FS Dispenser

Mark,

No... and yes. The '57 and '58 Unimatics agitator column was revised to allow for a blench cup to be placed inside the column, with nubs then on the bottom of the caps that are intended to hold the cup in place.

In '59, for the intro of the Multimatic, the column was modified again to allow for a revised bleach cup and the new fabric softener dispenser. A ridge was cast into the top edge of the column that allows for the lip of the fabric softener dispenser to rest inside, with the nubs on the cap removed.

The '59 - '62 columns can be used on a '57 or '58 Unimatic without changing the pulsator nut; '50 thru '56 Unimatics would require the pulsator nut to be swapped out for the later style.

The fabric softener dispenser for these isn't great and can leak down during the wash. IMO, much more of a gimmick than a reliable dispenser.

And of course, the column could be swapped out completely for a Jet Action agitator, but then the fabric softener dispenser for those could interfere and hit the lid (I don't know this for certain, but knowing that the clearance between the columns and the lids was much tighter on the earlier machines I'd check the clearance before firing up the machine).

Photo 1 - '58 Unimatic w/ original column and nub style cap.
Photos 2/3 - '61 Multimatic, showing the ridge in the column and a shot with the dispenser installed

Ben

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size


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Post# 1228410 4/10/2025 at 00:00 by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes 1 NOS hibid.com/lot/240952311/new-vint...

Post# 1228428 , Reply# 1 4/10/2025 at 07:52 by Combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes This is for the solid tub jet cone agitator Frigidaire washers. It will not work on the one to 18 Frigidaire washers.

Post# 1228429 , Reply# 2 4/10/2025 at 08:09 by Marky_Mark (From Liverpool. Now living in Palm Springs and Madrid)
Checkrate/Likes Were any of the fabric softener dispensers compatible with the Unimatics?

Post# 1228431 , Reply# 3 4/10/2025 at 08:38 by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes 3 *0634147 Frigidaire Softener Dispenser* The dispenser listed in the auction is for a 1-18. 7534896 would have been for the Jet Action agitator (solid tub Rollermatics). While the later re-design for the Jet Action does look the same as the 1-18 dispenser, the inner flanges are different to accommodate the two different agitators. Ben Photos... < > Photo 1 of 2 View Full Size

Post# 1228437 , Reply# 4 4/10/2025 at 09:18 by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *fabric softener dispensers compatible with the Unimatics?* Mark, No... and yes. The '57 and '58 Unimatics agitator column was revised to allow for a blench cup to be placed inside the column, with nubs then on the bottom of the caps that are intended to hold the cup in place. In '59, for the intro of the Multimatic, the column was modified again to allow for a revised bleach cup and the new fabric softener dispenser. A ridge was cast into the top edge of the column that allows for the lip of the fabric softener dispenser to rest inside, with the nubs on the cap removed. The '59 - '62 columns can be used on a '57 or '58 Unimatic without changing the pulsator nut; '50 thru '56 Unimatics would require the pulsator nut to be swapped out for the later style. The fabric softener dispenser for these isn't great and can leak down during the wash. IMO, much more of a gimmick than a reliable dispenser. And of course, the column could be swapped out completely for a Jet Action agitator, but then the fabric softener dispenser for those could interfere and hit the lid (I don't know this for certain, but knowing that the clearance between the columns and the lids was much tighter on the earlier machines I'd check the clearance before firing up the machine). Photo 1 - '58 Unimatic w/ original column and nub style cap. Photos 2/3 - '61 Multimatic, showing the ridge in the column and a shot with the dispenser installed Ben Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size

Post# 1228440 , Reply# 5 4/10/2025 at 09:28 by Marky_Mark (From Liverpool. Now living in Palm Springs and Madrid)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Thanks, Ben. In that case, Downy Ball to the rescue then. Or, even better, stand there watching and enjoying the action and then add your softener manually! Apart from YouTube videos, I'm yet to see a 1-18 in operation. Hopefully I'll get the chance to use one some day! Fun and unique machines. Mark

Post# 1228441 , Reply# 6 4/10/2025 at 09:31 by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)
Checkrate/Likes In my experience, this dispenser self-destructs in a disappointingly short period of time. The metal clips that are secured by small screws into the brittle plastic body break loose. I went through two of them and even repairs with strong glue could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again. This dispenser replaced the smaller, chunkier original fabric softener dispenser for the Jet Cone Agitator. When the super slow spin was introduced in the roller-matic machines, the spin speed was too slow to produce the centrifugal force to throw the softener up to the outer chamber to be dispensed. This newer dispenser did prevent the splashing up which contributed to the rusting of the lid. If you have one of the machines with the jet cone agitator, purchase a Lint Chaser Ring from Bud or Robert and push it down on the agitator. It will change the upward direction of the water that squirts out of the agitator into a sideways discharge as is shown in the print ads to push lint out of the holes at the top of the tub, but was not seen in reality.

Post# 1228472 , Reply# 7 4/10/2025 at 21:25 by Combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Thanks Ben for noticing,I didn’t look closely enough. This is indeed a fabric softener dispenser for 1 to 18 Frigidaire washer, I stand corrected thanks. John L