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Thread Number: 83523
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
1968 Kenmore 800 - Speed Shift |
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Post# 1078446 6/23/2020 at 23:50 (1,395 days old) by DADoES  (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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 Ran across this video this evening ... it's not my machine. One of my aunts had this model or one very similar. Alphabet timer, 3-speed motor, etc. This video is the Normal cycle, speed control set at Auto. It shifts to low speed at 4:32, which is at the 6-min mark on the timer. Bleach solenoid triggers at 6:32, 4-mins on the timer. Shifts back to high speed at 8:32, 2 mins left on the wash period. What's the reason for the speed shift? | ||
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Post# 1078449 , Reply# 1 6/24/2020 at 00:30 (1,395 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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| Post# 1078486 , Reply# 2 6/24/2020 at 10:08 (1,395 days old) by Mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
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| Post# 1078488 , Reply# 3 6/24/2020 at 10:52 (1,395 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas) | ||
The feature was introduced in 1966 for models 6604800-5800 and 6604900-5900. No explanation was given but I believe it was because of the roto-flex agitator. It was for all cycles that started in normal operation and only did this on the auto selection on those with a speed selector. On the LKs the heavy duty button or special button would also override the shift if I remember correctly. The 68 800 was originally specified with the roto-flex although the one in the video has the super roto-swirl. I know the Super roto-swirl was a replacement for the roto-flex. The low water levels were also changed because of the roto-flex. The vari-flex was introduced in 1968.
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| Post# 1078581 , Reply# 4 6/25/2020 at 02:29 (1,394 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA) | ||
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How long did that feature last? | ||
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Post# 1078854 , Reply# 5 6/27/2020 at 06:56 (1,392 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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That speed shift is an odd one, isn’t it? You’d think they’d want to get the bleach distributed throughout the tub as quickly as possible, especially given it has only four minutes to do its job.
Our 1960 Model 80 (with push button cycle selection) performed an agitation speed shift only on the Wash & Wear Sturdy cycle. Four minutes of fast followed by four minutes of slow agitation. It also time-released the bleach during the last four minutes of the wash, as does this ‘68 model, which I thought was a great feature. It gives the detergent time to do its work first. Don’t know that detergent contained enzymes back in 1960–or 1968 for that matter—but it would be perfect for today’s detergents. Thanks for posting the video, Glenn. Always a treat to see and hear (woo-woo-woo-woo) an old belt-drive at work. | ||
| Post# 1080373 , Reply# 6 7/8/2020 at 18:56 (1,380 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA) | ||
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Did this model also downshift during the Permament Press agitation before the cool-down, without the upshift? | ||
| Post# 1080382 , Reply# 7 7/8/2020 at 21:25 (1,380 days old) by sears9000 (Pensacola, Florida.) | ||
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Yes it shifted down during the permanent press cycle also. My family bought this model brand new in 68, in avocado. Ours had the rotoflex agitator until it was swapped out for a rotoswirl like this machine has now. It lasted until 93, when the timer gave up the ghost. | ||
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Post# 1080406 , Reply# 8 7/9/2020 at 08:49 (1,380 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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A few ideas | ||
| Post# 1080416 , Reply# 9 7/9/2020 at 11:21 (1,380 days old) by firedome (Binghamton NY & Lake Champlain VT) | ||
Whirlpool... | ||
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Post# 1080427 , Reply# 10 7/9/2020 at 13:44 (1,380 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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V is 2008 model-year, production date is per serial. Direct-drive introduced between 1981 and 1982 via a limited Kenmore line, IIRC. VMW debuted 2010. Direct-drive continued for ThinTwin stacked sets a couple/few years longer than for stand-alone washers. Early direct-drive had the transmission rotated approx 120° such that the motor was at the right-rear corner, not at the front. | ||
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