Mom's current Whirlpool

[justjunque]

I'm posting this in Deluxe, because I don't think this washer is 20 years old, but I'm hoping that's what someone here can verify.
What I have been able to learn is that it has a double action agitator, much like the Kenmores that I've been seeing. I had wondered if Whirlpool used them too, and specifically, if Mom's had one.
I wonder if this machine is considered aggressive in its agitation.
Aside from the fact that its in desperate need of cleaning; what can the experts tell me about this machine?

Thanks all,
Barry

 

[fan-of-fans]

I think that washer is a lot newer than 20 years, probably late 2000s or so. It should be very similar to the Kenmore direct drives of the time. IMO, this is a very good washer. My parents had a similar Kenmore DD from 1999 with dual action agitator but unfortunately it needed a major repair so they junked it last year. The GE that replaced it is nowhere near as good.

This looks like a good well featured traditional washer. You can't get one like it anymore.

 

[henene4]

This should be dual speed, so two wash speeds, two spin speeds.

Normal starts out fast which is rather aggressive, but goes down to slow towards the end of the wash (last 4, 6 or 8 minutes, don't remember).

So setting a longer wash will increase the attack on clothing more then the added time would suggest.

 

[DADoES]

 
2008 model year.  9th week of 2010 manufacture date.  Near the end of direct-drive production. 

Two-speed motor per the part number, and as Henrik surmised.  Probably does a speed shift from high to low in the wash period on both Normal and Casual.  Delicate and Handwash at low speed throughout, with Handwash probably being intermittent agitation.  It doesn't have the more gentle ex-low 3rd speed but does the best it can to control the aggressiveness.

Dual-action was introduced on Kenmore belt-drive models (1976? 77? 78?).  Whirlpool never had a dual-action agitator on belt-drive models but did on direct-drives through the end of production after the agreement lapsed for it being exclusive to Kenmore.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks

I appreciate the information.

"Near the end of direct-drive production"
At the risk of sounding stupid; what type of drive system do the current Whirlpools use?

Now that I know a little more about Mom's washer, I'm tempted to bring a batch of laundry over one day and try it out. (And maybe clean the poor thing up a little bit)
It would be better if I could keep the lid open and watch the action, but that's not going to happen.

On my current Amana, I can reach the lid switch with my hand, so I sometimes hold it in so I can watch the turn-over for a few minutes.
I know. That's kind of sad.

Barry

 

[DADoES]

 
Direct-drive was replaced by the VMW (Vertical Modular Washer) design which was introduced in 2010.  It's a belt-drive mechanism with a planetary-gear type of transmission (non-serviceable, replace if bad) to increase torque for agitation and separate electric drain pump.  No spin brake so the lid locks.  Controlled by an electronic board, no mechanical timer.  The motor reverses repeatedly to provide oscillation for agitation.

There's also a modified version (2014) called VMAX which uses the Fisher & Paykel-style direct-drive motor but with a spin mode shifter instead of the floating basket clutch.

"Old-style" direct-drive was referred to as the LEAP (Laundry Engineering Advanced Product) design.  Calypso was Vanguard Technology.  How many people here know that?  

Bypassing lid switches is a way of life ...

 

[vacerator]

I knew that also.

My pop was on the Sears training group for new designs and hires. He had visited the Clyde Ohio plant a few times.
VMV design gear case was called the world washer using the Celcon splutch planetary gear set as you said. It debuted first here in the compact washers back in the early 90's as well as in Brazil at Braestemp and in Mexico.

 

[justjunque]

Wow.
You lost me there.
The knowledge that some of you have about appliances is beyond impressive!
I'm guessing the modern belt-drive Whirlpool is nothing like the ones from days of old.

Barry