GM Frigidaire 1-18 Gentle Speed

[pulsator]

Does anyone else tend to leave their 1-18 on gentle speed agitation? I find it rolls the load very well still and makes me less nervous about the cones on the agitator getting cracked/chipped on buttons and such.

I’m debating looking into changing the wiring so that regardless of the speed I have set (options are Gentle Wash / Slow Spin or Normal Wash / Normal Spin on mine) it will do a normal spin.

Thoughts?

 

[appnut]

Jamie, I did the same thing when I used a 1-18.

 

[gregingotham]

full speed spin

or you could always just flip the switch and run a brief full speed spin after the cycle is finished.

 

[Unimatic1140]

I updated my 1-18 to the following speeds...

Normal speed:
360ppm agitate and 910rpm spin.

Delicate Speed:
240ppm agitate and 650rpm spin.

 

[appnut]

Robert, a 1-18 on steriods. Does it lift off the ground during spin?

 

[Unimatic1140]

No 910rpm is fine Bob, however the suspension system doesn't like anything over 1000, but 910 still produces very dry clothes in that machine.

 

[combo52]

Faster 1-18 Washer

Hi Robert how did you speed up your machine, By changing one or both pulleys ?

John L.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi John, no pulley remained the same, motor is 3 phase with controller connected directly to washer timer via relays.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

From the looks of the video is it on the gentle cycle?

I read that the gentle cycle on one Frigidaire washer had intermittent action, which is what I'd guess there'd be if yours is set on...

 

Seems that kind of washing action is hard on itself enough that if using it gently preserves its life, Jamie/Pulsator, then that's the best thing to do...

 

Just run it on that slow agitation/slow speed, if the system is uniquely uncommon in other washers that you want this one not to consume parts that don't circulate as much for this type of washing...

 

 

 

-- Dave

 

[gansky1]

Good idea.

 

Anything below a Maxi load really only needs slower pulsation in a 1-18.  The slower speed allows the plunging action to work better at the bottom of the tub, especially for smaller loads that tend to float on top the water if the speed is too fast. 

 

[bigalsf]

Same here

I also use the gentle setting for washing and have noticed turnover is fine (unless it's a very large load).  I like a second rinse anyway so I just repeat the final spin at normal speed.  Works great!

 

Robert, love the upgrade!  

 

 

 

[ozzie908]

Reply 7 Robert

Is there a video of your 1-18 in action ??

Love to see what you do to these machines

 

[tomturbomatic]

Our Imperial 1-18 had the option of the Special cycle which was for woolens and silks. It automatically gave gentle agitation and fast spin. We used it for small loads and eliminated the pounding of the fast agitation.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Is there a video of your 1-18 in action ??

Hi Austin, no I haven't done a video, the agitation speeds are all the same as the original design, the only difference is a 260rpm increase in spin speed on high so it's not all that different. But it makes for a much more cost efficient machine with drying time reduced greatly.

 

[qsd-dan]

I imagine with a 3 phase motor, agitation and spin speeds are infinitely variable. A nice feature to customize every load.

 

[pulsator]

Dang Robert! That’s quite the setup! Is the new motor heavier than the old one? Notice any issues with the tun starting to lean towards the right? Would love to see a video of that high speed spin!

Glad I’m not alone in my thinking with the gentle speed wash.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Is the new motor heavier than the old one? Notice any issues with the tub starting to lean towards the right?

Hi Jamie, no the weight of the new motor is within a pound of the old motor's weight, these 3 phase motors are bigger size wise but actually slightly lower in weight.