|
Thread Number: 48718
Speed Queen AWN542: I've Joined The Club! |
[Down to Last] |  |
Post# 705659 9/27/2013 at 11:13 (3,854 days old) by Frigilux  (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
I enjoy having a top-loader as a 2nd washer in my laundry room, and generally switch out models every few years to try something new. The Frigidaire Immersion Care has been a fun machine to play with, but all the talk of Speed Queens lately had me itching to get one, too.
I placed an order for an AWN542 only moments ago! My small-town appliance dealer has to wait to amass a larger order before getting mine, so it will be awhile before it arrives. He has an AWN432 on the showroom floor, but I want the step-up model. Checked the archives and saw how easy it was to defeat the lid switch (thanks, Yogitunes) and raise the water level, so I'm in. This will probably be the top-loader that finds a permanent home in my laundry room. Washman, I guess I have you to thank for depleting my bank account, LOL. The power of suggestion at work. Looking forward to owning the last of the old-school spin-drain washers. Now, some questions for those of you with an AWN542: 1) Is there actually a gentle agitation speed, or is "gentle" actually regular, intermittent agitation? 2) It appears the machine spin-drains and shuts off at the end of the soak cycle; or does it automatically advance to Prewash and the regular cycle? 3) Speaking of Prewash, is that simply an extension of agitation time, or does it drain and refill for the main wash? 4) Does the Perm Press cycle have a cool-down? If so, how does it function? Thanks in advance to anyone who can reply with helpful information. 
This post was last edited 09/27/2013 at 13:32 | ||
|
| Post# 705679 , Reply# 2 9/27/2013 at 12:19 (3,853 days old) by mtn1584 (USA) | ||
|
BTW Congrats. and welcome to the club!!! Mike | ||
| Post# 705688 , Reply# 3 9/27/2013 at 12:49 (3,853 days old) by JeffG () | ||
|
Eugene, here's a fast/slow chart for your washer. It covers some finer points of combining timer cycles and fabric selector options: CLICK HERE TO GO TO JeffG's LINK | ||
| Post# 705689 , Reply# 4 9/27/2013 at 12:49 (3,853 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
Congrats and... | ||
| Post# 705699 , Reply# 6 9/27/2013 at 13:39 (3,853 days old) by frocco (Sauquoit,NY) | ||
|
Congrats on your purchase. I am on the fence between a Maytag 7000 and the SQ TL or FL | ||
|
Post# 705703 , Reply# 7 9/27/2013 at 14:02 (3,853 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
Thanks for the link JeffG.....but it does not allow the variations I was hopeing for.....there are parts where the timer still controls/defaults the speeds....
I was expecting this to be like the GE FilterFlo.....I could select any speed for wash or spin to any cycle selected, and create my own variations....like using regular speed wash/spin, and use the gentle cycle, which now converts to a short cycle for a quick wash... or PermPress and fast wash/spin speeds for towels, the extended spin spray is excellent for rinsing.... with the SQ...you can alter some, but not total control as expected... | ||
| Post# 705704 , Reply# 8 9/27/2013 at 14:08 (3,853 days old) by golittlesport (California) | ||
 | ||
|
Post# 705705 , Reply# 9 9/27/2013 at 14:12 (3,853 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Frocco--- It's a tough choice! For a front-loading washer, I'd go with the Maytag, simply because it has more cycle flexibility, and if you like to wash large items like comforters, the Maytag's large capacity comes in handy.
My "daily driver" (as we like to call them, here) is a 2010 top-of-the-line Frigidaire front-loading washer. I like it a lot, they've not given me a bit of trouble (nor did my 1996 or 2002 Frigidaire front-loaders), and they were reasonably priced for all the features they offer. I've always preferred front-loaders. I think they clean better; they're gentler to clothing; and you can opt for a very fast spin speed if you want it. Items emerge half dry! They spend substantially less time in the dryer. Great for loads of towels, sheets, etc. They are custom-built to wash large, bulky items like comforters, bedspreads, sleeping bags, etc. I love having an internal water heater to for tough loads of very-stained kitchen whites, and for bed linens. The top-loading Speed Queen I just ordered will be fun to play with, and it will last a long time. But it will never be my "daily driver". This post was last edited 09/27/2013 at 16:02 | ||
|
Post# 705708 , Reply# 10 9/27/2013 at 14:22 (3,853 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
||
 | ||
|
Post# 705733 , Reply# 12 9/27/2013 at 16:20 (3,853 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
I stopped by the local LG-Whirlpool-Speed Queen dealer to look at the AWN432 that was on the floor, and honestly, I was not impressed. The lid was flimsy and didn't sit flat on the bumpers when closed. When I ran my index finger over part of the tub, sure enough, there was the dreaded greasy polishing compound. Doesn't make for a great first impression, that's for sure.
The 432 has a soak cycle and a prewash option in the regular cycle just like the 542. It appears the only real advantage to the 542 is the speed selector. Thought I might just buy the 432 rather than waiting for the 542 to be ordered. (Instant gratification junkie!)
But after seeing that warped lid and the grease in the tub, I'll wait and hope the 542 doesn't come with the same flaws.
| ||
| Post# 705736 , Reply# 13 9/27/2013 at 16:31 (3,853 days old) by washman (o) | ||
|
I hope so as well Mind was ok with regard to the polishing compound in the tub. 
| ||
|
Post# 705872 , Reply# 14 9/28/2013 at 07:53 (3,853 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Mike-- Thanks for the information. I will definitely make use of the Soak cycle when I run a test load of heavily-stained kitchen whites.
Jeff-- Thanks for the detailed chart of speed combinations. Have saved it for reference when the 542 arrives. Malcolm-- Jealous? You have a freakin' Miele, man! I'm the one who's jealous! Rich-- The extra rinse is a deep rinse, which can be added to the list of sensible things about the washer. Louis-- Thanks! There are plenty of videos of SQ top-loaders in action, so I doubt I'll bother with that, but am excited to put the machine through its paces. The Immersion Care has been gifted to a friend's daughter who recently graduated from college. She's renting a tiny but cute little house in town and is thrilled to have made her last trip to the laundromat. Her grandparents gave her their old Kenmore dryer. She's a great kid, and I'm glad to help her out. Washman-- I'm more than happy to support union workers! Question for you: Is the hot water temp dumbed-down on your 542 or do you get whatever temp is at the tap? (My gas water heater is set at 140 degrees.) | ||
| Post# 705877 , Reply# 15 9/28/2013 at 08:24 (3,853 days old) by mtn1584 (USA) | ||
|
Hot water temp is NOT, I repeat NOT dumbed down!! When my brother recently bought his AWN542, the salesman told him it was the last top loader with an actual HOT WASH!! So whatever your water heater is set at ...voila there is your hot water temp! Mike | ||
| Post# 705882 , Reply# 16 9/28/2013 at 08:38 (3,853 days old) by washman (o) | ||
|
Frigilux yes as hot as your water heater only the warm is dumbed down temp wise 
| ||
|
Post# 705888 , Reply# 17 9/28/2013 at 09:06 (3,853 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
@Jeff....
I was just hopeing the SQ with the fabric/speed selector was gonna allow total control over the speeds and mix/match to the cycles....the variations would have been endless... I was recommending this to a friend where there is a high pump out height, as long as its set to a high speed spin, these have no issues.....but thats not the case with this machine, for instance, Gentle is defaulted to a slow spin no matter what is selected.... Thanks just the same | ||
|
Post# 705893 , Reply# 18 9/28/2013 at 09:28 (3,853 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Martin-- Saw the post you made (archived) about how to disable the lid switch. Looks simple. Between the SQ and your help with doing the same for the Immersion Care, you are my go-to guy for disabling lid switches!
Ben and Mike-- Thanks for confirming what I hoped would be true. No dumbed-down hot water setting! | ||
|
Post# 705907 , Reply# 19 9/28/2013 at 10:59 (3,853 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Stopped by the Speed Queen dealership again to look at the AWN432 on the floor, and was concerned by one other thing that I didn't notice yesterday.
There are some grooves running all the way around the bottom inch of the tub wall. Ran my finger over them and they were pretty rough. Is this normal, or just another thing wrong with this particular machine? The young couple who own the store are at a buyer's meeting in Minneapolis, and his mom is watching the store for them 'til Monday. She called him last night and said I wanted an AWN542. He called back this morning and said he might be able to pick one up and bring it back with him tomorrow. Yay!! Calling all Speed Queen owners: What's up with the grooves I saw in the 432's tub? Thanks, guys, for all your input. I really appreciate your expertise! | ||
| Post# 705908 , Reply# 20 9/28/2013 at 11:11 (3,853 days old) by washman (o) | ||
|
no grooves on mine Sounds like that unit was built in a hurry | ||
|
Post# 705909 , Reply# 21 9/28/2013 at 11:14 (3,853 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
all to glad to help.....
the SQ lid switch has to be one of the easiest to override, and return to normal if needed....theres many ways to do it, but with a simple clothes pin, easy as pie..... your talking to the guy who goes outside the box....other changes I have done are: drilling out the hot water side of the valve to match the cold side, so warm is actually warm.....a 5 minute job the fill flume dumps 50/50 water into the inner and outter tub.....I took mine apart, and sealed the back portion, so during the spin rinse, all water is directed onto the clothes.... cutting the funnel/restricted end of the drain hose off for faster flow.... not to mention water level adjusment if needed.... but yeah, my next set choice would still be the AWN542.... the agitators on mine are solid fin versions, not the flex fin of the newer ones....the link is a video by our own DanMan, using a certain model number, was able to purchase these for a very, very low price...just a little more aggressive agitation CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK 
| ||
| Post# 706081 , Reply# 23 9/29/2013 at 09:05 (3,852 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
|
Jealous | ||
|
Post# 706091 , Reply# 25 9/29/2013 at 11:20 (3,851 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
Glad I can help.....
it's simple changes that make a world of difference...I know, can you believe a simple clothespin takes care of this, and reversed in seconds.....love the old school ways of this machine....
well.....you are gonna have to move the machine away from the wall.... but you don't have to remove the valve itself......I did it while it was still on the machine..... with both hoses removed, using a tiny screwdriver, or needlenose pliers carefully remove both screens.....you will notice the HOT side opening inside is smaller locate a drill bit that will fit the COLD water sides opening....you want to make them both even... using that bit, carefully and slowly drill out the HOT water side, the shavings should come towards you, of the few that there are, don't push hard with the drill, you don't want to go all the way thru, your just drilling out that little opening if you feel the need, squirt some water in there to flush out any debris, but there really should not be any.... replace the screens and using the tiny screwdriver make sure they are seated in place.....or use new washers with the built in screen.....I use both for safety, but the screened washer is placed at the faucet end for ease of cleaning... hook up water and test...your WARM should be just that!...WARM not even ten minutes to do this...... let me know if you run into any problems or how you make out.... | ||
|
Post# 706092 , Reply# 26 9/29/2013 at 11:27 (3,851 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
The "grooves" I'm talking about are actually deep scratches that run horizontally around the entire bottom inch of the tub wall, near where the two parts of the tub are joined.
I think Douglas may be right---the scratches look like something leftover from the grinding process. My question: Why are such defects allowed to get past inspection? I'm concerned because when I ran my fingers across that area, it felt very rough. Wouldn't want fabrics rubbing against it. If the 542 has the same issue when it arrives, I'm not accepting it. I don't care if the thing is a tank under the cabinet; if SQ sends out machines with roughed-up tubs (full of greasy polishing compound, no less) and warped lids, they're not helping the cause for high quality US products. I'm excited to get a new washer, but were it not for all the enthusiasm from members here, I wouldn't go near Speed Queen given the machine I saw on the showroom floor. | ||
| Post# 706094 , Reply# 27 9/29/2013 at 11:37 (3,851 days old) by DirectDriveDave () | ||
|
I am so jealous of some of you. I would love to have a place some day that can hold mutliple machines like that. haha | ||
| Post# 706105 , Reply# 29 9/29/2013 at 12:26 (3,851 days old) by retropia () | ||
|
Congrats on the new washer! It sounds like it will be a fun machine to play with. I hope yours arrives without any manufacturing issues. | ||
|
Post# 706119 , Reply# 30 9/29/2013 at 14:27 (3,851 days old) by imperial70 (MA USA) |
||
|
Thank you Yogitunes! Sounds easy enough to do. I'll give it a try. :-) | ||
| Post# 706177 , Reply# 31 9/29/2013 at 19:56 (3,851 days old) by DigAPony () | ||
|
carefully and slowly drill out the HOT water side I wonder if the same can be done on older Maytag inlet valves?? The hot water fill seems awfully slow on my A712. | ||
|
Post# 706182 , Reply# 32 9/29/2013 at 20:40 (3,851 days old) by imperial70 (MA USA) |
||
|
Just a thought: Slow filling hot water on 712: Could it be that there are clogged screens in the hot water hose or perhaps the valve itself has deposits that need to be cleaned out? | ||
|
Post# 706279 , Reply# 33 9/30/2013 at 06:32 (3,851 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
| ||
| Post# 706280 , Reply# 34 9/30/2013 at 06:42 (3,851 days old) by NYCWriter () | ||
|
LOVE IT! Looks entirely manual, not an LED in sight!!! Jealous here! | ||
|
Post# 706284 , Reply# 35 9/30/2013 at 06:59 (3,851 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
| ||
| Post# 706294 , Reply# 36 9/30/2013 at 07:45 (3,851 days old) by JeffG () | ||
|
A man in his 50s shouldn't be quite this 'kid at Chr Eugene, if a new washer constitutes your mid-life crisis, consider yourself lucky. I'm having thoughts about bussboys I never dreamed I was capable of. :) | ||
|
Post# 706295 , Reply# 37 9/30/2013 at 07:47 (3,851 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
||
 Congrats on your new washer, Eugene, I can't wait to hear how you like it. Sort of a leap into the abyss from your recent Elux/Frigidaire roots! ;-) I'm sure you'll like it.
We stopped over to the Nebr. Furniture Mart over the weekend as I needed a new cable modem and had a look at the new Speed Queen t/l washer models. Oddly, they have both t/l washer models but no front-loaders at all, not even the stacking set. They can order any of them and have them within a few days, but no stock on hand like the top loaders and dryers. The 542 t/l was $699 and the 432 was $599 but could be had for $20-30 less as is standard when haggling at NFM.
Good idea to direct all the water into the basket, Martin, I didn't know they were still doing this. I hated the SQ washers that had the faux filter ring and directed all of the fill spray into the outer tub. Spray rinse did little more than make a pleasing "we're using water to clean our clothes" sound and wet the outer tub.
| ||
|
Post# 706298 , Reply# 38 9/30/2013 at 08:24 (3,851 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
I think for the most part when it comes to valves, they seem to be universal....most parts houses are carrying one size fits all valves....
I did a switch out with the first SQ, I needed to borrow a valve off the SQ temporarily, to use on a Maytag..... when I got the parts store, and purchased a new one for the Maytag, it was the same one that came off the SQ...identical in every way, so I stuck the new one on the SQ.....but had to drill it out first... I don't see why a regular valve from an older machine would not fit, check for any restrictors, and as long as the mounting holes match up....you should not have a problem I know GE filterflo have a restrictor for water flow, not temperature control, again, easy to remove, but you have to take it apart to get it out......and my solidtub SQ have a restrictor, but again, for the time fill water flow... I remember a few 60's Whirlpool valves having a removable restrictor disc on the COLD water side, behind the screen, simple to remove.......funny how times have changed from a really WARM wash, to a really COOL wash | ||
| Post# 706301 , Reply# 39 9/30/2013 at 08:38 (3,851 days old) by washman (o) | ||
|
It's ok Frigilux to be excited I'm STILL excited and literally run downstairs to do laundry now. And with my nostaligic speed queen measuring glass, I can accurately measure my Austin's budget fabric softener 
| ||
|
Post# 706335 , Reply# 40 9/30/2013 at 12:01 (3,850 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Gansky-- Except for brief flings with a belt-drive Whirlpool (1985) and a button-eating KitchenAid circa 1989, all my washers have been either WCI or Electrolux-made.
1985- Whirlpool (only had it a few months before it went with house sale) 1987-- Frigidaire top-loader 1988-- Frigidaire front-loader (last of the old-school WCI/Westys) 1989- Kitchen-Aid top-loader 1990-- Gibson front-loader 1996-- Frigidaire front-loader (first of the Frigilux models) 2002-- Frigidaire front-loader 2006-- Frigidaire top-loader (agitator/indexing tub) 2010-- Frigidaire front-loader (first of the redesigned models) 2013-- Frigidaire Immersion Care 2013-- Speed Queen top-loader And that's only the washers! No wonder the local appliance dealers love to see me, LOL. | ||
| Post# 706344 , Reply# 41 9/30/2013 at 12:59 (3,850 days old) by retropia () | ||
|
What was that 1990 Gibson front-loader like? I don't believe I've even seen a photo of one of those. | ||
|
Post# 706386 , Reply# 42 9/30/2013 at 16:35 (3,850 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
| ||
|
Post# 708104 , Reply# 43 10/9/2013 at 05:31 (3,842 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Update: The Speed Queen arrives at the local dealership today and will be installed tomorrow or Friday. Yay!
The dealer agreed to adjust the water level. As long as he adjusts it the warranty is not voided. Also took a look behind the AWN432 on the showroom floor and saw the flat metal bracket the clothespin is clipped to in the photo below, defeating the lid switch. CALLING MARTIN/YOGITUNES-- The dealer said "I won't defeat the lid switch for you, but I'll let you do it before I put the washer in place." 1) Is the clothespin simply clipped to that flat metal bracket/brace? There's nothing else to it? Is the clothespin also clamped to something else that I'm not seeing in the photo? 2) Does the lid need to be in a certain position (open or closed) when I put the clothespin in place, or doesn't it matter? 
| ||
| Post# 708110 , Reply# 44 10/9/2013 at 06:31 (3,842 days old) by Washman (o) | ||
|
If you look carefully right above the drain hose there is a small hole. I used a piece of wood pushed in to hold the switch down. I did this while the lid was down. 
| ||
|
Post# 708172 , Reply# 46 10/9/2013 at 14:01 (3,841 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
Sorry for arriving to the party late...but as the others have explained, the clothes pin is just clipped over that flat piece, keep the lid closed, and slide it on, actually it the upper half of the pin that is holding that flap down....from there on, it will operate with the lid open...easy as pie
but anything would work as a wedge, a piece of wood, a rolled up wad of paper, a pencil, or even the bungee trick.....what ever you have around......I like the clothes pin best, easy on and off if needed....it must be at least 3 or 4 years that mine has been on there, and has not popped off yet.... yeah, some dealers/service men will increase the water level at the customers request....without vioding the warranty.....or you can do it yourself.....no harm done.... as for the lid switch, its basically at your own risk......just take the pin off if you have to call for service.... | ||
|
Post# 708177 , Reply# 47 10/9/2013 at 14:36 (3,841 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
||
|
Thanks for the clarification, guys! I appreciate your patience with my stupendous lack of technical ability.
Think I'll start with a clothespin...but that bungee cord idea sounds like a keeper, as well. I have a couple of bungees in the garage; will have to see how long they are. What I wasn't understanding: I thought the flat metal piece the clothespin clipped to was a brace. It's actually a lever that moves up and down depending on whether the little box right above it is engaging it or not. Oy vey. You'd never know both my father and stepfather were consummate do-it-yourselfers. My dad built our freakin' house back in 1955 (four years before I was born). My stepfather was a farmer who did all his own electrical/plumbing/woodwork/machinery repair. Guess none of it rubbed off on me. Fortunately, neither of them were musical at all, so I can retain some self-worth knowing I hold the aces in that particular corner, LOL. This post was last edited 10/09/2013 at 14:51 | ||
|
Post# 708178 , Reply# 48 10/9/2013 at 14:43 (3,841 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
My father and brothers are mechanics...then again so am I.....I just prefer washing machines first...
no biggie though, we can talk you thru this stuff, add a few pics if needed...and your on your way....one helping and sharing ideas with the other, thats why were here... can't wait for yours to arrive....we at least want pics in it's new home spot! are you going to drill out the valve for a true WARM wash?.....some guys just let it fill 1/3 with HOT water, and then select WARM for the rest of the fill... | ||
| Forum Index: |
| Other Forums: |
|
|
|
|
|
Comes to the Rescue!
