What model of Whirlpool is this?

[maytag85]

Saw this pop up for the automatice site, appears to have the same control panel as my 1963 RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII but has 4 knobs one in each corner. Would this have been a model above or below my Mark XII? Looks like it allows you to select the wash and spin speeds, temperature, suds saver, and water levels.

 

[combo52]

Interesting 1963 WP washer

Never saw this model, it may not have even been produced ?

 

It would cost less to build so it would be lower in the line-up than the push-button Imperial Mark X11.

 

 Has anyone ever sen this model ?

 

John L.

 

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

wow this is a new one I never saw this one before!

 

[swestoyz]

My apologies for resurfacing an old thread.

While digging for some archived threads regarding Whirlpool for a current research project, I stumbled across Sean's question about the screenshot he provided.

This was indeed a production model, an no it technically was not TOL. It is an LKA-9900, one step down from the TOL Mark XII LKA-9920. What made this model special is that it is quite possibly the earliest example of a variable speed application used in a production automatic washer. The "firsts" are often attributed to either the '66 Sears Lady Kenmore (110.6614900) or the '67 Hotpoint (LW795), but it appears that Whirlpool was actually the first in 1963!!

The following screenshots show some of the supporting documentation I've so far found on this topic. The first being the full model listing for the '63 models from the 1961-1965 Whirlpool service manual. Oddly, the Service Manual makes NO mention of any service notes regarding the variable speed system anywhere, outside of the wiring diagram for the machine showing the controller interfacing with the timer and motor. The subsequent screenshots are of the parts lists for this model, taken from the YouTube clip of scanned microfiche Whirlpool parts lists.

In the parts lists the variable speed motor is clearly seen, but what isn't so obvious is the motor controller, located within the cabinet where typically the fabric softener/bleach dispenser is found.

I'm shocked Sean found a photo of the controls for this incredibly rare machine. The chances of Whirlpool having made more than a few dozen of these would be slim, let alone finding a survivor today.

Ben

 

[maytag85]

I actually found this on the suggested automatice (?) that pops up every once in awhile for instruction manuals. Immediately knew it was a 1963 model since mine has the same lense for the lighted part of the console.

I don’t know if there’s any surviving examples out there, but you never know what’s still out there in the wild, could be one buried in one garage or basement.

The unfortunate thing is parts would be impossible to find since it had a limited production run, let alone sold many if any. Finding a replacement timer would be tricky to find, know the struggle of trying to find one from my ‘63 Mark XII.

 

[DADoES]

 
Console parts shows two potentiometer switches so agitation and spin speed are separately selectable/adjustable.

 

[114jwh]

I did some detective work based on your great detective work and found this article for you Ben. It looks like this answers a few questions about this model. Very interesting and thanks so much for sharing what you uncovered.

 

[swestoyz]

Team effort! RCA Whirlpool Solid State Imperial

James, thank you! Your detective work provided the cherry on top.

Per the article, the LKA-9900 was also the first use of a semi-conductor in an automatic washing machine. And, just shy of a decade later, Whirlpool would then be the first to use a semi-conductor in a dryer, the '74 Lady K.

It also makes complete sense that this would have been debuted at the Texas State Fair, a la the joint effort between Whirlpool and Texas Instruments.

"Limited number of the solid state washers are in production and will be test marketed in several areas." No wonder the service manual makes no mention of servicing this washer - it was never sold in mass through the dealer network. Fascinating!

Ben

 

[combo52]

Solid-state variable speed, whirlpool washer

In 1963, this is the earliest machine spotted so far.

It’s interesting whirlpool tried this out first it did show up on a 1966 through seven Lady Kenmore I have the makings of such a machine, but I need the motor if anybody ever finds one, I would love to buy it.

The variable speed option captured the imagination of engineers, but unfortunately was a pretty much useless feature in terms of laundering, I think everybody but Maytag and Speed Queen had a variable speed machine briefly in the later 60s, GE and Frigidaire had the most complicated system because they actually used a clutch that slipped a different rates. Both were solid state controlled as well, but proved to be very poor durability.

Whirlpool must’ve been working with Texas Instruments the electronic controls for dryness on their lady Kenmore dryers were made by Texas Instruments. It was an extremely reliable system chat almost 0 failures from our experience. The GM custom imperial dryers in the later 60s also used the Texas instrument control system.

John L

 

[Chetlaham]

I have a strong liking for single speed washers. Less that can go wrong.

 

 

Does anyone have pics of these single speed washers listed in post # 3?

 

 

 

[appnut]

How exciting to be reminded of this. You can imagine my excitement in discovering in a 1977 or 1978 annual report or annual something whereby electronically controlled/variable speed(s) in a washing machine and TI components involved with the company I'd just started to work for. Also similar realization seeing the first electronic touch control panel Lady Kenmore.

 

[cadman]

Interesting stuff... This 1966 issue of Merchandising Week gives a pretty good take on the state of electronics in appliances at the time, including the variable speed attempts. It also mentions Mallory had developed a solid-state timer in 1960, but costs being what they were, it never left the proto stage.

Note some pages were duplicated; the article starts on PDF page 17 and does (very briefly) mention the WP/TI project.

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Retail/Merchandising-Week/66/Merchandising-Week-1966-10-03.pdf

 

[maytag85]

“I have a strong liking for single speed washers, less to go wrong”

My Maytag A806 is a 2 speed machine that’s 46 years old, still working decades later.

My Whirlpool (will create a dedicated thread) also has a 2 speed motor that’s 16 1/2 years older than my Maytag, that’s still working as well after nearly 62 years.

 

[appnut]

Personally, I don't ever want to go back to a single speed washer. Wirlpool debuted it's first 2-speed washer in 1957 I do believe. I have no appreciation for plain, bland simple appliances. Reminds me of what is put in large apartment complexes.

 

[Chetlaham]

The issue with apartment complexes is that to often their bland machines are often garbage in terms of longevity, performance, or both.

 

A good machine IMO excels at what it does, but is also exceptionally simple.

 

 

Too often large capacity, durability, and acceptable results are paired with complex control systems which reduce reliability, longevity and ease of repair.

 

 

This is one way how I imagine an ideal washer- durable porcelain coated lid and cabinet, stainless steal basket, dual action agitator, king size large capacity, bleach dispenser, precision built long life mechanism, commercial grade clutch pump and coupler, ect but coupled with a single speed motor and very simple control system. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[maytag85]

Reply #13

It was the 1956 Whirlpool Imperial washer that was the first 2 speed washer they made, believe Kenmore got a 2 speed machine starting in 1955.

A variable speed machine is interesting, but is ‘too much’ for me since it doesn’t really do anything at all. 2 speeds in a long stroke machine is more than plenty since the longer strokes flex the fibers and move things around without being too aggressive.

Definitely will put the gentle with fast spin speed to use on my Whirlpool Mark 18, definitely do that with my Maytag A806 for sure.

 

[pierreandreply4]

inglis whirlpool kenmore

if you look at older vintage machine in the case of belt drives 1950 till the first direct drive machine what is important is not the capacity, of the wash tub its the quality how long it will last and. The use normal family with medium to light soil clothes of 4 depending if the family have kids living in the city or a family that lives in a farm that needs to do laundry everyday after farm work is done because of working in the field, or taking care of farm animals chickens cows horses ect. If i base on my needs today i would go with ease with a whirlpool direct drive live pic 1 and 2 (*pic2 is the money shot of the inside of the washer) or belt drive inglis kenmore whirlpool like pic 3 4 5 6 or direct drive kenmore