Westinghouse Indexing Washtubs

[peterh770]

Gordon said, "I wonder why GE and Westinghouse didn't have some sort of "counter flow" vane on their ramp agitators to create more turbulence in the wash zone, like a combo of a straight vane and a ramp?"

Maybe because Kenmore patented it with the Roto-Swirl. I know the PotD for the Roto Swirl speaks to this...

Seems to me that the Westy index turns against the swirl (clockwise) and the agitator stroke in the counter-clockwise direction is longer, accentuating the "suck down" and turnover

 

[eddy1210]

slight difference

There's just a slight difference between the regular Westy agitator and the double one. Here's the outer regular duty agitator, there's an extra little rib on the side.

 

[eddy1210]

and the handwash agitator

 

[scrubflex]

Awesome...

Fantastic! Jon, you definitely made excellent points and the pictures are PHENONMENAL. Check out (Filter Flo) post of their Westinghouse washer which show the 2-in-1, Swirl-Ramp agitator. I think that agitator is made for extra large capacity washers, if I'm not mistaken.

Gordon, the 2-in-1, Swirl-Ramp agitator does have "counter flow" vertical vanes for extra turbulence and added ribs more like multiple "protuberances" on the outer ramp wall. Like the design of the Kenmore "Super Roto-Swirl" agitator.

And, you're right Jon, it doesn't matter if the load turnover is faster. If the "cleaning zone" is weak the entire washload will be affected. Out of curiosity, have you ever held the washtub and allow the agitator to work without the indexing to see if there is a big difference in the wash action?

Can't wait to see the videos.

Harry

 

[scrubflex]

Swirl-Ramp (2-in-1) agitator

Hey Ed, I found photos of my Westinghouse (1st love) washer.

Harry

 

[scrubflex]

Westy Control Panel

whole panel

 

[scrubflex]

5 pushbutton wash/rinse temperature selects and 4 water saver selects

 

[scrubflex]

2 wash/spin speed selector and cycle control dial

 

[scrubflex]

Westy 1st love

...minus the recirculating lint filter system

 

[jons1077]

Very interesting!

So almost looks like they did upgrades with agitators along with upgraded washer models. Eddy, yours looks like it would be very effective. I guess they came in all shapes and colors huh? I learn something new everyday!

jon

 

[tcox6912]

Decent turnover

Years ago I had a Westinghouse top loader and found it to clean well. The turnover was good if you didn't overload it, but that's true for all washers. It was fun to watch; but I did not have the two agitators ... that gentle agitator looks as though it would have good movement with the more pronounced fins ... much better than the hotpoint gentle-wash agitators did. Behind the pics of the Westinghouse washer appears to be a Hoover set ... can you post any pics of them. I may have missed pics in the past if you previously posted them; if so, forgive my Alzheimer's. Thanks. Todd

 

[jons1077]

FYI...

I made a video tonight comparing the Westy and GE rampies. I think the results can be a bit surprising. As soon as Youtube is up and running I'll post it so everyone can watch...more to come!

Jon

 

[tuthill]

As soon as Youtube is up and running

Can't wait!

 

[scrubflex]

Decent turnover...

Todd, here are more photos of the Hoover washer I found. I also wondered if anyone knew anything about this washer. I notice that it's washtub is exactly the same as the Westinghouse but, BIGGER.

If I had a Westy restored, the Hoover tub would be perfect. Do you think it can placed in the Westinghouse washer?

Harry

http://control panel

 

[scrubflex]

washtub & agitator...

 

[scrubflex]

pump, transmission & motor

 

[scrubflex]

Westy vs GE Ramps

Jon,

I'm completely blown away by your video. I love it, it's AWESOME!!! I really had no idea how POWERFUL the deep ramp agitator is. Also, I have to admit, the indexing does increase the rollover turbulence.

If the regular, deep ramp is this effective with that Bobload, imaging how the 2-in-1, "SWIRL-Ramp" will do. It could probably wash 2 more towels and 4 wash cloths. Also, what size is your GE washtub, 2.3 (LARGE) or 2.7 (EXTRA LARGE) cu.ft? How about the Westy's cu.ft size?

What size bath towels do you use in your video? Have you ever tried Kenmore's method of determining how big the washers capacity is and how effective is the agitator? They use (25" x 50") and (24" x 48") bath towels in the test.

Thanks a million for the video. Can't wait to see more. BTW, can you make some with the lower water levels, (SMALL & TINY LOAD) to see the wash action of the Westy and GE?

 

[jons1077]

Ok here's the video finally...

Sorry it took so long. Youtube was down last night but finally have it posted as some of you have already seen.

A couple of notes:

- From what I could determine, the maximum indexing on the Westy was about 5-6 inches per stroke with about a 1-inch rebound. When it was empty it was about half that.

- The GE is the standard size tub so a bit smaller. If it's 2.5 cubic ft then the Westy must be around 2.7 or 2.8.

- The towels I used were actually pretty large. I'd say 24" X 60" or close to it. Not bath sheets but big, thick bath towels. (Very thick)

Glad you guys like the video and hope it helped answer some questions and relieve some curiosity!

Jon

 

[swestoyz]

Jon - loved the video! Made a very lasting impression that a Franklin transmission really does spin during agitation. Wow! Machine looks great, as well as your awesome GE! Of course I'm voting for the General.

Ben

 

[tcox6912]

Thanks

Harry, thanks for the pics of the Hoover. I had never seen any type of Hoover other than the twin tubs. It really does resemble the Westinghouse; perhaps it was some type of joint venture or re-badging. You are correct in saying that the tub in the Hoover is definitely larger. Thanks, also, for the videos on the GE vs Westinghouse competition. You have some really cool machines. Todd