Amana DLW330PAW

[akronman]

I usually post in the over 20 year old forum, with many 50's thru 70's machines, but this came to me free, and broken. Amana Distinctions, approx 10 years old, top load, no dual-action agitator, direct drive pump but belt for the transmission, sort of a hybrid?

I got it from a friend, she pushed it aside in her basement 4 years ago, remembers loud screeching that wasn't cured by a new belt, doesn't remember much else besides tiring of the screech and calling Sears delivery for something new.

Some reading in here suggests it might be a POS for sure, but at the price of $0 I am willing to do some work. It isn't in the basement yet, but what is the overall take on Amana distinctions, model DLW330PAW, it also says MFG model PDLW330PAW.

Stainless steel tub, 2 speed, 4 cycle, 3 temps, 3 choice water level.

 

I thought almost any agitator models this new had auger/dual actions, I'm surprised.

 

[akronman]

more

pics

 

Tub is stainless, it has a bleach dispenser and fabric softenener dispenser. This is 20 years too new to be my style, but it's a great price, and I like projects during wintertime.

 

[yogitunes]

What you got there is a rebadged Speed Queen underneath.....it will clean up really nice.....and perform well....no dual action agitator needed.....210 degree stroke....and a 710 rpm spin.......not sure of exact year, some were prone to tub seal leaks, but thats when Raytheon owned SQ, if its an Alliance version, the problem has been cured

I am curious about the squeeling noise, but willing to bet its the idler pulley needing lube.......just plug it in and take it for a spin....see where it takes you.....

let us know what you find.......and your right, you can't beat free

 

[coldspot66]

Distinctions was not Alliance....it is Amana when Raytheon or Maytag owned them.
They are known to chew up belts and brake pads. Could also use a new idler pulley.
Weak spot was also leaky tub seal.

 

[akronman]

screeches and leaks

Owner said screeching for sure, no leaks, so I'll try lubing every logical spot when I finally get it downstairs. I'd love it to be the 210 degree arc, pretty cool. Various older machines just had to get downstairs and tested super quick, this one is so boringly modern and it's all snowy outside, it'll be a week or two. But I will post more when I get to it for sure. Anyone know of an owners manual?

 

Serial is 1012894ac, if that helps exactly date it. And here are some exact PDF's of it, if that helps identify more.

Soon, I have to stop this hobby for a bit and add a new entire sink/drain/taps for about 4 more washers, before the basement gets too crowded with machines with nowhere to go.

 

Again, novice here on late model machines, but I thought all direct drives had no belts, this has tranny belt but direct pump. Somewhat common?, or only on Speed Queen regardless of badge?

Also, how far back in REAL TRUE Speed Queen do I have to go for a solid tub?

 

[yogitunes]

I think the Solid tubs stopped around the end of the 70's......in the 80's is when Raytheon took over and they went to perforated tubs, and a whole new design inside....still held onto some of the ST looks, and gradually changed over....
I have one of the change over machines.....but both the trans and pump are belt operated......Mark, there is no clutch in yours, its the idler pulley that allows the belt for the trans to slip until it reaches up to speed, some seem to chew up these belts often........

 

[yogitunes]

heres a late 70's solid tub, in avocado, take note of the top and control panel shape compared to the pic above.....similar.....and also the side opening lid only on solid tubs.....the white one is from the late 60's with banging solenoids, the avocado version is a reversing motor design....

 

[akronman]

Amana idler

MArtin---thanks for the info, I will check/lube/replace the idler pulley first. In a few weeks--

I'm happy to get this at $0, but will keep my eyes open for a REAL Speed Queen solid tub, more in line with my overall collection and desires. Your last picture shows 2 great ones------and your piping is the design I'm stealing for my new installation----

 

[alr2903]

Put a bucket of hot water in it while its outside, with some dry paper towels under it.  If there is a center seal leak you will right away. Ours failed at 7years and was very costly had we repaired it. To be fair, it washed very well before the leak was evident, i really liked it.  alr

 

[gansky1]

Well, she's not bad looking...

Believe this was a Maytag-era abomination. I picked one up behind Lowes one night and traded it in for another washer the next night. It couldn't have been three years old and was headed for a KIA factory in Korea. Matching dryer was there too.

 

[circlew]

Amana and Speed Queen were owned by Goodman Co.(known for junky air conditioners and furnaces) for a short time between Raytheon and Maytag.

 

[coldspot66]

I have to say my "junky" Goodman central a/c is 14 years old and has never been repaired. The only part I replaced was a Capacitor about 8 years ago. In New England it only runs mostly in July and August.

 

[circlew]

You are lucky you've not had trouble, they have a bad reputation. The washateria I go to has a Goodman commercial unit, and the owner says he has lots of trouble with it; much more so than his other location that has a similar unit of another brand.