I want to tell you how much I appreciate your channel. I share a lot of the same hobbies and interests you have. From the traffic signals to all the appliances, especially direct drive washers. I used to think I was the only one who had these interests as a kid, but after fidning your channel, that changed. Thanks for documenting all this stuff. I'll always appreciate it, I'm sure others agree w/ me!
I can relate! This channel is awesome and I share a lot if interests like washers, sprinklers, gardens, and other stuff too like Air Conditioners and house designs. I subbed to your channel too!
I think the reason why they put such a heavy restriction on the fill is because the valves aren't powerful enough to close if the pressure is any higher, I've noticed the valves in my Admiral belt drive slam when they close.
I used to have a 1996 80 series direct drive Kenmore made by Whirlpool. Great machine. Like you the repairs I've made were the agitator dogs and the pressure tube got clogged. Only problem. It was running for 16 years, but then it got inconvenient. My dad took off the cabnit to unclog the pressure tube and he messed up the cabnit so it would always slide around. So we got an LG Top Loader. Sad to say, it works and cleans better than our Kenmore did. But Now Whirlpool Crashed On Stupid island.
You also mentioned that these new belt drives lack tub brake which is one of your pet peeves, I’ve noticed the same thing with the Frigidaire Gallery top load belt drives. They do good at clean but they don’t have a tub brake and even front load washers don’t have them either. It makes sense for a top loader to have a tub brake.
oh and 2 things I wanna add, the suspension rods are connected to the cabinet, so you basically can't take it off, and the eco green rinse where its like, no fabric softener? we are just gonna slowly spin the clothes and put water on them with our 1 gallon per hour pressure, and call it a better rinse than a full refill and agitation rinse.
@madlyderanged Exactly. Error codes do not exist with mechanical controls. Now to be fair, some electronic controls made back then seem to do okay. Dualactionsurgilator has a 1986 direct drive machine with electronic controls that he got from someone. All it needed he said was just a connection re-solder, but other than that, it has worked since. Oh absolutely, keep that vintage GE going!
I replaced the pump of my direct drive, not because it failed but because it was making a funny sound. $10 versus $80 for the electric pump of the new belt drive washers. I could not believe how easy it was to work on the direct drive machine, the design is pure genius.
@Sharkie626 They put designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, but they are 100% imported with parts from China and Mexico with a finally assembly done in the USA. The direct drive ones were made entirely in America and were built to last more than 3 decades. The new belt drives only last about 7 years at the maximum.
@@applianceman6009 Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA means nothing! That's a lie! I blame democrats for the HE crap! Screw the planet! I want clean clothes!
@@jeromedavis8575 Well my dad has a 9-10 year old Crosley H.E. washer that is belt drive without agitator. The spin cycle is so loud tho, Kind of sounds like a jet engine.
You are right about the new whirlpool belt drives. That washer you have here is the best and easiest washer to repair. That washer alone, not GE, Maytag, that one. Whirlpool started that line of washers in 1980, Also your washer has a special feature that you may not know about. The orange section on the timer, is for dry agitation so that you could check the agitation without filling it with water. Now the reason they have those washers is GOVERNMENT REG.!
There may be fewer parts without the belts, but one complaint I have is with the newer ones at least the motor coupler is plastic. This being the case, the coupler has a tendency to break which requires you to disassemble the machine to replace it. If you pay the repair man, you could be out over $100.00 for labor to replace a $15.00 part. It pays to know how to do it yourself
my mom's belt drive amana washer is about 2 years old and it seems to be doing fine. same for the matching dryer as for my dad's machine, at one point he replaced the 2015 kenmore machines with a GE washer and dryer. the dryer is still working but the washer developed an issue earlier this year where it stopped spinning too soon after ramping up from the starting speed. so he replaced it with a speed queen topload washer that works like yours but has only three status indicator lights to the left of the cycle selector. i think the loud noise of the motor is normal even though the GE washer was much quieter
I have a circa 2008 Maytag Centennial direct drive, it can wash a large load of laundry in 30 mins, and my large I mean the drum is full of clothes that are compacted
I have 2 washers one at thenoffice and one at home at home i have a 2017 speedqueen washer paird with a maytag dryer. And at the office i have a maytag centennial direct drive washer with a timer not the newer crap centennial washer paired with a whirlpool dryer. I will probably not buy another washer anytine soon if i do it will be another direct drive washer. Its also very rare thatvi havw the washer gonsonfar out of balance thatbthe washer will smack the cabinet and in do about 20 loads a week i have had some unbalanced loads like let say pillows and the washer still managed to come up tona full speed spin without smacking the cabinet washer with a suspension are far superior then ones without they handle unbalanced loads better. Majority of the loads are mixed so theybare rarely perfactly balanced loads but my machines handle them perfactly. I also wash mainly full loads.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Indeed, the original BDs are such a good build. I do have my reasons as to why I like the DD more than the original BD, however I CANNOT say it is a bad machine, the fact that yours, for example is still working today just tells you how much effort was put into building it.
The funny thing is, I only found out about that "dry" agitation section maybe a few months ago. I guess even after 22 years you can still learn something new! Indeed, the regulations piss me off. If ever a "new" washer is needed, I am going to used markets.
I agree that less electronics on appliances would be better and same is true with cars and trucks. I would prefer key ignition over push button start generally. Whenever at my parents’ house if I wanted to make it a longer wash time I stop the knob and turn the timer to the select time. Easy and simple not like these HE crap. Very few washers these days if ever can clean well although I prefer direct drive washers and vintage belt drive washers (1980s and older) although I do like the GE Profiles. Another thing I agree with if you load your direct drive properly, it shouldn’t be much of a problem if at all.
We have a whirlpool cabrio from I think 2005/2006 (I was about 10 when we got it current day im 20) that replaced a direct drive similar to the one you have. the only reason it got replaced was because the inner tub support failed and it fell to the bottom of the outer tub and would no longer spin. It probably could have been fixed but i didn't have any say as to what happened back then. I've since grown to hate the newer washer (has all the BS the current day units have, load sensing, no agitator, shitty suspension, no tub brake, etc. but hasn't had to be repaired yet). some day i hope to find another direct drive similar to the one we had! on a side note I bought (2) portable wringer washers one from the late 40's and the other from the mid 50's both are still working (made in USA) and i do use them occasionally with powdered detergent. without a doubt they work far better than the cabrio!
I love my front loaders. I have had them for YEARS and no problem. EXCEPT the door lock. First time I had to replace it was last year, still cleans cloths, still works effectively as the day it was bought.
I never bend down for my front loader. With my top loader, I need to bend much more. I half to get on my knees, doing it that way, I have no bending, but they are on pedestals. If they didn't have pedestals, all I would need to do is sit on the ground. So no bending required, not sure how said you always bend for front loaders.
If not, you can hold it between settings. However, the rinse will be even worse, it will fill only to the lowest level, and no setting on the switch will change that. There's apparently some switch inside the control panel that you can disable so it fills to the setting, but I have no idea what it looks like.
I agree with you, A hour and half to do one load of laundry is ridiculous, What is the big idea about Modern Washer's and Dryer's taking a hour and a half, Speed Queens don't take that long neither does this machine or any other direct drives like this washer. Also, Here's some other reasons why modern washer's and dryers are bad: 90 day warranty, Are You Kidding me?!, Appliance companies like Whirlpool and other companies that use 1 year warranty or that mostly use a 1 year warranty can do better than a stupid 90 day warranty on their commercial washing machines( Modern Whirlpool and Kenmore commercial washers) They are really expensive, especially the "HE" front loaders and the "HE" top load washers without the agitators are not better than this machine and older belt drives and Direct drives. The "HE" top load washers with the agitators are better Than The "HE" top load washers without the agitators and the front loaders. But, The HE washers with the agitators are not that much better than this machine and the old belt drives and direct drives(traditional) are the best. The "HE" top load washers without the agitators and The "HE" Front loaders don't use the right amount of water and They don't get clothes clean properly. However, The "HE" washers with the agitators use A more reasonable amount of water and clean more properly than The "HE" top load washer without the agitators and the Front loaders. So, In conclusion, Old appliances are the best/The way to go.
Christopher Schreiber aka SiameseCatMan the direct drive was and will always be the best whirlpool machine, im a technician and the belt drive machines are giving a hard time to customers and repairmen, this machine is terrible, its not practical for the user, the spare parts are very expensive and they fail a lot( the belt drive) we want our direct drive back.
The warranties today are pathetic. My 1996 Kitchenaid(whirlpool Direct Drive) washer had a multi-tiered warranty: 1 year on everything, 5 years on motor and tub, and 10 years on the transmission. Good luck seeing that on anything made today. In almost 22 years of use, I've replaced a few couplings ($16ea), 2 pumps($30ea at 11 years and 21 years), start capacitor($30 at 21 years)and a set of dogs in the agitator($10/set at 19 years). Oh yeah, that machine is still in use and cleans just as good today as the day I bought it.
Siamesecatman Aka Christopher Schreiber Whats the big deal with laundry taking time? An average wash takes an hour and a half here, with warm water and max spin. "Daily" cycle is usually an hour long with warm water and medium spin, and quick wash is 30mins with cool water and medium spin. I think an hour and a half is good for an average washing machines capacity of 11 pounds.
Those plastic couplers were designed to break to protect the transmission from all the stress of overloading. But i have to agree with you, the new belt drive machines are a pain. I'd take an original belt drive or the direct drive over this new crap.
You mention the suspension - I've seen several broken machines at the Sears outlet when the new belt-drives first came out that were already broken. If someone lays the machine down on its side, it can damage beyond repair the suspension to the point where it hangs there with half the tub hanging down 6-inches from where it belongs. I agree with your comments, but give me one of these new belt-drive top loaders before I go with a front loader!!
Just saw this video. We're still using this model that we bought in 1990. I did have to replace the coupler (the plastic fingers broke off). Set me back $11 and 20 minutes of work. Not so bad.
Yes, before I switched back to direct drives, I was using the crappy belt drive kenmore and I’m surprised that thing never broke, but even if the load is slightly uneven, it yanks the tub and triggers the sensor, it’s so annoying. The 1990 direct drive I use now obviously doesn’t have any sensors so it doesn’t do that, and it’s so much better and faster.
Your washer lasted better than the 1996 kenmore I had. We had to get a new tub. We also had to repair the agitator dog once and had to repair the motor. We had to fix a spring. The drain thing had to be repaired. and then a crack inside the washer on the hot water line.
Nice machines. I had the same set and in about 2012 washer died and I replaced it with a new HE whirlpool cabrio, well what a piece of crap it died in 23 months. I have replaced it with a speed queen , manual dial and I could be happier. Its wonderful , no computer holding my clothes hostage and playing an annoying tune at the end if the cycle . It never did wash clothes properly. I did like my whirlpool set that matched yours.
@@Sharkie626 I did not because it had a couple of repairs and I said time for a new machine, that's when I bought the HE set. Big mistake. When I got the HE it would play tune at the of the cycle and my dog would bark at it but when my original whirlpool would go into spin it sounded like a shot gun going off and that never bothered the dog.
I had a Maytag washing machine that lasted 25 years before it broke down.now the machines have lots of electronics that are prone to brake down after awhile.8 years ago I baught a Maytag sentenial washer,recently I had to change the suspension rods because the washer was shaking like crazy ,the parts cost me 102 dollars.now the electric control board need to be change this cost 500 dollars.so I baught from home depot Maytag professional for 1500 dollars.once you experience problems with washer just get rid of it ,the parts cost a fortune.
So true! Everything I had said in this video has aged extremely well over the years. To this day the stuff I mentioned about the belt drives and such do indeed happen!
Actually even on the older ones, the coupler is still plastic. Usually, if your coupler is breaking a lot it means your washer is being overloaded. Believe it or not, this machine is still on its original coupler after 22 years. Today's couplers though have a metal reinforcement in the hub to help them not break as often. But you are right, knowing how to fix the machine yourself saves you lots.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Exactly. people are always saying how the DD is a bad design in such that parts fail often. clearly they have never used them before. I guess that's why almost all parts on this machine still work after 21 years. since this video actually, I have actually replaced the drain pump. Was a very easy repair, I would love to see just how easy that would be on those new belt drives.....
I love those machines. Direct Drives are awesome. The modern belt drives are terrible. Most of them also make a weird noise during wash (sometimes rinse) cycle. New washers are also designed to fail. They also sometimes don’t rinse properly, instead, they just fill up and then drain and spin again unless you add fabric softener. My Samsung does that all the time on rinse cycle, when it’s done filling, it just goes right into spin cycle. New Whirlpool and GE does the same thing. The reason why they do that is probably because of efficiency.
Never mind the rambling; the important points are there. The more electronics, the more chance of the machine breaking down. I laugh when I see people with these new washing with all the buttons and lights and automatic selections, taking away manual choice....and then one day 'BEEP' they get these error codes, and no matter how they reload the machine, no matter how the open and close the lid, the machine just keeps beeping. You think I will ever get rid of my 80's G.E. Filter Flo? NEVER!!!
Well yeah, if the knob is between settings, there is no way for the pressure switch to engage when the water is at the right level, therefore, since it cannot engage or "close" it will just keep filling.
@tamiasthechipmunk Sound pretty cool. But, which direct drive to you have? going by that spin speed, it sounds like it is a LG? Whirlpool machines like these spin at 640 RPM ;)
balancer in my actuator tape drive shifter machine broke I prefer the older wheel axle coupler driven machine or better yet a vintage belt pulley driven wigcam washer they were stronger.
Indeed these are so much more reliable than the made in china treehugger belt drives. The only way I could see these coming back in production is of all the damn energy regulations go down. I may be overly optimistic about that, but anything can happen. Besides, like you mentioned the used market is your friend! ;)
Not that I'm trying to be an old fogey, but vintage is definitely better when it comes to washing machines. They just do the job without any fuss. And they use enough water. Imagine that.
also my dad sent his 2015 kenmore frontload washing machine to get some repairs to replace the bearings and the drum since after 2 years of use the bearings wore out and caused the machine to become unbearibly loud in the spin cycles and there were also some places where water leaked out of the basket (one of them is under the bottom of the door which may be caused since whirlpool may have installed the door too high creating a gap where drops of water sometimes flow out of) and to take the place of his 2015 kenmore front load washer and dryer are his 2011 kenmore front load washer and dryer (the 2015 model has a 6-motion wash system because kenmore is made by LG in addition to whirlpool while the 2011 model doesn't)
Sharkie626 I like the new LG and samsung Washers (toploaders) Because they are direct drive, and they seam (from what I've seen) to last a long time. (I might be wrong about them lasting a wile long)
Well I was looking at the RTW4440VQ one and it looks like a DD. But I'd rather have that than a new Belt drive HE lol! Besides, if it has reset, you can hold it to put more water. Am I right?
@MustangFanNC One of the biggest changes though is the addition of all the electronics. Believe me, I certainly have considered those that you had just mentioned who weren't too thrilled about the original belt drive being replaced. I guess the reason why I never felt that to be the same is because the direct drive was still made with mechanical controls (granted, the difference in technology in the 80s) and was, (except for maybe the catalyst models) kept that way through out the entire time.
@Sharkie626 I have a Fisher & Paykel Aquasmart HE Toploading washer and matching Fisher and Paykel Aerosmart Top loading dryer. I'm really happy with both units.
I'm just gonna make some remarks point by point. I wish this was a pre 86 belt drive vs direct drives comparison, how is it we processed so much in other technologies and have devolved so much in something so simple as doing laundry. I love those mechanical controls, its just so simple, because the machine doesn't need to be on to select options, you always see the options you have selected, and that's way better than some complicated customization on say an LG. It's so stupid they want to say, oh machine is in wash, just tell me how much its in. actually learned the 06 does timer intervals of 2 minutes, so I actually can figure out how much time in the cycle is left. I think the reasoning for that draining was whirlpool decided, oh people are wasting energy by soaking clothes with the machine on, we need a sensor for that. But when the machine is stopped, it draws 0 watts specifically because of that mechanical timer. Those stupid things take longer to fill than to wash. I saw one too at a friend of mines house, it was just absolutely terrible quality, and that one actually died last month, I laughed so hard hearing it, he traded in a 95 maytag for it. An hour and 15 minutes? give me a break, I can do 2 loads in that time, depending on what I choose, it takes 30-40 minutes, normally I do warm medium, so it takes roughly 35 minutes, and washes twice as better as a belt drive. That crappy suspension is the reason why those things always go out of balance, the setup just jumps around the cabinet like nobody's business. They removed the break because it was "too loud" so they decided a locking lid would be better, get a life. The most basic step in all repairs excluding the agitator dogs or mechanical controls, 4 easy steps, pop up the control panel, remove the back clips, disconnect the lid switch, get out the cabinet, and thats it, you have access to everything inside. You probably have to disassemble the cabinet piece by piece and a whole other array of stupid things before getting to your broken part. Its all one setup, thats the beauty of it, you can fix nearly everything with just a screwdriver, a nutdriver, and a socket wrench. Like I said, they are so prone to hitting the cabinet because of those rods, in the 4 years we have lived here, through several hundred cycles, the 06 has never hit the cabinet, because we actually take care of it. The only real sensors our machine has is the water pressure and lid switch. That one motor works perfectly, its all about the motor. We actually have done no repairs, 12 years old, works like a charm.
I love my 80's model Hotpoint Heavy Duty Washer & Dryer..I replaced the belt on the dryer & the timer knob on the washer .I wouldn't spend a wooden nickel on these newer machines they cost a fortune and wash so poorly it isn't funny, poor to no agitation at all,low water level the clothes are barely damp.
If you think your washer is out of balance on these direct drives if you open the lid when it's draining let everything stop It will spin drain. Doesn't that help balance the load?
Probably not, but also, that is not a good idea. While nothing bad will immediately happen, overtime, that will cause premature wear of the spin gear and spin clutch.
Willie Peck Do remember that every washer was built differently ;) The VERY early direct drives actually did do a spin drain by default, but there were later the same concerns as I had mentioned above. So, the neutral drain was added. In my opinion, the direct drive is the ONLY machine built in such a way that actually makes the neutral drain sound cool. haha
New direct drive has a water ring at top for balancing. AKA Gyro balance. Heavy items must be at bottom to take advantage of gyro motion, if not fill n drain repeatedly.
I have a direct drive washer. And one thing I really like about it that you didn't mention is how much quieter a direct drive is. Even when my washer is in the final spin cycle which is 1000 rpm's I can still hold a normal conversation right next to it. Ask any belt drive washer to be that quiet.
Agree with you 100%. Today's machines are garbage. I feel bad for people who can't self educate themselves on this and save $$$ and buy older, more reliable machines. The government has also set some pretty ridiculous EPA requirements for new machines. I may be wrong, but if a new machine has a water level adjustor, it has to come with an "auto sensing" option.
It's more force of habit more than anything. Also, in just about all these videos, nothing is scripted, so I just think of what i'm going to say right on the spot.
The what sound?? lol! you mean the wig wam!! If you are reffering to the pre 1980 machine. The old belt drives had the wig-wam that engaged and disengaged the clutch. it went back & forth had two bars that the linkage slid into.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Exactly, if it were one of today's washers it would probably have about maybe 4 more parts broken and replacement costing more than the washer itself.
lol I'm keeping my frigidaire washer because they wash a lot better than he machines plus a mechanical timer with a correct turnover and mine fills really quick on the warm water setting
I've seen some of these newer direct drive washers by Samsung and LG explode after a couple months, weeks, even hours of use. I got one and I am planning on selling it and looking at some used appliance stores for washers similar to these.
+STLbluesfan1 Right move man! You will find many direct drives in a used appliance store. Hope you find something good! If you can, find a machine with a warm rinse without auto temperature control. It really helps keep the machine clean.
I believe both BD and DD are great. My BD kenmore still washes and spins. I never had to restart the washer for more wash time, sometimes I have to change the water level and it will fill up and then agitate.
@Sharkie626 Well now sense you were talking to tamiasthechipmunk, if he says it's LG DD, for some reason, when I go to the stores that sells the new washing machines and dryers, including LG, you can see once again, for some reason, it says on the control panel, DD for some reason, which is pretty ridiculous. To me it is. Why didn't it just say BD? It's not a DD for real.
I want to tell you how much I appreciate your channel. I share a lot of the same hobbies and interests you have. From the traffic signals to all the appliances, especially direct drive washers. I used to think I was the only one who had these interests as a kid, but after fidning your channel, that changed. Thanks for documenting all this stuff. I'll always appreciate it, I'm sure others agree w/ me!
I can relate! This channel is awesome and I share a lot if interests like washers, sprinklers, gardens, and other stuff too like Air Conditioners and house designs. I subbed to your channel too!
@@jaydenwhite1166 I find that I'm not the only one who likes washers and dryers and the like.
I think the reason why they put such a heavy restriction on the fill is because the valves aren't powerful enough to close if the pressure is any higher, I've noticed the valves in my Admiral belt drive slam when they close.
Could be. Or could just be because it's so poorly made! ;)
I used to have a 1996 80 series direct drive Kenmore made by Whirlpool. Great machine. Like you the repairs I've made were the agitator dogs and the pressure tube got clogged. Only problem. It was running for 16 years, but then it got inconvenient. My dad took off the cabnit to unclog the pressure tube and he messed up the cabnit so it would always slide around. So we got an LG Top Loader. Sad to say, it works and cleans better than our Kenmore did. But Now Whirlpool Crashed On Stupid island.
Aging like fine wine this video.
It sure is!
You also mentioned that these new belt drives lack tub brake which is one of your pet peeves, I’ve noticed the same thing with the Frigidaire Gallery top load belt drives. They do good at clean but they don’t have a tub brake and even front load washers don’t have them either. It makes sense for a top loader to have a tub brake.
Exactly. Not having a tub brake is such a dumb thing.
The agitation on the new belt drives is so weak they will never turn a load of laundry over. NEVER!
Haha, no worries, even some younger people have started to like the old stuff because of its simplicity.
oh and 2 things I wanna add, the suspension rods are connected to the cabinet, so you basically can't take it off, and the eco green rinse where its like, no fabric softener? we are just gonna slowly spin the clothes and put water on them with our 1 gallon per hour pressure, and call it a better rinse than a full refill and agitation rinse.
I swear, this is so stupid! I would be forced to run it twicde if there's no fabric softener option!
That's stupid!
The trademark of the pre-1986 BD's....the 'woo-woo' sound!!! : D
Ohhhh ok :) Thanks! On my kenmore we just hold it on reset until we're happy with the water level. I inboxed you what it looked like
@madlyderanged Exactly. Error codes do not exist with mechanical controls. Now to be fair, some electronic controls made back then seem to do okay. Dualactionsurgilator has a 1986 direct drive machine with electronic controls that he got from someone. All it needed he said was just a connection re-solder, but other than that, it has worked since.
Oh absolutely, keep that vintage GE going!
I love these whirlpool washers.
I replaced the pump of my direct drive, not because it failed but because it was making a funny sound. $10 versus $80 for the electric pump of the new belt drive washers. I could not believe how easy it was to work on the direct drive machine, the design is pure genius.
Oh I know right?? They REALLY thought over this design.
Whirlpool engineers knew what they were doing when they built these!
The belt drive washers do not agitate as well. They also make an annoying whine when they spin.
Yeah they're total junk.
@Sharkie626 They put designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, but they are 100% imported with parts from China and Mexico with a finally assembly done in the USA. The direct drive ones were made entirely in America and were built to last more than 3 decades. The new belt drives only last about 7 years at the maximum.
The agitation sound they make is horrible!
@@applianceman6009 Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA means nothing! That's a lie! I blame democrats for the HE crap! Screw the planet! I want clean clothes!
@@jeromedavis8575 Well my dad has a 9-10 year old Crosley H.E. washer that is belt drive without agitator. The spin cycle is so loud tho, Kind of sounds like a jet engine.
You are right about the new whirlpool belt drives. That washer you have here is the best and easiest washer to repair. That washer alone, not GE, Maytag, that one. Whirlpool started that line of washers in 1980, Also your washer has a special feature that you may not know about. The orange section on the timer, is for dry agitation so that you could check the agitation without filling it with water. Now the reason they have those washers is GOVERNMENT REG.!
There may be fewer parts without the belts, but one complaint I have is with the newer ones at least the motor coupler is plastic. This being the case, the coupler has a tendency to break which requires you to disassemble the machine to replace it. If you pay the repair man, you could be out over $100.00 for labor to replace a $15.00 part. It pays to know how to do it yourself
my mom's belt drive amana washer is about 2 years old and it seems to be doing fine. same for the matching dryer
as for my dad's machine, at one point he replaced the 2015 kenmore machines with a GE washer and dryer. the dryer is still working but the washer developed an issue earlier this year where it stopped spinning too soon after ramping up from the starting speed. so he replaced it with a speed queen topload washer that works like yours but has only three status indicator lights to the left of the cycle selector. i think the loud noise of the motor is normal even though the GE washer was much quieter
I have a circa 2008 Maytag Centennial direct drive, it can wash a large load of laundry in 30 mins, and my large I mean the drum is full of clothes that are compacted
Yep, they are very well-built machines!
Best washer ever!
I've got a 23 year old direct drive machine. Washes good, I really can't remember the last time it broke down.
I know right? They are so reliable.
That's why I'm sticking to my 2006 roper direct drive.
I have 2 washers one at thenoffice and one at home at home i have a 2017 speedqueen washer paird with a maytag dryer. And at the office i have a maytag centennial direct drive washer with a timer not the newer crap centennial washer paired with a whirlpool dryer. I will probably not buy another washer anytine soon if i do it will be another direct drive washer.
Its also very rare thatvi havw the washer gonsonfar out of balance thatbthe washer will smack the cabinet and in do about 20 loads a week i have had some unbalanced loads like let say pillows and the washer still managed to come up tona full speed spin without smacking the cabinet washer with a suspension are far superior then ones without they handle unbalanced loads better.
Majority of the loads are mixed so theybare rarely perfactly balanced loads but my machines handle them perfactly.
I also wash mainly full loads.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Indeed, the original BDs are such a good build. I do have my reasons as to why I like the DD more than the original BD, however I CANNOT say it is a bad machine, the fact that yours, for example is still working today just tells you how much effort was put into building it.
The funny thing is, I only found out about that "dry" agitation section maybe a few months ago. I guess even after 22 years you can still learn something new! Indeed, the regulations piss me off. If ever a "new" washer is needed, I am going to used markets.
Sharkie626 I'm glad you got your Speed Queen 9-Series washer and dryer in your Connecticut home.
I agree that less electronics on appliances would be better and same is true with cars and trucks. I would prefer key ignition over push button start generally. Whenever at my parents’ house if I wanted to make it a longer wash time I stop the knob and turn the timer to the select time. Easy and simple not like these HE crap. Very few washers these days if ever can clean well although I prefer direct drive washers and vintage belt drive washers (1980s and older) although I do like the GE Profiles. Another thing I agree with if you load your direct drive properly, it shouldn’t be much of a problem if at all.
Absolutely. Of all the washer videos that have come out since this one, it has made this video age extremely well!
HE washers are just stupid crap!
We have a whirlpool cabrio from I think 2005/2006 (I was about 10 when we got it current day im 20) that replaced a direct drive similar to the one you have. the only reason it got replaced was because the inner tub support failed and it fell to the bottom of the outer tub and would no longer spin. It probably could have been fixed but i didn't have any say as to what happened back then. I've since grown to hate the newer washer (has all the BS the current day units have, load sensing, no agitator, shitty suspension, no tub brake, etc. but hasn't had to be repaired yet). some day i hope to find another direct drive similar to the one we had! on a side note I bought (2) portable wringer washers one from the late 40's and the other from the mid 50's both are still working (made in USA) and i do use them occasionally with powdered detergent. without a doubt they work far better than the cabrio!
GarageDoorGuy89 You should purchase a Speed Queen top loader or one of the old Maytag models (The real Maytag).
The 2018 speed queens are crap from what I've heard. They barely agitate. Get a 2017 or older speed queen and you'll be fine.
I love my front loaders. I have had them for YEARS and no problem. EXCEPT the door lock. First time I had to replace it was last year, still cleans cloths, still works effectively as the day it was bought.
I'll still take my top loader washer. I'm 6'8" and I'd hate to bend down that far for both the dryer AND washer, lol.
I never bend down for my front loader. With my top loader, I need to bend much more. I half to get on my knees, doing it that way, I have no bending, but they are on pedestals. If they didn't have pedestals, all I would need to do is sit on the ground. So no bending required, not sure how said you always bend for front loaders.
If not, you can hold it between settings. However, the rinse will be even worse, it will fill only to the lowest level, and no setting on the switch will change that. There's apparently some switch inside the control panel that you can disable so it fills to the setting, but I have no idea what it looks like.
I agree with you,
A hour and half to do one load of laundry is ridiculous,
What is the big idea about Modern Washer's and Dryer's taking a hour and a half, Speed Queens don't take that long neither does this machine or any other direct drives like this washer.
Also,
Here's some other reasons why modern washer's and dryers are bad:
90 day warranty, Are You Kidding me?!,
Appliance companies like Whirlpool and other companies that use 1 year warranty or that mostly use a 1 year warranty can do better than a stupid 90 day warranty on their commercial washing machines( Modern Whirlpool and Kenmore commercial washers)
They are really expensive,
especially the "HE" front loaders and the "HE" top load washers without the agitators are not better than this machine and older belt drives and Direct drives.
The "HE" top load washers with the agitators are better Than The "HE" top load washers without the agitators and the front loaders.
But, The HE washers with the agitators are not that much better than this machine and the old belt drives and direct drives(traditional) are the best.
The "HE" top load washers without the agitators and The "HE" Front loaders don't use the right amount of water and They don't get clothes clean properly.
However, The "HE" washers with the agitators use A more reasonable amount of water and clean more properly than The "HE" top load washer without the agitators and the Front loaders.
So,
In conclusion,
Old appliances are the best/The way to go.
Christopher Schreiber aka SiameseCatMan and if you have a sanitize cycle it's even longer than that it's like two hours or more
joe m Wow, that is pathetic
Christopher Schreiber aka SiameseCatMan the direct drive was and will always be the best whirlpool machine, im a technician and the belt drive machines are giving a hard time to customers and repairmen, this machine is terrible, its not practical for the user, the spare parts are very expensive and they fail a lot( the belt drive) we want our direct drive back.
The warranties today are pathetic. My 1996 Kitchenaid(whirlpool Direct Drive) washer had a multi-tiered warranty: 1 year on everything, 5 years on motor and tub, and 10 years on the transmission. Good luck seeing that on anything made today. In almost 22 years of use, I've replaced a few couplings ($16ea), 2 pumps($30ea at 11 years and 21 years), start capacitor($30 at 21 years)and a set of dogs in the agitator($10/set at 19 years). Oh yeah, that machine is still in use and cleans just as good today as the day I bought it.
Siamesecatman Aka Christopher Schreiber Whats the big deal with laundry taking time? An average wash takes an hour and a half here, with warm water and max spin. "Daily" cycle is usually an hour long with warm water and medium spin, and quick wash is 30mins with cool water and medium spin. I think an hour and a half is good for an average washing machines capacity of 11 pounds.
Those plastic couplers were designed to break to protect the transmission from all the stress of overloading. But i have to agree with you, the new belt drive machines are a pain. I'd take an original belt drive or the direct drive over this new crap.
On top of that, the new ones don't clean worth a DAMN!
You mention the suspension - I've seen several broken machines at the Sears outlet when the new belt-drives first came out that were already broken. If someone lays the machine down on its side, it can damage beyond repair the suspension to the point where it hangs there with half the tub hanging down 6-inches from where it belongs.
I agree with your comments, but give me one of these new belt-drive top loaders before I go with a front loader!!
last of good top load washers the speed queen top load still uses timer controlled 2015
I completely agree!
Direct drive that dosnt course problems I agree with every thing you say in the video
Just saw this video. We're still using this model that we bought in 1990. I did have to replace the coupler (the plastic fingers broke off). Set me back $11 and 20 minutes of work. Not so bad.
A very simple repair!
Yes, before I switched back to direct drives, I was using the crappy belt drive kenmore and I’m surprised that thing never broke, but even if the load is slightly uneven, it yanks the tub and triggers the sensor, it’s so annoying. The 1990 direct drive I use now obviously doesn’t have any sensors so it doesn’t do that, and it’s so much better and faster.
Nice find! Glad ya got something good.
Most people know it as woo-woo, cause that's the soothing sound it made.
You're thorough, you're great.
I believe everything he says!! He is the best!!
Thanks for watching!
Your washer lasted better than the 1996 kenmore I had. We had to get a new tub. We also had to repair the agitator dog once and had to repair the motor. We had to fix a spring. The drain thing had to be repaired. and then a crack inside the washer on the hot water line.
Nice machines. I had the same set and in about 2012 washer died and I replaced it with a new HE whirlpool cabrio, well what a piece of crap it died in 23 months. I have replaced it with a speed queen , manual dial and I could be happier. Its wonderful , no computer holding my clothes hostage and playing an annoying tune at the end if the cycle . It never did wash clothes properly. I did like my whirlpool set that matched yours.
Good choice on the SQ! Too bad the direct drive stopped working. Did you ever find out what the problem was?
@@Sharkie626 I did not because it had a couple of repairs and I said time for a new machine, that's when I bought the HE set. Big mistake. When I got the HE it would play tune at the of the cycle and my dog would bark at it but when my original whirlpool would go into spin it sounded like a shot gun going off and that never bothered the dog.
I had a Maytag washing machine that lasted 25 years before it broke down.now the machines have lots of electronics that are prone to brake down after awhile.8 years ago I baught a Maytag sentenial washer,recently I had to change the suspension rods because the washer was shaking like crazy ,the parts cost me 102 dollars.now the electric control board need to be change this cost 500 dollars.so I baught from home depot Maytag professional for 1500 dollars.once you experience problems with washer just get rid of it ,the parts cost a fortune.
So true! Everything I had said in this video has aged extremely well over the years. To this day the stuff I mentioned about the belt drives and such do indeed happen!
Actually even on the older ones, the coupler is still plastic. Usually, if your coupler is breaking a lot it means your washer is being overloaded. Believe it or not, this machine is still on its original coupler after 22 years.
Today's couplers though have a metal reinforcement in the hub to help them not break as often. But you are right, knowing how to fix the machine yourself saves you lots.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Exactly. people are always saying how the DD is a bad design in such that parts fail often. clearly they have never used them before. I guess that's why almost all parts on this machine still work after 21 years. since this video actually, I have actually replaced the drain pump. Was a very easy repair, I would love to see just how easy that would be on those new belt drives.....
I agree with you the washer you're showing there is great the old washers back in the day were great this new stuff pretty flashy junk
I own a 2014 Maytag. only the Power Wash with Heavy Load cycle would take over an hour. Other dials under an hour
Some GE washers with the plastic tubs turns over the cloths for ex 1996 GE profile washer
@RobGwisdala Unfortunately, I cannot, as my neighbor did not keep that belt washer for long, but if you search, you can find a couple of vids on it.
@The2010stud That is indeed true, but the main point was to just compare this washer to the "newer style" of Whirlpool's agitator washers.
I love those machines. Direct Drives are awesome. The modern belt drives are terrible. Most of them also make a weird noise during wash (sometimes rinse) cycle. New washers are also designed to fail. They also sometimes don’t rinse properly, instead, they just fill up and then drain and spin again unless you add fabric softener. My Samsung does that all the time on rinse cycle, when it’s done filling, it just goes right into spin cycle. New Whirlpool and GE does the same thing. The reason why they do that is probably because of efficiency.
Oh yeah, these machines are absolutely awesome for sure! So reliable
@vanni9283 Indeed! It's a classic sound.
@madlyderanged Thanks! I try to be, it's good to get out as many valid points as possible.
The kenmore we just got was quieter than the front-loder we last had, it is kinda shakier than the other one, Im happy we got nostalgia back. :D
I hear that!
Sharkie626 yeah! :)
Never mind the rambling; the important points are there. The more electronics, the more chance of the machine breaking down. I laugh when I see people with these new washing with all the buttons and lights and automatic selections, taking away manual choice....and then one day 'BEEP' they get these error codes, and no matter how they reload the machine, no matter how the open and close the lid, the machine just keeps beeping. You think I will ever get rid of my 80's G.E. Filter Flo? NEVER!!!
Well yeah, if the knob is between settings, there is no way for the pressure switch to engage when the water is at the right level, therefore, since it cannot engage or "close" it will just keep filling.
@tamiasthechipmunk Sound pretty cool. But, which direct drive to you have? going by that spin speed, it sounds like it is a LG? Whirlpool machines like these spin at 640 RPM ;)
balancer in my actuator tape drive shifter machine broke I prefer the older wheel axle coupler driven machine or better yet a vintage belt pulley driven wigcam washer they were stronger.
Stronger, among other things!
Indeed these are so much more reliable than the made in china treehugger belt drives. The only way I could see these coming back in production is of all the damn energy regulations go down. I may be overly optimistic about that, but anything can happen.
Besides, like you mentioned the used market is your friend! ;)
Not that I'm trying to be an old fogey, but vintage is definitely better when it comes to washing machines. They just do the job without any fuss. And they use enough water. Imagine that.
Oh BTW, I'm going to make a washer channel, so be aware, i will post of my Kenmores :3
also my dad sent his 2015 kenmore frontload washing machine to get some repairs to replace the bearings and the drum since after 2 years of use the bearings wore out and caused the machine to become unbearibly loud in the spin cycles and there were also some places where water leaked out of the basket (one of them is under the bottom of the door which may be caused since whirlpool may have installed the door too high creating a gap where drops of water sometimes flow out of) and to take the place of his 2015 kenmore front load washer and dryer are his 2011 kenmore front load washer and dryer (the 2015 model has a 6-motion wash system because kenmore is made by LG in addition to whirlpool while the 2011 model doesn't)
Yeah those bearings were a failure to begin with!
Sharkie626 I like the new LG and samsung Washers (toploaders) Because they are direct drive, and they seam (from what I've seen) to last a long time. (I might be wrong about them lasting a wile long)
I have had my front loader FOR YEARS with no bearing problems. I will be replacing my current front loader with a newer front loader from LG
Well I was looking at the RTW4440VQ one and it looks like a DD. But I'd rather have that than a new Belt drive HE lol! Besides, if it has reset, you can hold it to put more water. Am I right?
Yes indeed. I did forget to cover that part, but I just made these videos right on the spot, with no plans, so it is easy to miss something.
Which part of the video are ya talking about?
That is good. Sometimes newer technology is NOT a good thing.
@MustangFanNC One of the biggest changes though is the addition of all the electronics. Believe me, I certainly have considered those that you had just mentioned who weren't too thrilled about the original belt drive being replaced. I guess the reason why I never felt that to be the same is because the direct drive was still made with mechanical controls (granted, the difference in technology in the 80s) and was, (except for maybe the catalyst models) kept that way through out the entire time.
I love ur vids.
I gotta have my stuff sorted, Im a freak about that lol. This is my channel for just messin around, but I will have a new one. Any good names?
I gotta have my clothes sorted too!
My neighbors has a bravos x that is about 12 years old and it still works without repairs
@Sharkie626 I have a Fisher & Paykel Aquasmart HE Toploading washer and matching Fisher and Paykel Aerosmart Top loading dryer. I'm really happy with both units.
They still make direct drive washers! inglis,estate,roper,admiral and probably more still make direct drive washers, or they do in Canada.
2:40 some models of the world washer have a display usually on the right of the control panel that tells you how much time is left in the cycle
The world washer is a compact washer. Looks similar to the VMW but better quality
@@firealarmtechguy4444 oh ok then i mean the new belt drive washer
I'm just gonna make some remarks point by point. I wish this was a pre 86 belt drive vs direct drives comparison, how is it we processed so much in other technologies and have devolved so much in something so simple as doing laundry. I love those mechanical controls, its just so simple, because the machine doesn't need to be on to select options, you always see the options you have selected, and that's way better than some complicated customization on say an LG. It's so stupid they want to say, oh machine is in wash, just tell me how much its in. actually learned the 06 does timer intervals of 2 minutes, so I actually can figure out how much time in the cycle is left. I think the reasoning for that draining was whirlpool decided, oh people are wasting energy by soaking clothes with the machine on, we need a sensor for that. But when the machine is stopped, it draws 0 watts specifically because of that mechanical timer. Those stupid things take longer to fill than to wash. I saw one too at a friend of mines house, it was just absolutely terrible quality, and that one actually died last month, I laughed so hard hearing it, he traded in a 95 maytag for it. An hour and 15 minutes? give me a break, I can do 2 loads in that time, depending on what I choose, it takes 30-40 minutes, normally I do warm medium, so it takes roughly 35 minutes, and washes twice as better as a belt drive. That crappy suspension is the reason why those things always go out of balance, the setup just jumps around the cabinet like nobody's business. They removed the break because it was "too loud" so they decided a locking lid would be better, get a life. The most basic step in all repairs excluding the agitator dogs or mechanical controls, 4 easy steps, pop up the control panel, remove the back clips, disconnect the lid switch, get out the cabinet, and thats it, you have access to everything inside. You probably have to disassemble the cabinet piece by piece and a whole other array of stupid things before getting to your broken part. Its all one setup, thats the beauty of it, you can fix nearly everything with just a screwdriver, a nutdriver, and a socket wrench. Like I said, they are so prone to hitting the cabinet because of those rods, in the 4 years we have lived here, through several hundred cycles, the 06 has never hit the cabinet, because we actually take care of it. The only real sensors our machine has is the water pressure and lid switch. That one motor works perfectly, its all about the motor. We actually have done no repairs, 12 years old, works like a charm.
I love my 80's model Hotpoint Heavy Duty Washer & Dryer..I replaced the belt on the dryer & the timer knob on the washer .I wouldn't spend a wooden nickel on these newer machines they cost a fortune and wash so poorly it isn't funny, poor to no agitation at all,low water level the clothes are barely damp.
@Sharkie626 Great vid and washer though. And I love those five controlled 90 series Kenmores.
Did you get rid of the crest drive
WOW, old washers you have! These are 1972-1981!
That can't be. The direct drive came out in 1986, and these machines were bought in early 1990. So they were likely made in 1989.
If you think your washer is out of balance on these direct drives if you open the lid when it's draining let everything stop It will spin drain. Doesn't that help balance the load?
Probably not, but also, that is not a good idea. While nothing bad will immediately happen, overtime, that will cause premature wear of the spin gear and spin clutch.
Ok thanks for telling m not to do that. But what about those GE filter flos? They always do a spin drain does it break them as well?
Willie Peck Do remember that every washer was built differently ;) The VERY early direct drives actually did do a spin drain by default, but there were later the same concerns as I had mentioned above. So, the neutral drain was added. In my opinion, the direct drive is the ONLY machine built in such a way that actually makes the neutral drain sound cool. haha
Ok cool thanks;) I learn something new every day. Btw I have a filter flo but the gearbox broke. I'm going to get it fixed sometime.
I was checking their site, and it looks like any DD they have will probably have that reduced water level thing, so I would avoid it.
New direct drive has a water ring at top for balancing. AKA Gyro balance. Heavy items must be at bottom to take advantage of gyro motion, if not fill n drain repeatedly.
I think all direct drives had that.
I have a direct drive washer. And one thing I really like about it that you didn't mention is how much quieter a direct drive is. Even when my washer is in the final spin cycle which is 1000 rpm's I can still hold a normal conversation right next to it. Ask any belt drive washer to be that quiet.
Agree with you 100%. Today's machines are garbage. I feel bad for people who can't self educate themselves on this and save $$$ and buy older, more reliable machines. The government has also set some pretty ridiculous EPA requirements for new machines. I may be wrong, but if a new machine has a water level adjustor, it has to come with an "auto sensing" option.
Thanks for watching! Yeah there is next to nothing good out there these days.
@@Sharkie626 Minus the SQ TC5
@@MatthewJames-st5wv That one's not bad. But it really lacks a lot of features that the 9-series had.
Similar to what GE has!
I was at my college dorm and saw they had the new belt drive washers. They had no load size selector!
I had to deal with Maytag Neptunes. They were no better.
So much for Maytag quality!
In fact, they're the washers that sent Maytag to Hell! They should be glad that whirlpool saved their asses!
Jerome Davis Whirlpool is not doing so hot either....
Is this Whirlpool direct drive one electronic???? I see buttons.
Nope, all mechanical.
@@Sharkie626 so the buttons are mechanical.
It's more force of habit more than anything. Also, in just about all these videos, nothing is scripted, so I just think of what i'm going to say right on the spot.
Sounds good.
The what sound?? lol! you mean the wig wam!! If you are reffering to the pre 1980 machine. The old belt drives had the wig-wam that engaged and disengaged the clutch. it went back & forth had two bars that the linkage slid into.
@NVHSChadSheppard1 Exactly, if it were one of today's washers it would probably have about maybe 4 more parts broken and replacement costing more than the washer itself.
my neghbor has a maytag bravos x and it is 8 years old with one repair
Hey I'm wondering would you go for an HE washer or an he dryer and you have to pick one
I don't know because..... I don't even know if there is such a thing as a HE dryer. Haha
Ummm... All dryers work the same. They have been using the same technology as they did back 50+ years ago
lol I'm keeping my frigidaire washer because they wash a lot better than he machines plus a mechanical timer with a correct turnover and mine fills really quick on the warm water setting
This video still applies to the today’s washers made of mostly plastic, computers, crash and burn.
For the most part, yeah!
@Sharkie626 And do you upload videos every month now?
I've seen some of these newer direct drive washers by Samsung and LG explode after a couple months, weeks, even hours of use. I got one and I am planning on selling it and looking at some used appliance stores for washers similar to these.
+STLbluesfan1 Right move man! You will find many direct drives in a used appliance store. Hope you find something good! If you can, find a machine with a warm rinse without auto temperature control. It really helps keep the machine clean.
+Sharkie626 and when my washer filled up and did a spin with a full tub, guess what happened
I believe both BD and DD are great. My BD kenmore still washes and spins. I never had to restart the washer for more wash time, sometimes I have to change the water level and it will fill up and then agitate.
@tamiasthechipmunk Ahh I see, well hey, if it's working well, that's great!
@sincladutch From what I've seen at sears, they don't. They made the new BDs.
Sharkie626 I have a Whirlpool 2007 top loader washer is it a direct drive or a belt drive
Definitely a direct drive.
@lizboz Nah, I dont have any set schedule.
The 1996 Kenmore I used to owned had an unlimited soak cycle after a few min of agitating
My give me this mashing but I'm struggling to use it please help me
@Sharkie626 Like the only thing in my kenmore that got replaced was the motor.
@MustangFanNC Really? wow, that's just sad quality... but yes, I 100% agree with you regarding having one of those over a front loader.
Best Top Loader washer: Speed Queen
Best front loader: I have no clue, possibly either LG or Samsung
Front loaders and HE top loaders like my Samsung are cocksucking pieces of god damn shit. Conventional top load washers before 2010 are good ones.
not Samsung lol those are going to start exploding soon
Speed Queen makes front loaders, too.
And they're better than LG and Samsung.
DaSamNudge its only the top loaders!
@STLbuesfan1 My front loaders are a work horse. Best machines I have had in a while!
Does anyone know what year this model in the video is? I have the same washer and dryer set and I'm really curious as to exactly how old it is.
Mine here are from 1990.
@Sharkie626 Well now sense you were talking to tamiasthechipmunk, if he says it's LG DD, for some reason, when I go to the stores that sells the new washing machines and dryers, including LG, you can see once again, for some reason, it says on the control panel, DD for some reason, which is pretty ridiculous. To me it is. Why didn't it just say BD? It's not a DD for real.