Speed Queen balance ring woes

[swestoyz]

Hey gang,

I have a simple question for the group, but before I get to the question I figured it would be good to detail where I'm at on the '67 Speed Queen set that came to Iowa last fall. Earlier this year the dryer was torn down and all seals/rollers/belts were replaced, and it officially has put into daily driver status. So far it's been a great dryer to use in the wash studio!

Moving on to the washer. Earlier this week I tore the tub out of the washer, already knowing that the balance ring wasn't in the greatest of shape from the original inspection.

My original fear was the ring would be completely blown out and beyond repair, but my hope was that part of the plastisol coating flaked off and it would be simple patch repair.

Well, it didn't take long to realize just how bad it was.[this post was last edited: 4/15/2022-15:26]

They're here! 1967 Speed Queen set

Hey gang - The Speed Queen set that was posted over in Shopper's Square a few weeks ago arrived safely in Iowa this morning. A shoutout to Kermit/Will for posting the set to the board. I hemmed and hawed that weekend and by Tuesday I figured I'd give it a shot as it didn't appear there was...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[swestoyz]

Pre DA/1970 Speed Queen washers use this style of balance ring, that mounts below the flange of the wash tub with studs that bolt up through the tub flange, that are tapped down into the steel bands of the ring. Water must get between those studs and the plastisol coating, and it doesn't take long for this to occur.

The change of the balance ring on the DA washers makes complete sense - a plastic ring, loaded with cement inside a formed group, above the tub flange. This keeps water out of the ring, but there is almost no chance for it to rot like the earlier versions.

I've included a photo of the later DA style balance ring from the '72 Speed Queen restoration effort several years ago.

 

[swestoyz]

One way to move forward with the '67 restoration would be to replace the balance ring with one from a later DA-FA style Speed Queen. If anyone happened to have a spare on hand and would be willing to sell, I'd happily make you an offer.

Otherwise there are two other options. I could part out the '72, but I hate that idea as it is such a nice washer.

OR - I thought about the idea of trying to use a balance ring from a DD Whirlpool washer, and mounting it below the tub flange, possibly using some fence or sign post brackets to secure it to the tub. It wouldn't be pretty but it might get the job done. Looks like the PN is WP387240.

Does anyone know what the overall dimensions are of a DD washer balance ring? The Speed Queen tub looks to be about 21-1/2 inches. If the DD ring was similar in size it may just work. I don't happen to have a DD washer on hand otherwise I would have a better idea on if this would work or not.

Any other suggestions out there on how to get this old girl back up and going again?

Ben

 

[repairguy]

The outer diameter is about 21 1/8”. Inner diameter is about 17 3/4”. There are 8 lugs that stick out inside where it mounts to the tub and it’s about 17 5/16” inner diameter between those but they might be able to be ground out. It is about 2” tall.

 

[swestoyz]

Thank you, Melvin, for taking the time measure the balance ring and throw up a reply.  Sadly it looks like the ring would be too small for the outer diameter of the tub, and also is still too small to fit on top of the blue porcelain top.

 

Looks like this project is going on hold for the time being.

 

Ben