Whirlpool Direct Drive compatible alternate agitators

[yogitunes]

of all the straight vanes versions they offered......this was the best at cleaning and turnover for some odd reason....

could be in part to the wavy Surgilator vanes.....plus the five blades...

I remember these in the first direct drive 24" Design2000 machines......with the barrel lint filter

 

[combo52]

5 Vein WP DD Agitator

Hi Martin, Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I never saw a 24" DD washer with a 5 vein agitator, WP introduced this agitator when they brought out the larger 3+ CF wash basket, I agree that it was a very effective agitator.

 

John L.

 

[yogitunes]

only reason I knew of these was my aunt bought one of the first Design2000 machines, around the end of 1983

I got to install this for her....was just a unique design that came out....

this unit also had the spin drain....which I thought was odd from a Whirlpool.....of course later the neutral drain was returned to the lineup...

plus that barrel mounted lint filter that lifted off to clean....

but did notice her clutch wore out rather quickly....

the belt drive versions were still around, as I got a Whirlpool Supreme Series set not long after in 1984....

when the Dual Actions were available for these, it was still a five vane base, but the fins were tapered down a bit...

 

[tomdawg]

Kitchen aid agitator

I upgraded one of my whirlpool direct drive to a kitchen aid agitator, those extra large fins do some damage! You really don’t need the dual action agitator with it!
If you are using high speed, make sure it’s a shorter cycle the motor smelled hot after a 16 min wash on high speed!

 

[shanenc14]

Dilemma of replacing an agitator (LOL)

@tomdawg: I have seen those wide fin KitchenAid DAAs. I wonder if you smelled that because the wider and larger fins create more resistance in the water, therefore putting more strain on the motor/gearcase?

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My current dilemma is this: The teeth in the upper agitator in my machine are worn down, and slipping at times. At first I thought it may be that the dogs needed replacement, so I ordered the entire cam/dogs repair kit -- this didn't solve my problem. When watching the agitation in high speed there are some strokes where the dogs don't fully engage so the auger only moves a fraction of a stroke and there's a prominent popping sound when the dogs don't fully grab. Not only this, the fins on the lower part of my agitator have a couple nicks in them that are a bit deep for my taste, possibly enough to damage fabric.

Because of this, it's time to replace the agitator... The question is -- what do I replace it with? A new OEM assembly? A good used DAA? Straight vane, a surgilator?? The list goes on.

Would either of these fit?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382927744292

https://www.ebay.com/itm/273818479191

 

[repairguy]

Yes they will both fit. First one is from a newer model whirlpool or Maytag. Second one is from a newer model kenmore. I say newer model but these agitators have been in production for around 13 years now.

 

[tomdawg]

Shanenc14

Yes, it was a large load and full cycle. Small loads, it had no problems.
Honestly, I noticed more snagging on the load. So from then on, I put it on the middle speed, if your whirlpool has a speed selector, I would still purchase this one. Lower wash speeds mean longer lasting washer- my uncle worked for sears and told me the high speed kills them faster.

 

[shanenc14]

Yes, I have the 3 speed motor with 6 speed combo switch. I wonder if it would be better to find a KitchenAid agitator, and replace the high speed with low, (what would be "Regular" on some of the Kenmores). Even using the same cycle times that I typlically use, I might even get better cleaning results, who knows.

Would anyone happen to have the part number for the full Kitchen Aid agitator assembly?

 

[yogitunes]

curious....does anyone shop ebay anymore?

I typed in KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Kenmore washer agitator.....and this was in the selections...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WHIRLPOOL-WASHER-AGITATOR-PART-3349583-3950579/141967119313?hash=item210de653d1:g:dzMAAOxySoJTTD3-

 

[combo52]

Best agitator For A 3 Speed DD Washer

If you have one of the versatile KM DD washers with the fabric speed selector I would differently keep the original agitator, using the original agitator on high speed not only cleans better and handles and turns over a large load better than the KA agitator on medium so you have better options because you have three usable speeds for agitation.

 

The main reason KA washers used the larger agitator and medium speed was noise and it was a little gentler than high speed on your KM, but it does not clean as well. Most of our customers with this KM washer use the medium speed agitation and fast spin speed.

 

John L.

 

[shanenc14]

Thanks to everyone for all of your input. I think I'll most likey find a good used WP/Kenmore dual action agitators to replace the worn one currently in my machine. If anyone has any additional input or suggestions, feel free to add.

Right now I'm thinking of getting this one
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Whirlpool-Kenmore-Washer-Agitator-8578210-free-shipping/273818479191

 

[repairguy]

Go for it!

 

[ladd]

I have a used dual-action agitator (and the top mounting bolt) from my recently departed Kitchenaid KAWE760 purchased new in 1991. You are welcome to it if you can use it.