So; it's been a little over 6 months since I got this "like new" Speed Queen pair. I want to make a follow-up about how my experience has been with them. The original thread has lots of info about how I came to acquire them in this condition. It is linked at the bottom of this post.
I was using an earlier Kenmore 80 series washer which was worn and had to be loaded lightly because the transmission would slip. I know that would be an easy fix. Problem is, I was never able to get a set of parts in front of me which were "positively" the correct parts; and did not want to take a risk with opening it up and having delays with repairs.
Going from the Kenmore to the Speed Queen, there are some operational differences. The SQ definitely does a better job cleaning my clothes, since it can be loaded fully and get proper scrubbing action that way. It has a shorter "normal" wash cycle than the Kenmore as well.
The Kenmore had a neutral drain function, whereas the Speed Queen does not. This made it a little more challenging getting the belt tension adjusted correctly on the SQ. The new belt wanted to grip too well, and stall the motor. That was never a problem with the neutral drain design on the Kenmore. This isn't really an operational problem, just a maintenance concern making belt replacement take longer. There were a series of holes in which to attach the belt tension spring, and the least-tight hole was marginally too tight. Had to drill one new hole and that made it just right.
The other thing is the spin cycle balance. It seems that the Speed Queen is far more sensitive to getting out of balance versus the Kenmore. It is more prone to "walking" and shaking. I've worked with the leveling feet on several occasions and it just seems more sensitive. Not sure if it's the suspension design versus the Kenmore; or what the difference it. I am planning to get some rubber pads to put under the feet.
I did have to repair cracked solder connections on the washer's relay board. The lid switch had been removed by the previous owner based on his diagnostics. I was able to get the switch and hardware from him; and found some high contact resistance with that switch. I replaced the switch, however, there were still some glitches when it was in spin cycle. As I mentioned it does vibrate more in Spin cycle. I could hear a relay clicking and chattering in the control, and the motor would briefly lose power and cause the tub brake to apply for a short instant. I narrowed it down to vibration affecting the circuit board. Upon close visual inspection, there were multiple cracked solder joints where the relays pins were soldered to the board traces. I removed all the original solder with solder wick, and replaced with with 2% silver-bearing electrical solder. Retouched all the connections on the relay board, as well. After making that minor repair, it has worked like new. My only complaint (and it is minor) is that it's difficult to get the machine leveled and stable during the spin cycle.
The Speed Queen dryer is also working well. I found out it is nearly identical to the Amana dryer it replaced. They are obviously built by the same company. I was able to use the side exhaust parts from the Amana in the SQ and put the rear exhaust parts from the SQ in the Amana, which I sold (for twice what I paid for it about 10 years ago.)
The electronic control on the dryer seems to work acceptably for an early automatic type. I have no complaints with it at all. No repairs of any type have been required.
So; the only repair has been the solder connections on the washer control board. Otherwise, these have worked great and I feel as if it was a lucky find for the money spent.
David I’m glad you like them and that they’re working well for you. Did you put a factory belt on the washer? I believe these have a fabric covering like a Maytag to slip as a clutching action. Also the idler lever needs to be lightly greased where it is mounted so it can move back and forth easily.
Hi Melvin. Thanks for your reply. The belt came from a local appliance repair shop. I took the model number to their shop and they provided the belt. It was not a SQ factory part, but supposedly cross-referenced to it. Can't remember if it appeared to have a cloth outer covering or not to be honest. And yep, I did grease the tensioner pivot and oil all moving parts.
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