Speed Queen washer AWN311 water level

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Spinmom...with the washbasket I too had that concern but its really not an issue once you use it. So far nothing has been snagged and besides that joint the washbasket has is very smooth and the holes have no rough edges. I had at one time a GE washer with the plastic tub. I on occasion would nick my knuckles on a hole taking the wash out of the machine. I would bleed like the dickens.
One thing is that with stainless steel its gets smoother with use. The washer is tough as nails and you cant say that about a Whirlpool or a GE and a Frigidaire washer.
 
What would you recommend?

Mike, would this machine be a good replacement for a Kenmore 500 series washer? Have you purchased the dryer yet or know of anyone who has it and has reported on its performace?
 
You can clearly see that if I do a load that fills the washbasket to the top row of holes this water level wont work in previous pic...this one will though...after I adjust up

nmassman44++9-14-2009-13-57-20.jpg
 
That unadjusted level looks low. Maybe it was an intentional change by SQ, but on our AWS (the series made just before the AWN) the extra large water level comes just to the top row of tub holes. A call or email to Alliance can help answer that.

Also, I'd love if someone could figure out exactly how these washers read water levels, and if this metering system can be adjusted. It's not a simple timed function, because if you decrease water pressure, the washer takes however much time it needs to reach whatever level was selected.
 
Rll this washer would be a great replacement for a Kenmore washer. This washer is tough as nails and very well made. The dryer friends of ours have and they love it. Its very fast and even though its a thermostatic control dryer not electronic control..ie moisture sensors in the drum...the thermostats are very accurate and what amazes me at how well it does. Once the they cycle the timer moves and an average load takes no more than 35 mins to dry. The washer spins faster than your Kenmore at 710 rpms. This washer also has a good lint filter as well. Self cleaning of course. The washer is also rock steady during spin with no vibrations and the spin is smooth like a Maytag. The washer doesnt index the washbasket like when we got it. And so far the break in period has gone well. The washer is very Maytag-esque...the way they used to be.
Wash performance is top notch and on par with that MaytagSamsung Neptune that we got rid of. Cycle times are fast. 35 min for a load and rinsing is very good as well. Do I think we made a good purchase?...Hell yeah!
 
Comparing specs for the two washer lines, average water usage is listed as 36.7 gallons for the AWS series and 31.4 for the AWN. I think that difference accounts for the water levels.
 
The water level is a normal pressure fill system. Not timed. Until the water level pressure switch is satisfied the washer will not agitate. I read the repair manual for the washer and it said that if a customer isnt happy with the preset water levels that the screw at the water level can be adjusted no more than a half turn since each quarter turn equals an inch of water height. I am tempted to do the adjustment myself. The water level height that comes from the factory means that the washer uses just 31 gallons per load. Plus one big plus is that the water temps are not "dumbed down". Warm is a nice warm 100 degrees and cold is well tap cold. Hot is whatever is coming out the tap. Mine is set at 140 degrees. So I have a nice hot wash. All rinses are cold.
 
Mike, did you find the service manual online, or is it printed? I'd love to have a copy.
 
Can this washer be "tricked" to run with the lid open or does it have a lid safety switch hidden below the control panel? Also, does it "dumb" down a hot or warm water wash? I hate the fact that Whirlpool incorporated these features in the Kenmore model I have.
 
1. Yes, easily. We used a long bungee cord, put one end under the washer in back (on the right side, looking at the front of the machine), and the other end hooks onto a metal lever that is visible underneath the top control panel in back (this is the lever that extends to the lid switch). A 30" cord is a perfect length -- don't put too much pressure on the metal lever as it can be damaged.

2. No automatic temp adjustments on these top loaders. None. What you feed it is what you get for both hot and cold.
 
JeffG -- I think the slightly low default water level is a way to get away with a water factor below the max allowable in the next wave of Energy Star standards: <= 9.5 by 2011 for top-loaders. 31.4 gallons / 3.3 cubic feet max capacity is, shockingly 9.51515... which is pretty darn close to 9.5 isn't it?

Amazing how those things work out?
 
John, if it's just a matter of a screw adjustment, I have no problem with Energy Star standards. :-)

Even though the difference in water levels is only a couple of inches, the difference in performance is more than slight for large loads. Those "extra" few inches of water are important.
 
Oops, sorry, Mike, I didn't see your reply about the automatic temperature control. I may just have to switch out the Kenmore washer and Whirpool dryer for a pair of Speed Queens that have features people actually want (and made in the United States). Then, I'll send a copy of the sales receipt to Sears and Whirlpool to let them know I'm no longer satisfied with their laundry products.

Also, you mentioned that the water level can be raised by turning an adjustment screw. I'm curious about that. Could it be done easily without having to take the control panel apart?
 
The adjustment can be done by taking off the access panel to the control panel in the back. Find the water level switch and turn the set screw I wanna say clockwise only a quarter to half turn and no more. The manual is online I will have to post the linkie.
 
The water adjustment is probably in the repair manual online accidentally on purpose so people will buy speed queens and make them how we want them. (ability to customize) I have a whirlpool DD I would love to raise the water level on.
 
Adjusting the water level

Mike,
I have the AWN542 for about 2 months now and I love it.
I also have the matching electric dryer, and I love it.
I e-mailed Alliance about the water level and they told me that the wash water needed somewhere to go as the washer agitated. I was satisfied with that answer, but if I can adjust the water level, I would like to.
Can you please post this diagram. Is it easy to take the back panel off?
Thanks
MTN1584
 
> the wash water needed somewhere to go as the washer agitated <

Water levels in these washers can be raised to the bottom rim of the inner tub without issue for most loads.
 
I have adjusted the water level without any problems, but I wasn't sure how to adjust the water level permanently. I also did not feel like waiting for a service tech to come to my house, so I just accepted the answer. To be honest with you, I was just glad that they acknowledged my e-mail.
 
Mike, that's the same level my Frigidaire TL'er fills to. It limits you to washing 2/3 of maximum capacity, which drives me bonkers. I don't think my picture hook-and-rubber band method will work on your water level control.
 
water level

There may be some rule or law that says they cannot in anyway affect the water consumption of an appliance. It might be a government spy calling. Speed Queen TL's in 5 years might fill up only half-way to keep selling TL's.
 

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