Speed queen models —

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ps91rick

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Ok.. so I’ve settled on a new-to-me speed queen — whether its really new or not. Probably not brand-new. My 1976 Maytag top loader in harvest gold is showing signs of transmission failure — I found some lube in the tub the other day after doing a load.. ugg.. I’ve been through this game with a 10 year newer Maytag that died in the exact same way. I’ll probably take parts off it and sell them and scrap the rest.

Anyway, my question revolves around Speedqueens. I seen various models on CL, Facebook Market place, etc and I can’t tell one model from another feature wise.. I’m honestly not that interested in the TC or TR’s I believe but don’t mind going with one that’s under 20 years old — preferably closer to 10 years old with plenty of trouble-free life left.. I’ll admit that I might be ok with a TC/TR if there’s some compelling reason to choose one over the older model SQ’s.

I don’t know the sizing of the tubs — one was listed as “extra large capacity” while another is listed as “super capacity”..

I’ll admit that I’m a bit confused — I don’t know which are larger size wise — are they more or less the classic transmission setup I assume unless they’re the TR’s. Thoughts??

Ps. I gather that most of these machines are roughly from the same era — except the one for $165 which is obviously older.. Thoughts??

Here’s a few for reference :

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac.../?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac.../?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac.../?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac.../?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search
 
Rick, take a look at the black bar at the top of this thread where you see "Tag: Vintage Dryers" followed by "incorrect."  If you click on "incorrect" you can change the tag information.  I already did it so you don't have to, and Robert will be alerted to move this into the correct forum.

 

The machine in South Gate resembles our '97 Raytheon Amana, which at that time was a Speed Queen clone.  I would steer clear of that one (unless you like to replace belts relatively frequently) as well as the oldie $165 machine that may also be a Raytheon product. 

 

The rest of the machines appear to be newer, improved designs from Alliance.  Those would be the most reliable.

 

 
 
Traditional SQ TL Washers

Hi Rick, I could only get # 1 #3 &4 to come up, all three are the good SQs, the one South Gate is a REAL SQ Ralph only looks at pictures and does not know much about appliances, LOL

 

All are a little pricy but may be worth it.

 

The serial # on a SQ tells you when it was made, example 1506 was built in 2015 in June.

 

John L.
 
Oil in the tub

This is not a transmission failure. It is a bad tub seal, which is relatively easy to replace. You should also change the oil inside the transmission and clean it out to make sure all the water is removed, and you should always change the gasket when opening one of these up. In total this should only cost you $100, far cheaper than any of those Speed Queens. Plus, you get to keep your nice 1970's Maytag!
 
My mistake re: the South Gate machine.  There was one with the older console (but not ancient like the Mission Hills machine) and now I don't see it among the links.  Rick, did you delete that link?  John got here too late or he'd have known what I was referring to. 

 

CLEARLY the machines that both John and I (gasp!) have suggested are good ones were manufactured much later than 1997.  I stand by my statements above, even if they don't entirely apply to the current selection.  I know what I saw and wouldn't have gone to the trouble to advise against a relatively recently produced Speed Queen.
 
The pair in Mission Hills is a real workhorse.  I bought that pair around 1986 and only changed the drive belt a couple of times on the washer.  I gave them away in 2017 when I moved and they were still going strong. 
 
Ok.. it’s been a few days .. I just checked all 4 links and all are working for me — to summarize :

machine #1 (mission viejo), #2 (Sylmar) appear to be essentially the same machine — I’d guess they’re under 10 years old??
machine #3 (Mission Hills) is the super old (80’s?) machine
Machine #4 (South Gate) is closer in age to #1, #2 but I don’t know whether its older or newer

I’ll admit that at this point I’ve got enough other projects that I’d just like a machine that’s got no issues and will run for a handful of years before any major maintenance.

Is it safe to assume any of these will have a load-size comparable to my exist regular tub in my ‘76 Maytag? Or should I assume they might be 20% bigger or ??

I’m ready to move forward on looking at one or more.

Also — do these NOT temper the incoming HOT tap into something cooler? I LOVE that my current Maytag doesn’t fiddle with the incoming “hot” and just lets it be

Thx!!
 
The pair that's in #2 is the next model up with more features. I'd hate to have the pair broken up. #1 is the entry model. The model in #2 & #4 are basically the same model in the line up, just different ages by a few years because of the different size in the auxiliary knobs.
 
load-size comparable to my exist regular tub

SQ's are slightly larger capacity. DC Maytag's were 2.9 cu. I believe, SQ is 3.xx something

The SQ's with large control knobs are the newer models, check date codes and condition then decide.

For those prices I'd want the newest machine in the best condition.
 
I guess the take-away is that I should probably wait for different machines at lower price points..

I’ll admit that I’d prefer a set owned by a person not a dealer/repair center... most of them being sold in the area seem to be sold by dealers of some sort or another.. Thanks all for the points to be on the watch out for.

I now notice that there’s an extra switch present in ad #2 that is missing from #1 — I gather this means its slightly different feature-wise over the base model in #1.

I’ll let you know how I fare..
 
extra switch present in ad #2

Thats a switch for an extra rinse, not really necessary.

The matched set for $600 is fair price if in good condition. New SQ washers alone are $1000 pus tax.

I wouldn't have a problem buying used from a dealer if the price and condition are right.
 
Run from the Maytag!  It will not serve you well.  The Kirkland is a rebadge Whirlpool direct drive.  That is a good solid machine.  I've never heard of that marque either but if you can find the equivalent parts, it will make a good daily use machine.
 
So the Kirkland is still available.. and he’s willing to take $200 for it. Is there anything in particular I should look for besides the obvious stuff like water leaks/rust, etc..? I’m hoping I can see it on Wednesday after work — its even local which is a bonus.
 

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