…… Washing machine going tango uniform. Advice for replacement

Macgyver

Macgyver

Has No Life - Lives on TB
So motor is going in my 6-7 year old ge top loader.
Replacement is almost 300 bucks. This thing always been a random pos.
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.

Only thing I noticed was the GE I had was 3.8 cubic feet. The speed queens seem all seem smaller. 3.2cf.

Is that cubic feet number a real number or something made up.
 
Codeno

Codeno

Veteran Member
New machines are junk, by design, as intended.

Look for a 20 to 25 year old machine in good condition - it can be repaired, and most likely will outlast any brand new machine out there.

We've got a very old Whirlpool washer that just won't die, looks like it came off the Ponderosa. We finally replaced a Roper dryer of unknown age, which had run and run and run, with a brand new Kenmore, which is ok, but nothing like the Roper was.
 
M

Mercury3

Veteran Member
Codeno said:
New machines are junk, by design, as intended.

Look for a 20 to 25 year old machine in good condition - it can be repaired, and most likely will outlast any brand new machine out there.

We've got a very old Whirlpool washer that just won't die, looks like it came off the Ponderosa. We finally replaced a Roper dryer of unknown age, which had run and run and run, with a brand new Kenmore, which is ok, but nothing like the Roper was.
Click to expand...
This! They just don't make them like they use to.

Apply this to refrigerators and other appliances too.
 
Dobbin

Dobbin

Faithful Steed
Owner explored "washing machine world" recently. He had a 45 year old Maytag of the "A1 vintage." These were the commercial Maytags which were sold to the "consumer market."

Maytag has been bought a couple of times over since 45 years ago. Currently Whirlpool machines are sold as Maytags IIRC. They're not the machine they used to be.

Owner finally decided he wanted a better machine. Larger certainly. Wife complained repeatedly about the machine since she had used better (read larger) machines at her baby-sitting gigs.

Owner ended up looking over the machines at Lowes. The most expensive machines in the store are "LG" brand and are "direct drive" (i.e. no belt - has a motor designed around electronic speed) and has a 10 year warranty on EVERYTHING. 5.4 cubic foot capacity.

Of course the warranty entitles them to take your machine out and replace it with a new one. Nobody "fixes" anything anymore.

But a warranty is a warranty. He bought it with "store credits" which one earns by being a commercial customer - which Owner technically is.

I can hear it operating in the Man-Cave building which is in our "connector wing." It's quieter than the Maytag ever thought of being. And Owner says "conventional" in its use - except for push-buttons instead of a turn dial.

Dobbin
 
energy_wave

energy_wave

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I bought a Maytag stackable at auction. The gas dryer on top worked but the washer motor was seized. I bought a used motor off ebay for 40 bucks and it works fine. Easy to access and repair. Youtube has videos to help if needed. Nothing beats a Maytag from 30 years ago. Made in USA.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
okie-carbine said:
There is a machine out now that is both a washer and dryer in the same unit. Not sure of quality or manufacturer, off hand.
Click to expand...

They break easily. It's a great idea, but it's probably better to wait a few more years while they work out more of the design problems.
 
H

Homestyle

Veteran Member
I bought a new washer a few months ago. Speed Queen was over kill for what I needed. Laundry is my husband and me and we don't have dirty clothes, just daily wear to wash out. Finally settled on GE. No lid lock unless in spin cycle Deep fill all the way full if I choose. Simple controls. I'm happy with it. I wash three loads a week. One of linen and towels and two loads of clothes, dark and lights.
 
greysage

greysage

On The Level
I'm starting year 7 with an LG front loader that washes and dries all in one. Still like it a lot! If I were to need to replace, it would be with Speed Queen.
 
A

AlanSDMachinist

Contributing Member
Macgyver said:
So motor is going in my 6-7 year old ge top loader.
Replacement is almost 300 bucks. This thing always been a random pos.
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.

Only thing I noticed was the GE I had was 3.8 cubic feet. The speed queens seem all seem smaller. 3.2cf.

Is that cubic feet number a real number or something made up.
Click to expand...
Go with the Speed Queen that has no digital display, touch-pad, or any of that stuff. The last I checked, Speed Queen's most reliable model still has a good old fashioned mechanical timer with the twist-knob.
 
P

Publius

TB Fanatic
Macgyver said:
Unfortunately I did poke around the local buy sell pages.
Guess what.
Everything used is practically all LG, they suck is an understatement.
Or people want to much.
Click to expand...

We bought a LG some years ago and to date no problems and I bought a front loader as all the newer top loaders I had my doubts they will get your stuff clean, so I bought LG's top of the line front loader, yeah its bigger than most need but I can toss sleeping bag's and comforters in it.
 
mechanic 217

mechanic 217

I was told there would be cookies!
We have had an LG for about ten years now, base model front loader, still going strong, parts are easy to find and easy to replace only a speed sensor so far.
 
K

kochevnik

Senior Member
I have a whirlpool - washed some cheap WM gloves in it and I think one of the sensors got messed up so it would not spin - set the cycle and it would just keep going for hours. I tore it all apart and couldnt find the issue - then stumbled on a vid like the one below. Turns out - a) there is a service manual inside the front sheet metal and b) that book has 'diagnostic codes / manual modes, basically CHEAT codes for my washer - GOD mode essentially. There are codes in the service manual that let u do any specific action that u want - rinse, spin, lock the lid, wash etc.

SO now I run it on a quick wash for 35 mins and when it gets to the part where it wont spin I enter God mode and force it to spin for a few mins.

I just found it very funny the machine runs like a video game. But it still runs and thats all I care about.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaIZa-kJb2Y
 
ainitfunny

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
Best place is an estate sale with old folks old, running, washer and dryer sets! Top load washer. Craigs list. There will be a set, if not now, within two weeks. Keep an eye out for it.
I bought my washer for $50 (whirlpool)
(+ 50 delivery gas )off craigs list and it ran for about 10 years after i got it. And it was still running when i just sold the house!
So was the $50 free delivery, dryer I got 8 years ago off craigs list.
 
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babysteps

babysteps

Veteran Member
Macgyver said:
So motor is going in my 6-7 year old ge top loader.
Replacement is almost 300 bucks. This thing always been a random pos.
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.

Only thing I noticed was the GE I had was 3.8 cubic feet. The speed queens seem all seem smaller. 3.2cf.

Is that cubic feet number a real number or something made up.
Click to expand...
That was my concern too, and I held off on getting a set of them for several years because of the cf issue. And then somewhere - I think it was on the speed queen website - I read an article on the cubic footage of SQ vs other machines. Basically it said that all machines have the same USEABLE cf.

So I got a set of SQ a few years ago and I haven't had any issues with them not holding a big enough load. We have a queen sized bed and the SQ will wash our quilts and blankets just fine.

I love mine. It's SO FAST and it does a great job.
 
Buick Electra

Buick Electra

TB2K Girls with Guns
Macgyver said:
So motor is going in my 6-7 year old ge top loader.
Replacement is almost 300 bucks. This thing always been a random pos.
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.

Only thing I noticed was the GE I had was 3.8 cubic feet. The speed queens seem all seem smaller. 3.2cf.

Is that cubic feet number a real number or something made up.
Click to expand...
Try to buy used.... with NO CHIPS in it!
 
dstraito

dstraito

TB Fanatic
It may not be possible but try to avoid digital control boards. Give me Analog switches anyday.

On a dryer, avoid the one with an energy saver rating. It means you will have to run the dryer 2-3 times per load to get the clothes dry.
 
I

IdahoMom

Contributing Member
I had gone through three front loaders in ten years! Just my son and I. I literally went into our local applicance store with tears in my eyes and asked if they had anything that would last as I couldn't afford to keep repairing/replacing washing machines. The salesman took me over to the Speed Queens. Honestly not impressive. No digital, no fancy stuff. Plain. Ordinary looking. Top loader with an agitator. Explained to me this is what laundromats use. I hesitantly bought. I have not had one breakdown or issue for NINE years so far. When my dryer goes I will surely be replacing it with a Speed Queen as well. Weirdly enough dryer is a 16 year old Kenmore!

The Speed Queen allows you to select the amount of water you want to fill the washer with so you will use a little more water to fill it. I think my quarterly water bill went up about five bucks. But you will never have dry clothes in your washing machine or have to run it twice to get things clean. It has not once got clogged, or ran itself unbalanced. No icky smell in the door gasket. I feel like my laundry is much cleaner and fresher.

Edited to add: Model is Speed Queen Commercial Heavy Duty, Super Capacity Plus, Stainless, 2 speed
 
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ChicagoMan74

ChicagoMan74

ULTRA MAGA
I have the same set from the mid-1990's as shown here:


RT: 1:31

That vid is from 2013 and I feel like $550 for the set was a SCREAMING deal.

They just keep going and going.
 
packyderms_wife

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
Macgyver said:
So motor is going in my 6-7 year old ge top loader.
Replacement is almost 300 bucks. This thing always been a random pos.
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.

Only thing I noticed was the GE I had was 3.8 cubic feet. The speed queens seem all seem smaller. 3.2cf.

Is that cubic feet number a real number or something made up.
Click to expand...
Speed queen has three tub sizes for their top loading machines , ours is the largest. I’ll have to look up the model when I get home.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Running a (so-far) over 30-year-old Maytag a friend gave me when she moved. 1Commercial size. When the motor wore out (as adjudged by the heat of the cord, especially when it spun) got motor replaced. Then got transmission and clutch replaced. Still going strong--and will drive her till she drops (may it be a looong time, Lord!) And yes, there ARE mechanics out there who will repair them--but they're getting old / near or in retirement age--you have to look for them. But if you love your current machine, and it just needs a new motor--check around.

ETA--get one with a REAL agitator! Not that pitiful little stump! And make sure it isn't one of the kind that LIMITS the amount of water you can use in the load! (they don't really get the clothes clean).
 
StarGazer

StarGazer

Contributing Member
Macgyver said:
...
Going out shortly to look as speed queen machines.
They don't have many models but is anyone better than the other.
...
Click to expand...
+1 on the Speed Queen.
Go into any public Laundromat.
Almost without exception you will find (for the normal sized top loaders) one of two things.
Either OLD (very old) Maytags (usually in a popular 70s color like Avocado or yellow,).
OR newer Speed Queen machines.

Those Laundromat machines take a beating. That they are being used means that they are reliable and can be repaired if they eventually do break.
 
Betty_Rose

Betty_Rose

Veteran Member
Years ago, I repaired appliances. Recently I purchased a Samsung front loader and matching dryer. They’re the best washer and dryers on the market today.
 
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