POD 10-02-09 VERSATRONIC

[jons1077]

I knew this machine would have a reprise on here some day. It's no secret that, for any GE fan like myself, this is the washer to have! So my question is has anyone come across one of these that actually still have an operating Versatronic clutch in it? I know one member has the machine itself but no original clutch. Someone here needs to get one so we can see what it can do!!!

Jon

 

[lebron]

What is a Versatronic clutch ? Thanks

 

[frigilux]

Hi, Jed!

I think a Versatronic Clutch is either a wrestling hold or an indie rock band!

 

[jons1077]

I'll explain what I think I know...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think GE made basically 4 different style clutches. They all involve 3 major components (for simplicity purposes); the inner clutch shoes (the main drive), a drum (to which the shoes would spin and make contact with), and speed shift solenoids (or magnets in versatronic).

1-speed is the simplest of all. It has the inner shoes that contact the outer drum. The entire clutch spins driving the washer to either agitate or spin depending on motor direction.

2-speed involves an inner and outer drum. The same inner clutch shoes grab onto the inner drum. If the speed solenoid is activated it catches a small catch on the bottomside of the clutch that produces drag thus slowing down the overall speed (gentle speed/slow spin).

3-speed (and 4-speed) clutches are a bit interesting and more complicated. I've attached a picture of one of these on this post. Notice this one has two solenoids attached to the side. Also directly in front of them are two small levers on the body of the clutch. There are basically two set of outer clutch shoes that are spring loaded (springs pulling them inward close to the inner shoes). Those levers lock them into place so centrifugal force won't allow them to travel outward. However, when a solenoid activates it moves in towards those levers and trips them depending on speed choice (one does slow, one does medium, both would be handwash I'm assuming for the 4 speed models) and allows those outer shoes to be thrown outward thus cause more slippage on the clutch and a slowing speed. When the motor stops those springs snap the shoes back into place.

What I understand about the Versatronic is that these clutch shoes are adjusted via magnetism but since I really know nothing about them it's hard to say. Can anyone explain that a bit?

Jon

 

[bajaespuma]

Always wondered how they worked

Jon,

Thanks for the explanation and the picture. I've always wanted one of these. When I first became a washer enthusiast, I received tons of cut-sheets from GE and the first one I got for the Versatronic "Heavy-Duty-18" model showed it had a solid-blue washbasket. Oh, how I'd kill for one of those.

 

[bajaespuma]

Although, of course and as usual, GE used their Hotpoint brand to try out this gimick, and probably that clutch, first in 1967, and I'd kill even more for one of these:

 

[neptunebob]

The one woman who said her husband was a sailor - I thought it was for her to wash his Navy blue uniforms.

 

[lebron]

Wow

Infinite speeds, that's impressive.

 

[combo52]

Infinite speed washing

GE and Frigidair both used variable speed clutches in their washers both very poor ideas they were not long lived. GE made variable speed motors for hotpoint easy (same as hotpoint) norge wards and one LadyKenmore modle. The whole idea was a major failure in the sales dept. asit did not make any difference in the washing out come. All these machines were gone from sales line ups in less than two years. Its the classic solution to a problem that did not exist.

 

[bajaespuma]

and to quote the Tin Woodsman:

Well, I still want one.