Got my new Speed Queen AWN542 but have some questions/issues...

[combo52]

Minor Issues With A New SQ TL Washer

As a dealer that has sold over 400 of these washers I will say again that they are a little crude, they do get the job done however, but if you are looking for perfection you may be disappointed. This why I have said in the past that this is not the best machine for us folks whom are obsessed with washers and I will never have one in my personal laundry room. [ If you want perfection in a traditional TL washer get and restore a 10-15 YO WP built DD washer ]

 

SQ has some issues with idlers, belts , motor and main drive pulleys, this is made much worse because of their insistence of sticking with the inferior spin-drain operation of these washers. Even Frigidaire abandoned SD over 15 years ago as they could never get their idler-pulley, belt and suds-locking under control.  SQ does build neutral-drain washers for markets like Australia where consumers demand better performance. The suds backing up the drain standpipe is also made worse by the SD system.

 

[brucelucenta]

Solution is simple. Get a front load machine. They are efficient, quiet and do a better job washing and rinsing with virtually NO linting or redeposition at all along with superior water extraction. Personally, being obsessed with top load automatic washers for as far back as I can remember, a front load washer has little or no appeal to me as far as watching it do it's job. But it does do a much better job of what it is intended to do. Just the plain & simple truth of the matter.

 

[esty]

Combo52, since you deal with these machines all the time, how does the speed queen compare to the hotpoint 3.7 and the GE 3.9? I don't know their model numbers off hand, but they are the ones without a locking lid and supposedly an old school washer. I have read mixed reviews. The speed queen that I have now is actually my second one. I had one for three years that needed a lot of repairs, bearings replaced and more. Probably a lemon. When three years were almost up I finally got it replaced. I did have to pay some for the new one. The new one had already one repair for the rattling and now the spin is making a noise. My laundry room is right off my kitchen, so I hear all the sounds the washer makes. I am so upset that I got rid of my old whirlpool. The tub was rusting, so I got the speed queen. I am happy at least I found this forum, so I know I am not the only one with washing machine issues. Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[combo52]

Best New Top Load Washers

Hi Ellen, GE-HP TL washers have not held up well since at least 1995, I am quite sure that current SQ TL washers will out last most newer GE built top loaders are least 2 to 1 before you have major problems. Probably about the only other new TL washer I would recommend would be a Direct Drive Maytag or Whirlpool machine.

 

If you had seal and bearing failures on your last SQ it could have been a fluke, but more likely was related to your usage of the washer and if related to your usage you may repeat the same failure in a few years.

 

Be very sure you are using PLENTY of good detergent and water temperatures for washing of at least 70 dregrees at all times, and avoid extra rinses on a regular basis. Most of all if you see any signs of mineral build up around the top of the wash basket you really need to take these suggestions to heart.

 

Good Luck with your new washer, and I would not worry about little noises that these washers make.

 

John L.

 

[esty]

Thank you John for responding. Please explain what you mean by plenty of good detergent, and avoid extra rinses.if I use a lot of detergent, then I will need extra rinses. I only use till line one on a full load. If I use more I get too much suds which leads to more rinses. I leave the second rinse switch on, on my machine because most of my family has sensitive skin and my doctor recommended second rinsing things. I use arm and hammer unscented on most loads or regular tide on my husband's things. In the other speed queen that I had the bearings started screaming after about four months after I got it. Is this machine so sensitive that I should be afraid to use it? I have four kids at home and I do laundry often. Thanks so much for taking your time to answer me.
Also, my technician is coming today. Something is hitting in the spin cycle on some cycles. The outer box is not level, because he tried to keep the center tub centered during agitation and that's what he felt he had to do to keep the tub centered. One front leg is higher than the other.
Thanks again,
Ellen

 

[esty]

Sorry, one more question. Is it safe to use vinegar in a speed queen washer? I read that its a good way to remove excess detergent and good for helping retain colors. Will vinegar corrode the washer and components?
Ellen

 

[esty]

Well, my repair man was here today. Spent a half hour and couldn't figure out what is causing the rattling in the spin cycle. It seems to mainly happen when the load goes a little off balance. Otherwise it is fairly quiet. very odd. I guess I have to bear with it. Somewhat annoying.

 

[washman]

Not at all ellen

You see, SQ alone offers the best warranty in the business along with quality components. the SS inner tub and porcelain enamel outer tub will outlast the machine itself.

Having said that, I use vinegar in my rise especially when I do towels. I also used it my plastic fantastic GE for 14 years with nary a problem.

The SQ is a very well constructed machine. I would not be worried at all about using it.

For the record, my father and I have the same AWN 542. He does more laundry than I do as he washes curtains whereas I have blinds instead. Neither of us have had any issues whatsoever.

You made a wise choice in selecting a Speed Queen for your laundry needs.

 

[spinmon]

esty,my 2 1/2 year old SQ AWN 542 used to rattle the side side cabinet at times. Pretty big noise and irritating. I'd stuff a Q-Tip between the top and cabinet,which seemed to help.

Noticed about a year ago the Q-Tip had fallen out,but the rattle hasn't returned.

My wife (who is usually very careful with cars,machines),recently turned the water level reset knob too hard(''resetting''),cracking the plastic under the knob AND over-riding the stop detent on the pressure valve! I opened the console and re-positioned the half-moon properly. Put tape on the knob insert till I can get a new part. LIGHT pressure on the ''Reset''Recommended!

My tub leans forward with the machine level and water level even in tub. Oh,well.

Finally,make sure you're not overloading. I've seen vids with a load of 11 pair jeans. Stupid. Load sensibly,enjoy one of the last gutsy washing machines we'll probably see. And I DO like the SQ's classic sounds.

 

[esty]

Thank you, spinmon for answering. I really don't understand where you are explaining where you put the q tip. I realized that the rattling in the spin cycle is coming from the plastic white drain hose. When it shakes in the spin if the load gets slightly uneven in the tub (mainly on small loads) it makes that sound.I was hearing it also when the water stopped after agitation and realized it was coming from the hose moving against the back panel where the hose is attached. In the spin cycle it is coming from the part that I can't get to on the inside of the machine. I am wondering if when my technician tilted the washer way back to replace the pully and washers he loosened the hose to cause it to shake and create this rattling sound. My washer is in a very tight space so he couldn't movevthe machine over to repair it. So he leaned it over backwards. I duck taped the hose in place on the back panel and that seemed to help the rattling after agitation stops. I still have it in the spin cycle though. Any advice is appreciated.
Also my tub stopped indexing. Do you know if that is normal? I am very careful about not overloading my washer. I know that its not good for the washer, and the clothes don't get clean that way either.
Thank you.

 

[washman]

Yes once the brake pads seat in

the tub will stop indexing.

I attached a vid of mine doing a small load. It exposes the stainless tub quite well.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabEONEKhyU&list=PLVpngWITH6pJo28Wg06CYC0UuAvdCTSC9

 

[yogitunes]

for some, the tub leans forward during wash, it comes from the torque during agitation, some do it, some don't...totally normal, doesn't affect anything else, and the tub always centers for the spin.....

I put extra foam padding attached to the front panel just to keep it centered at all times, but that's me.....

there should be a clip inside the machine to guide the drain hose from the pump to the outlet, but these are just clipped in place, not fully tightened down type of clamps, so a little rattle can be had from sitting in the wrong awkward position....

there were times on machines, the pressure hose would also rattle against the outter cabinet is it happen to set too close, especially during spin...

sometimes we would just use some duct tape or wire ties to secure things tighter....

a simple loose screw will make that rear control panel rattle like crazy.....annoying yes, but doesn't really hurt anything...

Vinegar has been used for years without complaints....it can clear up suds, and rinses away with no odor.....usually about 2 ounces in the dispenser is enough....its not like your pickling your clothes....but there is a recipe somewhere about bread and butter pickles soaking in your washer....hey, people have done stranger things....

 

[iiijohnnymaciii]

Rattling noise

Dreamkeeper, did you ever find out what the rattling noise was?