A Question for Frigidaire Experts

[bajaespuma]

Given my limited knowlege of how water valve solenoids work, how did the 1958 Frigidaire WCI's deliver "COOL" water? The wash temp control offers HOT, WARM, COOL. The rinse temp dial offers WARM, COOL, COLD. Can those solenoids be controlled to open only halfway?

 

[toggleswitch]

Good question. One I was always afraid to ask.

 

[Unimatic1140]

It simple, the water valve had three solenoids. One for hot, one for warm and one for cold.

When hot is selected the hot solenoid is energized bringing in hot water only from your hot water line.

When warm is selected the warm solenoid is energized which mixes hot and cold and keeps the water around 105F by raising or lowering a copper thermostatic plunger to regulate how much hot water enters the mix.

When cold is selected the cold solenoid is energized which brings in tap cold water.

When COOL is selected, the warm and cold solenoid valves are BOTH energized. This mixes 105F warm water with tap cold.

The 1957 Lady Kenmore also has a "Medium" setting which energizes both Hot and Warm solenoids. This mixes hot water with 105F warm water.

 

[bajaespuma]

Thank you.

That warm water solenoid was pretty sophisticated for the 1950's. It seems that nobody continued with it, even though it was a very good idea.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Thermostatic water valves were not new in the 50's, the design was invented by Bendix and used on their 1930's and 1940's machines.

 

[bajaespuma]

Do you have a picture or diagram of one?

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Photo

Here's a photo of a 3 solenoid valve with thermostatic controll of warm temp. (105F), and on the right a newer style valve without the thermostat.