Speed Queen wringer help needed

[akronman]

I just bought a Speed Queen wringer washer, 50's era, model F701. The bottom ringer at times doesn't turn. The bar thru the center of it does, but with heavy/thick clothes the actual roller stays in place while the metal shaft properly(?) turns inside of it. I've taken apart much of the wringer assy, greased and unstuck various parts, but still the problem. I am guessing that means the shaft and rubber roller is broken, unfortunately? I can't imagine that the metal shaft is ever supposed to turn while the actual wringer rubber stays still. Any advice? Any knowledge that indeed it is broken, not simply in need of tension adjusting/spring greasing? And any place I could replace that bar/roller?
Thanks
Mark

Other than that, the machine runs quietly and well, excellent turnover on heavy items, plenty of throw rugs, etc. I have the DeLuxe model, but as far as I can tell that just means there is a windup timer/bell that simply rings, does not stop any action of washing at all. Oh well! If any pro knows the standard versus deluxe difference, let me know. And I will wire in a switch, I'm a fine electrician, I don't like having to unplug it each time I'm done. Also, in replacing the 3-prong cord, it was already properly "green wire grounded" at the GE motor, which surprised me for 1950. Does that mean the motor has been replaced? Did they ground much appliances back in 1950?
That;s my numerous questions for now.

This website is great, but all I do so far is ask and ask. One of these days, I hope to gain some expertise and start sharing better. Each one teach one, I heard that idea somewhere.

Current collection is a 3 yr old Admiral toploader(Home Depot house brand BOL on sale), a 1974 Hoovermatic Twin Tub#0519, and now this wringer Speed Queen #F701. And a 40's Chamber's Gas Range. And over a dozen 30's-60's electric space heaters. Vacuums around here are whatever is cheap at an estate sale, I'm a slob who doesn't vacuum anywhere near often enough.

 

[mickeyd]

It's like when the screw has worn the hole bigger than i

Have only torn down a broken Maytag wringer and the weak link needed a solder, so it was beyond me. Laundress knows of a Maytag repairman/salesman who's still in business. Maybe he knows of an SQ supplier. Can't remember anyone here who has worked on SQ wringers. The guess is that you need a new bottom roller.Wish I could be more helpful, Mark. Try to find a new roller.[this post was last edited: 9/10/2010-12:48]

 

[akronman]

roller bar

Mickeyd, Thanks. I already found a non-working $40 Craigslist unit I'm picking up tomorrow, hoping it has good rollers. I'm pretty good mechanically, I can't find that there's any problem except the bar internally separated from the roller, like a screw hole too darn big.
We'll see, thanks for your input. Frankly, at the price for the Speed Queens on Craigslist, it should be damn easy to get a spare entire machine or so, swap parts around and keep one or more working!
Thanks again
Mark

 

[mickeyd]

Interesting

Just two weeks ago, on my up to Chestnut Ridge, I spied perhaps the very SQ you have, and I couldn't figure it out. It was dinner time, and the garage sale people were gone. But a striking Q was there in the driveway, with a timer, but no "OFF" or "HOLD," and I hadn't seen one like this. So now I know what's up. It had the gray metal agitator. Does yours? But the weirdest thing is~ it had a pump, but no visible switch to turn it on. Is yours like that too?

(I'm sure the neighbors had a riot:"What is that man doing laying down under their wringggger washing machine?") Should we call the cops. LOL>

 

[akronman]

1950(?) Speed Queen pics

Mickey---here's 5 pics of my recent purchase. No pump at all, you drop the hose on the floor. Everything about it looks exactly like the various 1948 to 1952 advertising I've seen, later they changed looks, legs, added a pump, etc. Mine is DeLuxe instead of standard model, but as far as I can tell they just added in the timer. IT doesnt't control anything, just rings when 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 minutes are up. Well, right now that part ain't working either, but that's extraneous. Also, from old advertisement pics, it looks like I have the original hose, exactly. Only thing that surprised me so far is that the cord is 3 prong, properly grounded inside the junction box built into the motor. Is that routine for 1950, or does that mean the motor is decades newer.?
Here are 5 pics, later I'll also post the 60's model(non-working) that I get tomorrow.
Thanks for your advice and interest--
Mark

 

[akronman]

SQ #2

pic2---------does this green filter also mean it's newer than I think? It wasn't in any 50's pictures, but I've seen it on 60's models where the entire casing and machine look was very different.

 

[akronman]

pic3

pic3---------also check out pic 2 for aluminum agitator-----anyone suggest how I clean it? I'm afraid to try Brillo unless someone says it's cool.

 

[akronman]

Speed Queen Wringer, pic4

4 of 5 pics, simple sticker labels for On, Off, just engages the transmission, motor is running as soon as you plug in the cord. If I revise that and add in a switch, it will be down below and nearly hidden, I don't want to change the overall look

 

[akronman]

pic 5

5th and final for now. I've had the machine on it's side and took a good look. Like I said, there's no pump at all, and this ringing bell is just a wind-up ringer, no involvement with mechanics or electric. IT's just the "DeLuxe" model's way of being one notch ahead of a store-bought kitchen timer sitting above the laundry tub. I doubt I'll get around to working on that until some cold, snowed-in winter night.
I repeat----agitation is fantastic, I loaded this with 5 throw rugs, 2 of them darn stiff, and there was constant and easy turnover, this thing is a beast. Per some other thread here, it's the only machine known with a 210 degree agitator stroke.
Enough typing for now, thanks for your interest and advice.
Mark

 

[circlew]

Mark, if the machine has a grounded cord & plug, they have been replaced. The plug shown looks to be a Hubbell industrial grade, which wouldn't likely be used OEM on a washer. I'm quite certain the original cord would be 2-wire with a molded on 2 prong plug. I don't think grounding receptacles were even sold until the mid 50's, and didn't become common until the early 60's.

If you don't find rollers off another machine to be suitable, perhaps Lehman's will have replacements, as they sell the "Home Queen", which is based on the later Speed Queen wringer machines.

 

[akronman]

Hey

Lordy, it's exactly a Hubbell Industrial! You've got good eyes. I put that on, 'cuz the washer arrived with a 3 prong where someone tore out the grounding plug. I put on the new plug and checked the entire cord, that's how I saw it was grounded to a GE motor case. Other than that, it all looks very original and very like the 48-53 models. The ON OFF stickers are nearly worn away, I would have thought they'd use some metal plate or badge, oh well.
You must be quite an electrician. By the way, the circuit it's on is a Bulldog Pushmatic GFCI Breaker! How's that for some 50's stuff thrown in (though they didn't expand the ancient Pushmatic line to GFCI's til the 70's)
That and 50 cents will get me a cup of coffee, I know-
Thanks
Mark