Water Levels

[yogitunes]

How high is high?...
my quesion is what is the real water level supposed to be on top loading washers?

I know we tweek them....but I have 4 maytags and all of them have different fill levels for a full load...one only filled 3/4 of the way up....

as a general rule for most is I let it fill to the top of the vanes of the agitator, re:maytags with the powerfin of some sort, these like GE filter flos also have an indent on the tub for the balance ring and once the water touches there were good to go...on kenmore/whirlpool I used to adjust it 1 inch from the top of the shield, BD and DD the same...just as long as the clothes can't overflo into the outer tub....

i have seen many times sock or washcloth get into the outer tub and clog the pump...but I relay this to operator error...i have packed many machines, and never lost an article this way, i don't know what their doing!

 

[qsd-dan]

i have packed many machines, and never lost an article this

Same here. I adjust the water level higher than factory settings on all of my Maytags and NEVER lost an article of clothing in over 20 years.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Level switches seem to get out of adjustment over time. One of my standard capacity Kenmores fills about 2 inches lower than I would expect, and I will adjust that in the level switch one of these days.

However, in Belt Drive Whirlpool and Kenmore machines, it is important not to adjust the level switch too high. The higher the water, the more pressure develops under the agitator to push the air out of the centerpost. If a machine has weak seals, a centerpost/bearing/transmission flooding condition could develop, especially in short centerpost models, that can quickly foul a machine and displace the turbine oil in the bearings and eventually fill the transmission with water.

Not worth it in my opinion just to put a bit more water in there.

 

[dblrinz]

I have an orbital as a "daily driver" with a standard tub and the "large" load fills only to the 3/4 mark leaving the top fins partially exposed as well as two rows of holes. You PROs here at the sight have given me enough confidence to fix it...I have yet to do it due to my laziness and the fact that the machine will need to be moved as it is tightly placed into the only available spot in the basement.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

My Maytag A606 fills so it covers the last hole in the agitator. If the fabric softner dispenser floats, it's a little too high.

Ken

 

[yogitunes]

Dblrinz

actually it's not hard...you don't have to move the machine....just unplug...take out the two inner screws from the top...tilt the panel towards you...and use pliers to adjust the screw a little at a time until it reaches the level you want...when set...put screws back in place...

 

[revvinkevin]

I have noticed on the older machines the water level is a fair amount higher then a "newer" machine from the same manufacturer. I remember my parents Maytag A700 on the LARGE setting, would fill ALL the way up to the rounded edge of the tub.

On the 1975 806 I had, it would fill right to the bottom of the lint filter insert, basically within 3/4 inch of the very top of the agitator. In contrast, the 1980 806 I still have fills to 1 1/2 - 2 inches below that same point, on the highest setting.

Over the holiday weekend I went to my friend Mikes house for a BBQ / Wash-in. He has a a '66 Lady K set and 3 GE sets from I believe, '62, '64 and '69 or '70. I used two of the GE sets and the Lady K set when doing my laundry and noticed the 1962 GE washer filled ALL THE WAY UP to the clothes guard at the very top of the tub!!! Another GE set filled only to about 2 1/2 inches below that same point. Mike later said he needs to adjust the water level switch on that machine.

Now on the very newest machines, like the less then one year old (basic Whirlpool) TL washer we have at work, the HIGH water level is about 4 1/2 inches below the top of the tub! There are actually 2 full rows of holes in the tub showing!

 

[dblrinz]

Yogi'

Thanks for the info - I was under the impression that I had to move it out to get to the back of the machine which at this point would require moving furnature. I will give it a try on my next free day...Thanks again! I have never really fixed/tinkered with the machines - Only belts...