Good time to buy a Speed Queen

[washman]

Especially since they have this fantastic warranty extension

LIMITED TIME OFFER!
Get a factory extended warranty totaling 5 years on both parts and labor*

Buy a qualifying model between Oct. 1st 2014 through Dec. 31st 2014 and receive a FREE additional 2 year warranty!

**available on AWN432 and AWN542 washers**

 

[jeffg]

That 542 sounds tempting. Are these the last of the mechanical timer SQs?

 

[hvtech42]

I doubt these are the last mechanical washers, looking at their roadmap it appears they will introduce electronic controls in 2015, but only on higher end models. It looks as if they will keep a mechanical control model available until at least 2018.

 

[washman]

I'm not privy to the upcoming plans other than what I saw on a couple of youtube vids and some pics that someone posted here.

Still, if you are interested in old school mechanical timers that don't cost and arm and leg to replace AND you still want a full fill traditional wash that, amazingly enough, cleans your laundry, I would act sooner rather than later.

 

[jeffg]

"I doubt these are the last mechanical washers, looking at their roadmap it appears they will introduce electronic controls in 2015, but only on higher end models"

The 542 is our first choice, so it sounds like this is probably the last chance to get a mechanical version of it.

 

[mtn1584]

Where did you get this info from Ben?
Mike

 

[mtn1584]

Nevermind!

WOW!!!

Atlantic Appliance-Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Furniture

For 45 years Atlantic Appliance has quoted the best prices on appliance sales, service and parts. We pride ourselves on our convenient location, knowledgeable sales staff and our after-the-sale service. Our sales team has over 100 years of combined selling experience; making them experts in the...

www.atlantic-appliance.com

 

[washman]

Well since you asked.......

From Parker's Appliance, where I got my unit. I got it there because they service what they sell, have been around forever it seems and I got excellent customer feedback from those who purchased from them.

I hope the factory in Ripon works massive overtime to fill the demand for these fine machines.

 

[mammondee]

Is this rebate from Speed Queen, or from the Dealer?

I just purchased my first SQ washer dryer set after being over my "fancy front loader". I purchased them 10/10/14, but they won't be delivered until tomorrow. Will I qualify for the extended warranty? The local dealership did not mention this to me.

Also, is it common for the dealership to adjust the water level too maximum fill if the customer asks for it?

 

[jeffg]

"Also, is it common for the dealership to adjust the water level too maximum fill if the customer asks for it?"

No harm in asking, and if they say no it's an extremely easy DIY adjustment.

 

[mammondee]

Easy fix even if locktite is used?

I will ask the dealer to adjust the water level for me. However, if he does not, and the adjustment nut has locktite on it, won't that make things harder?....or should I say easier to break the nut/adjuster. Is there a trick to soften the locktite?

Still curious to know if the two year extended warrantee is a Speed Queen extension, or dealer specific. Can't find anything about this anywhere else.

You guys are great. I have learned a great deal just lurking for the last few days.

I would love to have a post that shows all the little "quirks" that can be "tweeked" in one post with links. I can remember reading about the following "adjustments", but can't find all of them now. (The water level adjustment and lid switch is easy to find)

1. Water Level (adjusting to max)
2. Lid switch (to keep machine running when opened)
3. Warm water (making it warmer)
4. Something about water filling 100% into the stainless tub and not 50/50 into the outer tub??
5. Something about cutting off part of the drain tube to facilitate fast draining???
6. Something about a nasty coating on the stainless steel tub, and the best way to get it cleaned out
7. I am sure there are others, but I can't remember any right now.

 

[jeffg]

I've never run into locktite on this adjustment nut in SQ washers. Or if it's present, it's not enough to hinder movement of the screw.

Totally agree with the idea of compiling SQ hacks and tips into one place. Would save lots of searching imo.

 

[washman]

1 and 2 easy to do.

3 Involves messing with the fill valve, possibly drilling out the Hot side to increase the volume of hot water.

4. Not possible. The outer tub is porcelain enamel. The stainless inner tub is inside this and the water will naturally trickle through the holes in the stainless tub. It has to be this way or else it could never drain.

5. not sure of this

6. Appeared to be a problem with a certain batch that came out. I have not experienced this nor has my dad. I read that simple green does good for this.

You can message SQ on their FB page for clarification on the warranty.

 

[henene4]

Warm rinse.

Wasn't there a way to rewire the rinse fill ports on the timer so when ever the rinse cam activates the cold valve the hot one is energized as well giveing you warm rinses for any rinse cycle independent if cycle and temperature selected?

 

[jeffg]

Yes. It's a little more complicated but still only a 10-minute job. Details were generously provided by AW member thefixer a few years ago (see link). It has saved us a ton of washer checking, wear on the timer and scratchy and/or stinky cottons.

The posted directions are to run a jumper wire from pin 3 of the temp selector switch to an unused connection on the timer (pin R, 18 on the timer connector). Optional but recommended is to buy a specific SQ terminal (under $1.00) for this timer connection.

Our washer model has an extra rinse switch that we never use, so we converted it into a warm/cold rinse selector switch. Works great and it's nice having proper warm water rinses back without going through the rigamarole.

Other modifications are possible for these washers, e.g. there is even an option to convert it to a neutral drain: the mounts for a pump and other required hardware etc are already installed. Apparently Alliance sells the same washers in some parts of the world with neutral drains included. No idea where that might be. [this post was last edited: 10/13/2014-19:50]

New Speed Queen Top Loader; what re rinse cycle Temp. options?

I plan to buy a new Speed Queen Top Loader. I searched around on their website but can't find mention of the Rinse Temp. setting options . What is the Rinse temperature for Wash temperature: Warm, Hot, Cold ? Only the Wash Temp. setting options has a Knob : Cold, Warm, Hot. The model is the...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[mammondee]

Update on original questions

The dealer was kind enough to make the water level adjustment for me. Maybe just a little too good. The water goes all the way up to and touches the upper lip on the tub....so I just turn the water level to "extra large" and then back it off one click. Without this back-off, water sloshes over a little bit, and the deliveryman told me it would go all the way to the floor and leak....but I feel sure it is only slopping over into the outer porcelain tub. Please tell me I am correct!

The dealer told me there was locktite on the nut, but not enough to hinder the adjustment, just as JeffG had suggested. The repair man that did the adjustment, and delivered the unit had never heard of the water adjustment before, and had to look up how to do it! He was also grateful to learn the cloths pin trick to override the lid switch....I felt so smart....thanks to you guys!

There was no odd coating in the washer tub to clean out, just as washman suggested. I ran some dirty towels thru the dryer so I wouldn't have to bend down and "clean it out". I never noticed any residue....just did it in case.

I called Speed Queen, and talked to "Linda". She eventually told me the extended two year warranty was only for "New York and some other states around there". Before she gave me any information, she seemed accusatory and asked me where I got my information and what state I was in. I told her I saw the ad on the appliance dealer's website. After I told her I was in Oklahoma, she told me the warranty extension was not effective for Oklahoma. All just seemed really suspicious.

I love the idea of using the extra rinse switch as a warm water rinse switch. However, if I make those kinds of changes, won't I void my warranty?

I have done nothing but laundry all day! First time in my life I have enjoyed it! I know the new will wear off, but for now I am reveling in the fact that I have control over that machine, rather than the other way around! (I was an 11 year user of a Whirlpool Duet front loader)

So glad I found the forum. I will be here lurking!

 

[washman]

Welcome to the forum. As time goes on, you will appreciate more and more the almost comical simplicity a Speed Queen offers.

Rejoice! You can use ANY detergent you want to, even PODS.

Rejoice! YOU have control over how it operates!

Rejoice! You can have an actual true hot wash!

Rejoice! You won't need cleaners. Or Reboots.

Rejoice! You will have your time back again to do more enjoyable tasks.

Now with regard to the warranty thing...I live in PA and my local appliance dealer has the extended warranty offer. I'd call back and ask to speak to someone else on that!

 

[jeffg]

Marie, the general rule of thumb quoted on this site is that your highest water level should be somewhere around the top row of holes in the washer basket. You shouldn't have any sloshing issues except in extreme cases, e.g. trying to wash one large pillow instead of two.

To answer your other question, our model is from 2006 so it was already well out of warranty (at least most of it) when we found thefixer's modification. We would have made the change even if it had been in warranty, because of the amount of washer checking time and timer wear it saves for idiots like us who insist on warm water rinses. And because it's a ridiculously simple electrical modification that can be undone to the point of complete undetection in the same few minutes it takes to install it. Total cost is one 2-foot piece of wire and one $0.60 terminal.[this post was last edited: 10/14/2014-04:10]

 

[mammondee]

Where does the sloshed water go?

JeffG, let just pretend I have/am overloading my machine a tad, with a bit too high water level, and the agitation causes only a little amount of water to spill over ever once in a while during agitation, where does that water go?...remember...this is just pretend (tongue in cheek, with a very innocent look)!