply# 13 1/5/2011 at 19:51 (4,852 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well the technician from the local authorized company (Ted's Appliance Service in Shelton, CT) came and he diagnosed my problem as a "stuck idler pulley". Unfortunately I was on a conference call when he arrived so i couldn't watch the whole thing, but apparently the pulley wasn't putting enough tension as the tub was emptying so it couldn't reach the full spin speed. So he cleaned and adjusted the pulley and the machine seemed to be working fine after that. Now regarding the issue where the machine simply stopped working, he couldn't find anything specifically wrong with the motor. So he advised me to "keep an eye on the machine". He surmises that the motor may have overheated as a result of the other problem and stopped. Of course, I am no technician so I have no idea whether the idler pulley should have been replaced as opposed to cleaned and adjusted and as to "keeping an eye on the machine" for future motor issues, well I find that kind of silly. But under the circumstances, was that a reasonable approach? And for the record, I emailed customer service at Alliance to ask the same questions. I already know that the machine is past it's three year warranty, but the motor is still covered under the 5 year limited warranty until May, 2011. And by the way, as Alliance pointed out to me, only the motor is covered, not the labor. Anyway, I will report back on how they answer my questions. I am not looking to scam anyone or get something for nothing, but if a motor problem surfaces after the 5 years is up how will I know it wasn't something that had its origins while still under warranty?

Post# 486620 , Reply# 14 1/5/2011 at 20:52 (4,852 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *Alliance is a reputable company................* It's all in how you deal with Alliance, listen, you have this repair on record, sounds minor to me, glad it is, so don't worry about it. If something happens to the motor, I am sure they will replace it at no charge due to the circustances. Let us know what Alliance says. By the way how is the new ShopRite in Shelton? Mike

Post# 486679 , Reply# 15 1/6/2011 at 06:21 (4,851 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Cool* Sounds like your Speed Queen just needed a little TLC.� Makes me wonder about annual maintenance on any washing machine.� Sure seems like we ask a lot of our machines to run without ever tending to them. Malcolm

Post# 486747 , Reply# 16 1/6/2011 at 11:59 (4,851 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes Well this thread had me thinking...is your washer in the basement and is the basement a bit coolish? I am doing laundry today with my SQ washer and its not extracting like it usually does. My washer is in the basement so I am wondering if its too cold down there for the washer to function properly.

Post# 487176 , Reply# 17 1/7/2011 at 22:45 (4,850 days old) by djmjlcst (Bloomington, Illinois)
Checkrate/Likes *SQ in the cool......* Our SQ washer is also in the basement and the air temperature hasn't affected performance at all. Our basement is a bit on the cool side, but not uncomfortable. We have carpet runners in front of the washers and dryers to keep your feet warm instead of standing on the cold concrete. I don't wear shoes in the house when home from work so I just go around in stocking feet. So far since the washer and dryer were purchased in 2007 no problems whatsoever. Mike L.

Post# 487215 , Reply# 18 1/8/2011 at 04:23 (4,849 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well, so far we seem to be OK after 7 loads so i am not going to obsess over it - I am banking on Alliance's reputation that if something does go wrong they will be honorable and do the right thing. To answer your question, Mike, the machine is and has always been on the main floor so it hasn't been in a damp or cold basement. It's funny, but I thought I was so observant. I realized a little while ago that after hearing the machine spin now, it must have been several weeks that we weren't spinning at full speed. The change was so gradual, it took a while for me to notice, Oh, well back to the laundry.

Post# 487332 , Reply# 19 1/8/2011 at 16:28 (4,849 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes I guess I spoke too soon. Two small loads in a row, one of socks and lightweight colored t-shirts and another consisting of 12 small terrycloth hand type towels used for cleaning emerged wet enough where I could wring some water from each item. Again, the machine sounds like it is not reaching the full spin speed. So here we go again...

Post# 487350 , Reply# 20 1/8/2011 at 17:02 (4,849 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *I would be there when the repairman comes again...* and insisit that the motor / and idler pulley be replaced, and ask what woudl cause this to happen, but first call Allliance, and let them know you are not happy with your repair. Mike

Post# 487369 , Reply# 21 1/8/2011 at 17:32 (4,849 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Motor* Does the motor run throughout the final spin cycle? Does agitation appear slow? If the motor is running, what makes you think it is bad? Malcolm

Post# 487386 , Reply# 22 1/8/2011 at 18:31 (4,849 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes With mine the motor is running fine but I dont think that the idler is clamping too tight on the belt so it isnt spinning as fast as it usually does. Agitation mode there are no issues, but spin is a different story. Some loads extract fine others not so much. Towels it seems to have issues and then jeans. With mine it just started doing that so I am wondering what the hell. All I could think of is that the basement in my situation might be the issue. It could be too cool.

Post# 487388 , Reply# 23 1/8/2011 at 18:37 (4,849 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)
Checkrate/Likes With most machines I have that use a spring tensioner, I usually either add another spring, or pull and secure the original to add a little more tension for a quicker spin/agitation

Post# 487398 , Reply# 24 1/8/2011 at 19:33 (4,849 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes *SQ TL WASHER* If the idler pulley had a problem the belt should have been changed as the extra slipping is hard on the belt. The weakest part of the SQ TL washers is the belt. Your problem is not likely the motor. We are an authorized SQ service dealer but keep in mind it is very hard to repair machines over the internet.

Post# 487400 , Reply# 25 1/8/2011 at 19:50 (4,849 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Here's one for you... As an authorized Speed Queen service dealer, have you ever heard of a timer problem because some of the timers from earlier models were made in Mexico? I stopped at the place that serviced my machine and talked with the owner (who was not the guy who came out to the house). He mentioned that perhaps the belt may need replacement, but also said he had some issues with timers that he replaced and sent back to Alliance. He suggests that the problem may also be the timer since it controls the agitation/spin speed. Possible? Or am I going down a dead end with these guys and should I just find another servicer?

Post# 487409 , Reply# 26 1/8/2011 at 20:48 (4,849 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes I used to own a Kenmore TL, I washed a full load of towels and forgot to raise the water level. The result was that the coupler broke....I called a local repairman, he replaced the coupler, the machine worked and stopped again on the same day. I called again, told the repairman the problem, and his response was...it must be something else, he came back and sure enough it WAS the coupler he replaced. My advice, get a different repairman, like angus said why didn't he replace the belt? I didn't even think about that. Most likely that is the problem. But again, call Alliance, explain your problem, ask their advice..have you ever had this happen before etc....STAY WITH THE REPAIRMAN, NO CONFERENCE CALLS! Your first visit by the repairman did not sound right to me. A&E is also an authorized serivce provider for SQ as well. Let us know what happens, good luck and be patient. Mike

Post# 487508 , Reply# 27 1/9/2011 at 09:58 (4,848 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Worn Belts* I have always believed that belts on any machine should be changed on a regular basis. As a belt wears, it will ride deeper in the pulley channel resulting in a loss of performance. I used to change the belt on my grandma's kenmore annually. Grandma liked to load up the kenmore so things could hardly move. But that is another story. Since the belts on a Speed Queen do the clutching of the spin as water is pumped out, they should be changed on a regular cycle. Malcolm

Post# 487568 , Reply# 28 1/9/2011 at 14:45 (4,848 days old) by DanManTN (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Does anyone know how to change one on a modern SQ? Please post if so...I'm a maintenance nut on just about anything.

Post# 489181 , Reply# 29 1/15/2011 at 20:16 (4,842 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes OK - round two is over and I am officially at my wit's end. This is a bit long so if you are short on patience, skip this post. The same guy came out today. He called first to ask if i could have clothes in the machine so he could see what was happening with a load of clothes. So I put in a load of towels. Based on my discussion with the company owner last week, I thought this guy was coming with a new belt and idler pulley and was to check the timer. He did none of this. He took the front off and played with the idler pulley for a while. Then he supposedly checked the motor draw and concluded it wasn't the motor. During this time, the machine had finished its cycle which included an extra rinse. He refilled the machine at least twice and let it run through again. During the spin cycles, the machine again sounded like it wasn't getting up to speed until almost the very end of the spin cycle if it did it at all. His conclusion was that there is nothing wrong with the machine and that the reason the machine never reaches the full spin speed is that I am using too much detergent. How did he arrive at this conclusion? The washer empties into a relatively deep slop sink and there is always a little water left in the bottom of the sink after the machine spins. So for example, when the rinse water comes flying out of the machine and with the force it does so, there is some foam on top of the water in the sink. He determined that means I am overdosing. Now it should be noted there are no visible suds in the washer or on the towels at this point. He went on to grill me about how much detergent (Tide with Bleach powder) I use, so i showed him the scoop and the fill line I use - less than a full scoop (not quite to line 2) with a full towel load. He actually went as far as to pick up the Tide box and read me the directions since I apparently don't know what I am doing. Of course, when he picked up the box, he tilted it back to better see the instructions and since it was almost full, dumped about 2 cups of detergent on my floor. No apologies, not even an acknowledgement that he did this, just kept insisting there was nothing wrong and it was all the detergent and I should probably use something else. So to cut to the dismal end, the machine finishes spinning and I have had enough of his detergent lecture. I also got a look at the service report he prepared that literally said that the malfunction was caused by the fact that customer needed to be instructed to use less powdered soap and that after the three additional rinses, the machine is extracting normally. To prove his point he pulled a towel out of the machine and shows me that he can't wring a drop out of it. I couldn't take it anymore and told him that I disagreed with his finding, that I believed there really was something wrong with the machine that had nothing to do with detergent and that anyone could tell the machine was still not spinning fast and smooth . I took the same towel and proceeded to wring a good 1/4 cup of water from it. Then I went to a face cloth and did the same thing. Well, that sealed my fate - he grabbed his tools, and literally barked at me "Well, I guess I will just have to talk to Ted about this, sir" and took off slamming the front door in the process. You know, I realize we all have our neuroses. etc... but I am trying to be reasonable. I am completely certain something is wrong and it mystifies me that no one is interested in diagnosing. I have lived with this machine for 5 years and know its sounds and rhythms. I know I had that issue when the machine stopped completely and wouldn't agitate, drain or spin. I realize I am not an engineer or technician but when does an appliance have to explode for someone to take an interest in it? Who knows, maybe I really am imagining this whole thing - but that load of towels that was supposedly perfectly extracted took almost two hours to dry. I didn't imagine that!! I just don't know...

Post# 489188 , Reply# 30 1/15/2011 at 20:31 (4,842 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *I hate to say I told you so.....................* GET ANOTHER SERVICER OUT THERE IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY, and call Alliance, sorry to shout, but I am Italian, I can't help it. Try A&E Service, but first call Alliance, and talk to someone. Mike

Post# 489273 , Reply# 31 1/16/2011 at 06:47 (4,841 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes OK, no need to shout. Once I cooled off I figured that was the only way I was going to get this thing fixed. Of course, being Italian, I am sure you understand that I needed to vent first and get over the blind rage that comes when you know that the person lecturing you is dead wrong!!! To me that is unconscionable. And yes, I will contact Alliance. If nothing else they need to know how one of their authorized and recommended servicers treats their customers. Besides, contrary to what my friend Mikey the genius engineer thinks, I am not looking for a replacement machine. I actually like this one, since the newer models have eliminated the warm rinse option, no longer have a true hot wash and have dropped the maximum water level.

Post# 489276 , Reply# 32 1/16/2011 at 07:48 (4,841 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *No Longer Have a TRUE Hot Wash?* What does that mean? Malcolm

Post# 489279 , Reply# 33 1/16/2011 at 08:09 (4,841 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)
Checkrate/Likes He should have changed the belt!!!!!!!!!!!

Post# 489296 , Reply# 34 1/16/2011 at 09:57 (4,841 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes My AWN542 2009 model has a true hot wash...and 'fixing' the water level was childs play.

Post# 489300 , Reply# 35 1/16/2011 at 10:07 (4,841 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Malcom - sorry for the confusion, it was my understanding that the new commercial units for coin laundries actually mix hot water with some warm. Now I heard that third hand so I should have footnoted that comment. Regarding the water level, it may be child's play, but the point is that the newer machines don't offer anything I want more than what I have now. I just want mine to be fixed properly. But the lack of a warm rinse option would be problematic for me.

Post# 489304 , Reply# 36 1/16/2011 at 10:32 (4,841 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Yeah, I think as an industry, traditional top loaders are at the end of the road...I would be surprised to see anything new coming out--just the ability to get one will soon be a luxury. All R&D I'm sure is going to front load and efficient top loaders. Previously the only time I would use warm rinse was so the tub would fill faster - but someone posted on the board that it would help with wrinkles - haven't verified that yet with my '03 WP.

Post# 489318 , Reply# 37 1/16/2011 at 11:28 (4,841 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes *SQ WASHER SPIN SPEED* You should not be able to easily or even at all wring water out of towels spun at hi speed from your washer. I would insist the tech bring a tachometer out and verify that the washer is spinning at full speed with a load of heavy towels in it.

Post# 489326 , Reply# 38 1/16/2011 at 13:15 (4,841 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Spin Speed* So, the question I have is this. How long does it take the machine to pump out a tub full of water? After the water is pumped clear of the machine, how long does it take for your machine to reach top speed. Perhaps someone with a functioning machine can time theors and relate the statistics. I suspect that any laziness of the machine to achieve top speed spin in a timely fashion is due to a worn drive belt or something binding the tub preventing spinning freedom. Of course, the first place to start is probably gonna be changing out the belt. Malcolm

Post# 489330 , Reply# 39 1/16/2011 at 13:36 (4,841 days old) by appnut (TX)
Checkrate/Likes *Stupid question* I haven't kept up with the most fine tune points about this saga, but my question is this--with a mechanical timer, what is preventing you from resetting the machine at the beginning of the final spin, once finished, and let it spin again and hopefully it reaches top spin speed before the conclusion of the spin period, especially since it's not having to deal with pumping out a tub of water and sopping wet laundry.

Post# 489333 , Reply# 40 1/16/2011 at 14:02 (4,841 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)
Checkrate/Likes i have done what appnut mentioned a couple times with my filter flo when it has thumped away imballanced when i was away from it and didn't get up to speed.. My two '84 "marathon"speed queens(with belt driven pumps,but quite simular to the modern versions including the tubs) actually have a pretty fast pumpout and get up to speed fast. Seems to be some varience in the quality of "clutching"belts used in certain washers these days

Post# 489360 , Reply# 41 1/16/2011 at 16:53 (4,841 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)
Checkrate/Likes Angus, First thing I would do tomorrow is call "Ted" (the owner?) up and tell him to fire the ass----- "technician" who did not repair the machine. Mistreatment of a customer who did cooperate as you did has been upheld in the courts as reason for termination (and Not collecting unemployment). It sounds like you have been entirely reasonable and did not deserve to be treated that way. Then the second call would be to Alliance to find out who they could send to fix your washer and tell them your experience with this service company. If Alliance cares at all, they will dump that company and send out a technician who knows what they are doing. If they (Alliance) cannot recommend another technician ask them to send the parts at no charge - probably cost them less than to have service and with all of us here you can fix your washer. By the way, I am Irish (from both sides of Ireland) and I can shout too!

Post# 489372 , Reply# 42 1/16/2011 at 17:50 (4,841 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes To answer Bob's question...as I am having this issue as well with my washer...I have done the reset the timer to the final spin and for some reason sometimes it will reach top speed but most times it does not. I am doing laundry again tomorrow and I am going to see if she still does the slow spin again. I usually dont have an issue with the first 2 loads...its the loads after that I have problems with. I ruled out the fact that the rinse water is ice cold this time of year so that shouldnt matter. I too know the sounds of my machine and I know when its at top speed. Agitation isnt affected.

Post# 489403 , Reply# 43 1/16/2011 at 19:39 (4,841 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *Angus.........* Yes ,being Italian, I do understand the blind rage...LOL, please keep us posted as to what happens, I hope you get it resolved soon, there definitely more servicers in Connecticut. Take care, Mike

Post# 489404 , Reply# 44 1/16/2011 at 19:42 (4,841 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes My machine empties fairly fast and used to hit the full spin speed early in the cycle. To Mike's point, I have re set the timer and just got another slow spin. Also to Mike's point, it does seem to get worse with successive loads - although the first load isn't up to normal speed either. And yes, both Ted and Alliance will get a call tomorrow.

Post# 489410 , Reply# 45 1/16/2011 at 20:11 (4,841 days old) by appnut (TX)
Checkrate/Likes *seem to get worse with successive loads* Hmm. Two machines with almost exact occurrences start symptoms start happening after two loads. Definitely an issue and I'm wondering if it's something in a design which is causing whatever to start happening after successive loads.

Post# 489428 , Reply# 46 1/16/2011 at 20:52 (4,841 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)
Checkrate/Likes Could it be possible that somehow the motor is running on the delicate speed during spin? That might explain the dampness, but is that possible? Which also brings up: Years ago, didn't Consumer Reports say that Speed Queen and Amana had higher-than-average spin speeds? Would the current design be higher than average?

Post# 489429 , Reply# 47 1/16/2011 at 20:54 (4,841 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)
Checkrate/Likes With my machine its a one speed motor. There is something going on with the belt /idler. I am going to call Alliance tomorrow as well...there is something to this.

Post# 489445 , Reply# 48 1/16/2011 at 21:31 (4,841 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Sorry, I don't think it's a design flaw. One manchine is almost five years old and praobably just needs a new belt, after five years of use, and Mike didn't you once say your tenant is using your machine?? I'll bet they are overloading it, check it out. I suppose it is good that something like this happened so we know to be more vigilant with the serviceman. Angus, I am sorry but you should not have been on a conference call during your first repair. Ask questions, knowledge is power, just like you did on your second visit. Tell the repairman you want your belt changed, but first confer with someone from Allinace about your experience. Mike

Post# 489446 , Reply# 49 1/16/2011 at 21:32 (4,841 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Oh yeah, and let's not forget these are the same machines that get used constantly in laundromats.

Post# 489523 , Reply# 50 1/17/2011 at 08:23 (4,840 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Hmmm...* I imagine most laundromats have some sort of maintenance schedule in place. Malcolm

Post# 489962 , Reply# 51 1/18/2011 at 20:51 (4,839 days old) by tbolt25 (Kentucky)
Checkrate/Likes *my AWN412* I also have a Speed Queen (model #AWN412) top-load washer, and from reading these posts, I wonder what I should do to avoid having any of this trouble with my AWN412 washer?

Post# 490022 , Reply# 52 1/19/2011 at 06:20 (4,838 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Measurement* I wonder if there is a measurement that is used to determine when a belt is worn beyond its usefulness. I suppose everyone with a machine over a year old could order in a new belt and compare the thickness. Then make your own judgement on when to replace. I suppose a worn belt would also reduce the number of strokes per minute as well as top spin speed. Malcolm

Post# 490033 , Reply# 53 1/19/2011 at 06:44 (4,838 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes SIMPLE.........Don't overload the machine!

Post# 490044 , Reply# 54 1/19/2011 at 08:15 (4,838 days old) by Combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes *SQ WASHER BELTS AND OTHER BRANDS TOO* The best way to tell if you need a new belt for any machine is to compare it to a new one. If you can see noticeable wear, glazing, cracking, stretching and piles of black belt dust under the motor pulley you may need a new belt. Severe overloading is not good for any washer or dryer but I believe far more damage is done in the long run with under-loading. Most of the parts that will ware out in a washer, dryer and dishwasher will do so based on the number of cycles the machine is run not an occasional large load. Almost all W&Ds today are built to commercial standards and we actually see very few problems that can be attributed to overloading. All three types of machines are far more energy efficient with full loads, also full washer loads balance better and actually reduce ware on bearings and suspension systems, this is especially true of the new FL and faster spinning hi efficiency TL washers today.

Post# 492115 , Reply# 55 1/28/2011 at 14:11 (4,829 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes Was there a final outcome?

Post# 493180 , Reply# 56 2/1/2011 at 20:25 (4,825 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Almost, but not quite. When we left off, I had that altercation with the repair tech. The following Monday, I called the owner, who agreed that I still had a legitimate problem and he would order the new idler pulley, belt and bracket. One week later and no word, I contacted him again and was told that one of the parts was out of stock and they would have to order it from another supplier. Meantime I called Alliance and talked with a customer service rep. He was quite patient and helpful and suggested I find out where this servicer was ordering these parts and let him know. His take was that this was most unusual as there were plenty of these parts available. Last Saturday, I went to the owner and got the information I needed. He was quite affable and reiterated that the parts should have been changed. Yesterday, I received a message from him saying that the part were back ordered indefinitely and that he spoke to "Kevin" (remember him???) again and he decided he agreed with Kevin that my problem was too much detergent. He went on to say that he would refund the amount of the original service call and that if I insisted on having someone do unnecessary repair work, I should call someone else. Finally, he pointed out that I should just run a load of hot water with 3 cups of bleach to fix the problem. So, called Alliance again and reported this situation. The rep offered to send me the parts directly and suggested a few other servicers in my area. He also asked me to let him know the outcome and apologized for the entire incident. He was particularly disturbed by the fact that Kevin's original "repair" was to clean the existing idler pulley and spray it with WD-40. Anyway, I probably shouldn't have gone as far as I did with Ted's, but I had paid for the service call and figured I could give the old man a shot at correcting the situation. Unfortunately I didn't figure that Kevin was his son... Hot water and 3 cups of bleach??? Really!!!!!

Post# 493186 , Reply# 57 2/1/2011 at 20:37 (4,825 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)
Checkrate/Likes We've had good service out of "A&E" I think is the name after a few bad incidents from "local" repair people on my mom's Whirlpool products.

Post# 493285 , Reply# 58 2/2/2011 at 07:09 (4,824 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes What shocks me is that you would think a small local outfit would want to put their best foot forward. I can't believe they aren't struggling amid the competition. On the other hand, I guess if you charge $85. for a service call and spend a whopping 10 minutes (like Kevin did the first time) and don't actually do a proper repair, you can rack up quite a bit of dough squeezing in as many "repairs" in a day as possible.

Post# 493286 , Reply# 59 2/2/2011 at 07:14 (4,824 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Hmmm...* Sounds to me like they wont be affiliated with Speed Queen for very long. You may want to file a complaint with the BBB as well. Malcolm

Post# 493291 , Reply# 60 2/2/2011 at 07:35 (4,824 days old) by alr2903 (TN)
Checkrate/Likes Do we know if "Kevin" ever attended an Alliance factory repair seminar/class? He works for Dad. In this economy i doubt SQ/Alliance would willingly right off a "dealer", especially since they are so "picky" about there sales venues. I ain't drinking the kool-aid. Will just press on here with CL Maytags. alr2903

Post# 493356 , Reply# 61 2/2/2011 at 12:34 (4,824 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *What makes you think "Kevin" ever worked on a Speed* I'd be willing to bet that Kevin never saw the inside of a Speed Queen washer of any sort, front loader, or top loader. His dad sounds like a putz, and I bet he has only repaired or worked on WP branded direct drive washers. I TOLD YOU THAT THEY WOULD HELP YOU AT ALLIANCE DIDN'T I ANGUS????? WELL?????? and WHAT took you so long to get back to us???? WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT YOU? lol OH, sorry I AM SHOUTING AGAIN.....REMEMBER I AM ITALIAN. Mike

Post# 493530 , Reply# 62 2/2/2011 at 20:22 (4,824 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well, Mike - took a while to get back on this as I had some other issues with roof leaks due to snow, etc... and was traveling for business for a few days, so was a bit out of pocket. I can't confirm if Kevin or Daddy Ted ever repaired an SQ, but they sell them which is perhaps even scarier. Needless to say, when I replace my dryer, it won't be coming from there. Anyway, thanks for worrying about me. I appreciate that.

Post# 493629 , Reply# 63 2/3/2011 at 06:31 (4,823 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *I am glad you are ok...........................* Angus, I too have been dealing with leaks. We are getting walloped here in Connecticut. I have had my share of travel horrors on 84 this past month. I hope everything works out with the machine, and stay safe and well. Talk to you soon.. Mike

Post# 494753 , Reply# 64 2/7/2011 at 19:13 (4,819 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)
Checkrate/Likes *slow spin* just a thought....how high is your standpipe? when i first got my sq tl, my standpipe was 50 inches from the floor. i cut it off to the 36 inches shown in the installation instructions and it seemed to help the water pump out faster. i never had the problem with the slow spin, but i wonder if the height of the standpipe might be contributing to the probem........

Post# 495056 , Reply# 65 2/8/2011 at 20:43 (4,818 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes My machine doesn't empty into a standpipe. It empties into a deep slop sink next to the machine, so the drain hose is around 3-4 inches lower than the top surface of the machine. I actually do have a standpipe, but there have been issues with it due to some plumbing mistake and to date haven't had the time or wherewithal to break the wall and fix. Also, since I am considering moving the laundry I don't see any point to fixing something that is going to change anyway.

Post# 495910 , Reply# 66 2/12/2011 at 09:30 (4,814 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)
Checkrate/Likes Well, we are back in business. Alliance sent the idler pulley repair kit with instructions that whoever was going to repair the machine was to replace the entire assembly along with the belt. I received the kit Thursday, and Jeff's Appliance and Vacuum Service came this morning. Surpirse!! Steve, the technician, took exactly 10 seconds to confirm that it was indeed the belt and said that it was a good thing that Alliance had sent the entire kit since Kevin had managed to soak the entire assembly with WD-40. Steve couldn't have been nicer and more professional. He stayed on to run the first load and ensure that everything was working as it should. He also mentioned almost apologetically that SQs tend to go through belts every 4-5 years or so. If that is all that happens, then I am lucky indeed. Anyway, the Alliance customer service technical support guy, Ray, asked that I call him to let him know how things turned out. I will do that Monday - he even seemed disappointed that I had a weekend service appointment because he wanted to speak with the repairman while he was here servicing the machine. Obviously, Alliance isn't opened on weekends. So there you have it folks, while I am still furious at Kevin and Daddy Ted, I am thrilled with Alliance for paying such close attention and taking care of the parts and to Jeff's for the good service.

Post# 495925 , Reply# 67 2/12/2011 at 10:50 (4,814 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Angus, Can I just yell one more time........I TOLD YOU SO MAYBE NEXT TIME YOU'LL LISTEN!!!, there I am done. I knew you would be happy with Alliance, and that the father and son team you were dealing with were morons. Anyway remember, I am Italian, and I can't help yelling.........by the way I was just on I-84, and I saw an A&E Appliance Repair truck, and was wondering about your situation. I am glad it was only the belt, and that everything worked out for you. Peace my brother, Mike

Post# 495953 , Reply# 68 2/12/2011 at 13:09 (4,814 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Good News.* That is good to hear. Malcolm

Post# 495959 , Reply# 69 2/12/2011 at 13:33 (4,814 days old) by appnut (TX)
Checkrate/Likes Anthony, am very glad things FINALLY worked out the way they should have, and supposed to have, done all along. Shame on daddy and son. They don't deserve any of your business any further down the road.

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