Direct Drive Question

[lebron]

When I used the machine in the link, I noticed that when the machine was loaded full, it had a tendency to skip the neutral drain. It didn't do it every time so I didn't worry about it. Couple months later, the machine won't work. So I checked and the coupler is shot. I ordered a new one and will replace it. But what do you guys think could be making it skip neutral drain?

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/MODERN/2009/21305x14.htm

 

[laundromat]

The coupler waring out usualy causes the unit to not stop and drain prior to the spin but go right to spin and drain which is not the correct way it works.Once the coupler is replaced that should stop the machine from going into a direct spin and drain and the agitation will stop and the trans goes into idle during the drainage.One to two minutes of draining then the trans goes into spin.The overloading and not enough water duing agitation is a common problem that causes the PLASTIC coupler to ware out then fail.It doesn't matter what brand top loading washer it is.Overloading is always an issue because most people who have top loaders overload them and cause these failiers and break downs.What I recomend for top loading owners is to wait until the washer begins to agitate. If the clothes are not going from top to bottom within the first 60 seconds,it hasn't been set for the right water level or it's been overloaded.Here,it happens constantly with our commercial Speed Queens.They strain and whince during agitation and the spin is slower from either too much suds or too many garments.I just overhauled one and the trans was shot.It cost around $200 for the new trans and took about 2 hours to replace.As the use and care books tell us,LOAD CLOTHES LOOSELY INTO TUB.That does not mean "Pack it full".Clothes never get properly washed,rinsed and spun out properly if the machine is oveloaded.I can't stress that enough.Washing clothes using an automatic washer is not magic but mechanical using delicate parts that can break easily if they're strained.They get strain from overheating and friction caused by overloading and/or oversudsing.Mixed loads are the best especialy towels and bed linnens.That helps to keep the machine from going off ballance

 

[supremewhirlpol]

If the neutral drain issue continues when you replace the coupling, then the transmission has issues.

 

[DADoES]

The drive coupler has no effect on neutral drain. That process takes place entirely inside the transmission. The parts involved can/do wear over time, resulting in failure of the neutral drain shift and instead going directly into spin. There is a Neutral Drain Repair Kit available to replace the affected parts.

 

[runematic]

We've also seen timers not pause and that'll affect neutral drain as well.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Yes, if the timer is not pausing for about 5 seconds between and end of the wash and the beginning of what is supposed to be the drain period, then it is likely that the machine is going right into a spin instead of neutral drain as it's supposed to. If that's working okay, then your problem is with the transmission. The coupler doesn't affect the neutral drain. The machine should pause before the neutral drain begins, then pause again between the end of the neutral drain and the beginning of the actual spin portion of the cycle.

 

[norfolksouthern]

The issue you're describing is very common to these machines. In fact, it seems like most of them do it. And no, it's not the drive coupler. Sometimes, just getting them level and allowing them to run the cycles naturally helps mitigate the problem. But once in a while, it will skip. It's the nature of the beast. I would just let it do its thing and not use the fabric softener dispenser for now. The machine will continue to run just fine for quite a few more years, just the way it sits. And when you're ready, transmissions are very common and can easily be swapped out. A direct-drive Kenmore, in fact, will have the same transmission as a direct-drive Whirlpool. Some folks hate 'em, but I like 'em!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[mixfinder]

Pound Puppy

Kenmore Direct Drive machines are everywhere in Seattle. Just like zuchinnis that are as big as your leg and cute little kitties, they are crowding out every second hand and thrift store up and down the I-5 corridor. I wouldn't repair one when you can get a replacement under $65.00. Craigslist is lousy with machines from families that are down sizing into apartments. My daughter has a new Whirlpool and the "crackacrackacrackcrackacrackacrackacracka begins to make you a tilted after the 3rd day.

 

[appnut]

Jed, my 1986 LK would do the correct timer pause at the end of agitate and then start the drain phase but allso start spinning. It didn't do this for a number of years. But as time wore on, I noticed it would do this on only the very first load of wash I did for the day. So, I started putting the machine on a 4 or 6 minute normal speed spin and let the transmission "warm up" so to speak. Then the machine would behave normally--mind you I would do 3 to 4 loads at a time and not lolly gag around.

 

[vintagesearch]

ours only does that if its sudslock like my parents do!!! there recipe is cram in as much as u can on a medium load setting and waaaaay to much detergent and thats what causes it to spin drain. well only when they use it, also when using woolite on the handwash setting will whip up foam like no other too! however the kenmo' doesnt do that with me at all. hopefully yours gets better. ohh so yea sudslock *can* cause spin drains my cousins does that as well when its sudslock

 

[mtn1584]

Kenmore and Whirlpool DD washers both do this.

I had a Kenmore replaced once because of this, the next Kenmore did the same thing. I sold my house bought another new Kenmore DD and that machine did the same thing. Then my wife and I divorced and I moved and bought a WP DD, that machine did the same thing. The only problem is that fabric softener will dump once the machine stops the spin drain, and then starts the timed spin cycle. There is also no controlled speed at which the tub spins when this happens. When I moved again I bought a Speed Queen which I love.