Maytag washer

[elf]

Just how do I tell when my Maytag washer is not doing what it did when it was young. Somehow it seems like the thing isn't swishing back and forth the way it did when it was young.

I have yet to experience that some of the clothing never gets wet, but when I eavesdrop on the column in the middle going back and forth, it doesn't seem to be rotating like I imagine it should.

The machine is around 17-18 years old now.

[rbgarr]

Ours started having that kind of trouble when it reached that age. It's now twenty five years old. Call the Maytag guys and spend your tax refund ;)

[elf]

Well, just how far back and forth should it be pushing the clothing?

Boy, I'd hate to lose that washer. I'd have to go to the laundromat at this point. There's not a penny in my account for things like that.

[George Roberts]

There is a new Maytag repairman.

[TimH]

Maybe the Wig-Wag is worn out. I had to replace mine.

[stevebaby]

http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/washer/diagwasher.php
Washing Machine Diagnostic & Repair Guide: Free On-line Troubleshooting and Repair - ACME HOW TO.com
The drive belt (assuming that an older machine such as yours is fitted with one), could possibly need adjusting after 17-18 years.

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Yeah, sounds like a belt.
An old Maytag is better than anything new.
Most used appliance places have someone who does house calls for a reasonable fee.
Fixing an old one is cheaper than buying new.

[paladin]

REASONABLE! Weenie wants to charge 75 bucks to come and look at the thermostst on my stove.....I tell him it's the thermostat.....he sez thermostat is 36 dollars, and will charge a 35 dollar installation fee....but he also charges 75 bucks to make the service call.....I called LOwes...new GE is 348 bucks and they'll give me 10% off for being an old phart....so I ordered a new range hood, stove, refreg/freezer, washer and dryer....had them haul the old stuff away....free delivery and install and 20% off, paid cash up front....the damn things better not fail me in this lifetime......I only have 80,000 on my Buick Regal....last week I had the super doooper engine stuff done, all new belts bulbs and whistles, new catalytic converter, rotors, brakes, new Michellin tires, injectors cleaned.......2600 bucks.......it better not sputter for a long time.........then I stopped at vet with dawg....$85.00....tomorrow me to dentist..........OUCH

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

On the front panel of the washer, there are two screws down low near the ground. Remove them, and pull the bottom of the front panel towards you, and it will come off. Tilt the machine back and look underneath... there are two belts, one for the pump and one for the transmission drive. Replace both

Those old helical drive Maytags do occassionally wear out a tranny, but not often... usually the seal goes first... which is indicated by tranny fluid spots on your clothes... faint and yellowy brown in color... at that point it's expensive... have to disassemble the washer to fix it...

[elf]

there are two belts, one for the pump and one for the transmission drive. Replace both

Hmm. Wonder where I might get the replacements? Would I have to go online or are they probably standard somehow?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Any Maytag repair depot, or even a big appliance parts place.... They made that helical drive transmission and it's belt setup for almost 40 years... best washer they ever made imoop... I think the drive belt is an 11-723 ... **** that's valuable data... I haven't worked on one for 15 years :D

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

What's the model number on the washer? It's on a plate on the back of the console, right in the center.

[elf]

What's the model number on the washer? It's on a plate on the back of the console, right in the center.

Oh, that's gonna be fun to find out!!!. BAck of the console? Mirror time!

Tomorrow. It's time to crash here or I'll never get done tomorrow all the things I have to finish.

Thanks for all your help.

[pipefitter]

The maytag has a built in belt tensioner in the motor carriage. The motor is on wheels in a track and springs keep the motor tensioned. Sometimes,the carriage or nylon wheels will get worn or flat spots but not usually. It's most likely the belt. Best way to tell is to take the front off and see if you can pull the motor any further foward towards the front of the machine. Thats a great machine and they barely ever wobble or get off balance. A little tricky to put a tub seal in if you don't have the spanner or know it's reverse thread. The ID tag on mine(built in 1965) is under the lid top right corner.

[Mrleft8]

Do you swish back and forth the way you did 18 years ago? Give the poor thing a break! ;)

[elf]

Do you swish back and forth the way you did 18 years ago? Give the poor thing a break! ;)


Sweet. I'm afraid I just have a lot more to swish back and forth now than 18 years ago!

[Bruce Hooke]

There are various online sources for washer parts if that turns out to be easier...

[elf]

There are various online sources for washer parts if that turns out to be easier...

Thanks, Bruce, for the suggestion. I'm pretty game with machines, maintenance and repairs, but I suspect when I can't stand it any longer, and when the checking account gets healthier, like after I come back from the 100th anniversary of Abeking and Rasmussen in August, I'll hire someone to come and replace the belt. I suspect it's just not going to be fun in the space where the washer sits.