direct drive discussion

[vintagekenmore]

I have the Model 90 Kenmore DD with the Triple Action Agitator...five speed selections...auto temp option...extra rinse option.....it works great but Ive notice lately when it goes into the neutral drain it also starts to spin. It does the characteristic clunk of the pump engaging and then another clunk and it starts spinning...its never done this before so I dont know what might be causing it..only does it on the wash drain and not the rinse drain...maybe something is starting to go out on it?

 

[vintagekenmore]

forgot to add:

I dont raise the lid during the drain or spin portions of the cycle.

 

[whirlcool]

Sounds like the clutch may need servicing/replacing. Those aren't very expensive. Usually under $20.00 or so.

 

[kitty]

@vintagekenmore:

I think your neutral drain assembled is broken in the transmission.
@whirlcool: I must not be a direct drive fan. They are really noisy. [to me]

 

[DADoES]

 
A direct-drive machine can run with a "slipping" neutral drain mechanism without much adverse effect.  Off-balance risk is increased to some degree if the user tends to run too high of a water level for the load size ... the items will float loosely and may bunch together until the whole mess of water and clothes gets up to speed and the water level drops so the items make contact with the rotating basket.

 

[norgeway]

As long as I can..

Keep a belt drive Kenmore running, I am, I didnt like that thrashing short stroke from the git go, i know a man who worked at sears in the 80s, when the direct drives came out, he bought one of the last TOL belt drives on the floor and its still setting, in the box brand new in his basement!!Now that I would love to have!!

 

[70series]

Wow, he's still got the Kenmore in a box after 27 years? What has he been using that is keeping it packaged?

 

[thefixer]

"only does it on the wash drain and not the rinse drain...maybe something is starting to go out on it?"

Is the washer in a cold location? Cold gearcase oil can cause the neutral drain mechanism to malfunction. Whirlpool had a bulletin on this. Doesn't do it in rinse because oil has warmed up by that time? Someone mentioned the clutch but clutch has nothing to do with neutral drain.

 

[norgeway]

Re Kenmore ITB.

Its setting on a pallet in his basement!! I tried everything to get him to sell it, not for sale!! he said when the one he is using wears out, he is going to use it, I think the one he is using is a 84 or 85 model.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

WP/KM DD machines.

There are NO bad ones. These are the most reliable TL washer design EVER! Don't believe the "Shredmore myth" these machines clean clothing well and are no more dangerous to fine fabrics than any other TL.
My current daily driver is a 1996 DD WP that has never needed a repair outside of agitator dogs which is a $5 and 10 minute repair.
WK78

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool Built Direct Drive Washers

Are not only the most produced top loading washer in US history but also one of the best all-around machines in durability and performance.

As a SQ dealer I feel that the SQ TL machines are a good value and if you still want a new traditional TL washer it is the only real choice, but a Super Capacity WP, KM or KA DD washer with a dual-action agitator is a much better washer that the SQ any day.

The next best washer to a DD would be a WP built Belt Drive machine however the DD is much more durable, longer lasting and easier to repair.

John L.

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool Built Direct Drive Washers

Are not only the most produced top loading washer in US history but also one of the best all-around machines in durability and performance.

As a SQ dealer I feel that the SQ TL machines are a good value and if you still want a new traditional TL washer it is the only real choice, but a Super Capacity WP, KM or KA DD washer with a dual-action agitator is a much better washer that the SQ any day.

The next best washer to a DD would be a WP built Belt Drive machine however the DD is much more durable, longer lasting and easier to repair.

John L.

 

[norgeway]

Well...

I bought a new set of fairly TOL Kenmores in 2001...I used that washer 3 days and took the set back!! I personally wouldnt trade 1 good belt drive for all the direct drives ever built.

 

[vintagekenmore]

to thefixer:

No,its in a laundry closet here in my apartment so its not exposed to cold temps at all.