Variflex Agitator

[floyde]

Help: I was away for a few days and my husband did laundry.

All 3 fins from 1970 3
Speed piano key lady Kenmore were in bottom of tub.

They
Are
Not
Broken just how do I reattach them?

Thank you!

 

[combo52]

Reassembling A Vari-Flex KM Agitator

These fins are not supposed to fall out when using the washer so there may be something already wrong or broken with the agitator.

 

To disassemble you need to pop the cap off and remove the bolt under the cap, then the smaller cone lifts up and off and you can put the fins back in place and reassemble.

 

[floyde]

Thanks combo

Yes, it would always make a noise with the agitator when it first started agitation.

I assume if I use it without the fins there is high possibility it will damage clothing? As things would get caught in space the fins where in.

It there another agitator that can be switched out for it if needed?

 

[floyde]

So how would they even come out,

It seems impossible that they could come out??? This washer works like a dream too.

 

[yogitunes]

there are a number of agitators that you could swap out.....

just make sure of the capacity matching the size.....not always, but some can make a difference......

 

[floyde]

Thanks yogi tunes

It is a small tub capacity. Are those agitates currently available and am I correct I shouldn't use the machine without the little fins?

 

[yogitunes]

I don't think it would hurt to still use the machine.......wash action may not be as vigorous....

I would need Gordon to chime in here, he would know your model like the back of his hand.....there are certain agitators that fit both capacities....

this guy on ebay may have what you need also......although I find the price on this one really steep, he is usually not that expensive....you can always click on his link to 'ask a question'....they may have one you need, just not listed...I get a lot of stuff from him....

would like to find someone closer to you to save on shipping as well.....

if you can find a Roto-Swirl, that does a nice job for these machines....

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Agitators

If it is determined that the Vari-Flex is actually broken and cannot be fixed, there are several agitators that I could recommend, including just as Martin said, a Roto-Swirl.

Most belt-drive agitators will fit, except the early large capacity agitators for the tall post 1967-1973 ish machines. Though most will fit, some I would say are too big for the tub size, including the Penta-Vane and Penta-Swirl. Also note the Dual-Action requires a Standard Cap auger to fit, as the very common large cap auger is too tall.

The Roto-Swirl and Whirlpool's standard capacity Super Surgilator would be be best and easiest to locate, in fact I have seen some on eBay brand new, even recently. Try looking for part number 285062 for the Roto-Swirl and 363633 for the Surgilator.

I have a new, never used white Roto-swirl if we can't find another, I can look up what I have invested in it.

In some cases a new agitator cap will be needed, part number 285155 or 285156 depending on color.

Hopefully the old agitator won't put up too much fuss during removal.

Gordon

 

[floyde]

Thanks Gordon:

Do you know if those fins can be put back.

Also what it I used without the fins?

Would close get caught in the slots resulting in damage?

The variflex never worked right from when I got it.

It made a noise at beginning of agitation like fins where trying to adjust.

They only stayed in the third position .

Thanks

 

[floyde]

I also noticed

The agitator now moves slightly even when spinning . Just a slight back and forth movement. Not a complete agitation. Is this something else? The beginning of the end?

 

[yogitunes]

you have to be a bit more specific of when and how the agitator is moving....

if the tub is empty, and doing a neutral drain, if there is a noticeable twitch to the agitator, not uncommon to see that bit of motion, wont hurt anything....

I have seen ones where the tub is trying to spin while its agitating.....that's a stuck/broken/defective spin solenoid....or a faulty timer engaging it at the wrong time....

for the most part, not possible to fully agitate and drain at the same time....if it is, something has gone haywire, but that would be the worst case scenario....