Timer went bad on my washer

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kate1

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My Whirlpool, manufactured the sixth week of 1999, just had the timer go out.I knew it was going, two of my cycles had already stopped working and now it’s not working at all. I’ve been looking for one but have been unsuccessful since the part is discontinued (WP3953545). Now I need a working washer ASAP. Older Kenmore DD washers are a dime a dozen around here, I could just buy one of those and not worry about the timer but I’m unsure if that’s what I should do. Any washer I have will get heavy use with a family of six and I’d like whatever solution I come up with here to be fairly long term.
 
can you afford shipping cost

can you afford to have a washer ship because if you look at this link you can find a good old fashion direct drive washer from inglish 1993 model to whirlpool brand here is the link if you went to have a look that is if you consider a replacement?


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I know of Speed Queen’s claims of reliability but how much truth is there in those claims? Are they easy to work on and get parts for? I’m comfortable with the direct drive offerings of WP because I feel like they’re a safe bet but the issue of not being able to find a timer has me concerned for the future going forward, even if I got the newest DD washer I can find, how much longer are parts going to be available?

I thankfully live less than a block from my husband’s parents so going up the street to run a load through their washer isn’t too trying. I want a functioning washer at home as soon as possible but I also want a good solution.
 
If Time Is of the Essence . . .

A 2017 or older Speed Queen will be harder to find than a readily available DD Kenmore or Whirlpool, and could cost more, too.  Additionally, new and used parts for a Whirlpool/Kenmore DD will be easier to find over the long term.  WP/KM machines were huge sellers (particularly compared to SQ) and IMO they render superior results.
 
how much longer are parts going to be available?

DD washer replacement parts will be available a long time, don't let that influence your decision. DD machines were in production until a few years ago and they sold in the millions.

If you can find a decent machine locally for a good price great. Post some pics of the models you're interested in before buying to get some opinions.
 
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That washer is about 15-18 (or more) years older than the Speed Queens I posted, and it costs 50% more.
I have the identical washer in my garage right now as that Kenmore, it’s wash basket rusted through and broke, also damaging the plastic tub. I am fixing it because I already had a new basket left over from a previous project, but otherwise wouldn’t bother finding a donor machine for the basket.
I digress, but age does matter with these machines, they no doubt CAN last years longer, but if you have a significantly newer option for less money than I would certainly take age into account.
 
Well age and condition are definitely factors that I’m concerned about. The Speed Queens you posted have me intrigued but being in Boise, the same limitations apply for having to buy it sight unseen. I really just want a reliable and long lasting machine.
 
If you are looking for reliable and long lasting, in todays world you can't do better than a WP/Kenmore direct drive washer. The one in your post is a fully featured top of the line model. Have you checked Ebay for a timer?
 
I’m in Idaho Falls. Craigslist listings are sporadic here for appliances, so I’m looking mainly in Twin Falls, Boise, and Salt Lake City, Utah. I talked to the local appliance repair shop and they have a washer identical to my current broken one that they’d sell me for about $150 but I don’t really want to go with that option given the repair problem I’m having now.

My husband sent me this listing, they look clean but they’re definitely older.

 
that second washer IS NOT a Whirlpool built direct drive machine....

its a Maytag sourced/rebadged Norge designed machine.....

this link may help, although not the part you need, the seller may be able to help you find the timer your looking for....just ask him a question...

 
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Well, the Amanas are equivalent to Speed Queens of the same age,  but I'm pretty sure they're at least twice as old as the $220 Kenmore.  If they were made by Raytheon, you'll  be replacing the washer's belt a lot (not exactly the simplest of jobs like on a vintage Maytag) since it will be doing laundry for a family of eight.  The '97 Amana we bought new was on its third belt in nine years when we decided to replace it, and for most of those nine years ours was a two-person household.  Additionally, it was pathetic at rinsing, even with the extra rinse option that was always selected.

 

The Kenmore is a very nice machine, and for me at least, the Quiet Pak seals the deal.  With six kids running around, Quiet Pak may not matter, but if you don't want to wake the baby, it's a big plus.
 
Kenmore Reply #7

 
Quiet Pak on a direct-drive machine typically involves a few mastic pads glued to the inside of the cabinet to combat vibration resonance.  A few models may have a sound insulation pad inserted into the bottom (at the floor) of the base pedestal, the chance of this one having it is based on the "Limited Edition" notation for being tricked-out a little more than typical ... but that probably would be noted as Quiet Pak II.

Zooming-in on the console picture, it's an 80 Series.  I have an almost-identical 1999 Kenmore 90 Series (has four water levels instead of five, all the rest of the cycle/options are identical, the dots around the selection knobs and minutes on the timer are highlighted red.  Mine does say Quiet Pak II.  It has the affixed cabinet pads but not the base pad.  Maybe the bottom pad got lost before the machine came my way.  Not unusual that it comes loose during transport, gets lost or is tossed away.

I have a 2002/2003 WP that has the base the pad, labeled as Quiet Wash Plus.  The pad did fall out (or maybe was already loose on the floor under the machine) when we moved it.  Someone who didn't know its purpose would have tossed it to the trash.

My Catalyst is supposed to have the base pad (shown on the parts diagrams) but it was missing.  I found an Oasis or Bravos model that has a similar bottom pad (P/N WPW10361353, larger size & different shape), made one for the Catalyst using the 2003 WP as a template.
 
I would have to buy it over the phone

Whatever you do don't buy something sight unseen, no matter how good it looks or sounds.

Many times I went to see washers on Craigslist that looked great in the photos and were a total POS in person. (Sort of like dating site photos).

BTW those Speed Queens are Raytheon built machines before Alliance took over SQ and they have issues.
 

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