Speed Queen washer and dryer issues

[dustin92]

We recently moved into a new house which we are in the process of buying from family, and even more recently; we started work in the lower level / walk out basement. There is a late 80's or early 90's Speed Queen washer and dryer that have been there since new. I did not know the working condition of the machines until today. I would like to repair them, because the seem to be very heavy and well made. I ran two loads and the biggest issue I saw was with the washer, the the timer knob (the part of the knob that is pushed in, set to the desired cycle and pulled out to start) is stripped/ broken somehow. I had to turn the actual dial (with the orange pointer) to select the cycle, and then pulled out the knob. The washer filled fine, and stopped at the selected water level, then seemed to agitate normally, but made one heck of a racket. Nothing at all like the last Speed Queen we had, wiich emitted a low hum. It sounded kind of clunky/ rough/ rattly, but none of the sounds were carried through the agitator (felt smooth when I rested my hand on top). Toward the end of the wash, and into the rinse, it started squeaking at a rather slow but steady pace (maybe the belt?) It made the same sound, at the same speed when it went into the spin cycle. It sounded fine while spinning (no noise from bearings). It spun both loads out well and they were put into the gas dryer. DRYER: The dryer (natural gas) seemed to dry very well, I actually completely overdried both loads. I dried a load of lightweight curtains and a few pillowcases for about 45 minutes and they came out hot, staticy and crisp after about 30 minutes. The next load was a load of whites, mostly heavy towels, which I set for 65 minutes with the same result after 55 minutes. It definitely dries fast. The only issue I found with the dryer, it thumps as the drum rotates, causing the cabinet to rattle.

 

[mrb627]

Belts

Your washer may be a 2 belt model. In any case, the first thing I would do would be to replace the belt(s) on the washing machine. The main belt may have become glazed and rough making the idler pulley bounce all over.

The dryer sounds like it needs a drum roller or two.

Malcolm

 

[laundromat]

I recomend removing the washer front and looking at the mechanism to see if there is a forreign object causing the noise or a broken part.. On your dryer, always set the timer on the automatic cyle not timed because most users set too much time and waste electricity, gas and ruin their clothes. The automatic cycles sense the dryness or dampness of the load and automaticaly cool down and shut off instead of continuing to run unnecessarily.

 

[dustin92]

I dont think anything is actually broken on the washer to cause the noise, but I will check the belts and most likely replace them, I am sure they are original. I will try the automatic cycle on the dryer and see how that works. Any ideas what is wrong with the timer knob on the washer?

 

[combo52]

1980s SQ Washer

These were very noisy washers, not at all like the later single belt machines. It may need a main drive belt, don't waste your money on the pump belt unless it looks bad. The dryer should probably be cleaned on lubricated and checked over for worn parts, these dryers are fast, so be sure you are using the correct settings, Timed dry is not meant to be used for normal loads of clothing, it is designed for special situations such as damp drying, or drying pillows or stuffed toys, or for extended air fluff cycles for items that can not be dried in a heated dryer. 

 

Good Luck with this W&D depending on how much use they have had you may be able to get some more life out of them.

 

[dustin92]

pictures up next...

I ran 3 loads today and they both worked well, just noisy. I used the automatic normal cycle, and still overdried them. The automatic cycle only has two settings, normal and max dry, so I set it to normal. I never got around to checking out the belts on the washer, and I most likely wont for a while, I have more important things to do. I did give them both a quick wipe off and took a couple pictures. Over the years they have seen a lot of use from new until about 2001 or so, and then only used occasionally after the Maytag performa set was installed upstairs. They have been used regularly for the last 6 years. As far as I know, neither has had any repairs or maintenance, I did clean out the dryer vent system somewhat. It will be cleaned better soon, but was not too bad.

 

[dustin92]

Well, I found the noise issue with the washer... the plastic cover over the motor was vibrating against the top of the motor, and also amplifying the noise of a very worn belt... Threads hanging loose and chunks missing... I will order a belt online and change it asap, that should stop the noise. More good news, while I had the front panel off, I looked for leaking water or transmission oil, and couldnt find a drop anywhere. It was suprisingly clean underneath and should run for a good while. Our last Speed Queen machine, built in 1994, lasted 13 years of use and abuse (friends regularly used it and stuffed it to the point that as the agitator turned, so did the entire load of clothes) and was still working when we sold it, now that I know better, It just needed a tub brake and the fill screens cleaned. This one has been in this house at least 20 years, I am 20 and this is the only set I remember ever being here.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>I used the automatic normal cycle, and still overdried them. The automatic cycle only has two settings, normal and max dry, so I set it to normal.</blockquote> Any reason the timer can't be set for less than normal dry, closer to where the cool down begins?

 

[dustin92]

There is a very small margin between max dry, normal, and cool down, maybe 1/4 inch between settings; the timer only turns clockwise (like on a washer) and only stops at its pre set clicks, somewhat frustrating when trying to dial in a setting just right- for an example, trying to set it between normal dry and cool down will most likely end up in setting it too far and engaging the cool down. The variable water level on the washer is the same situation.. it can be turned. in both directions by a fair amount without changing the actual water level. I am used to dryer timers that can be turned in either direction and dont have preset stops.

 

[dustin92]

panel..

I guess what I am trying to explain is that the knobs have a lot of play in them and are hard to tell where exactly you have set them.

 

[dustin92]

I forgot to mention, the washer does have two belts, one from the motor (front center of cabinet) to the pump (which is in the right front corner) and another from the motor to the transmission. The transmission belt is the extremely worn one.