1950's Maytag wringer washer leaking oil

[vespa]

I bought my Maytag 16 years ago and used it every week since. It sprayed oil one day now there is a spot of oil dripping from it. I stopped using it so I wouldn't burn anything up but know nothing about troublshooting or repairing it. Can anyone give me idea where to start?

 

[bradross]

Sounds like a water seal issue...

Hi Elaine,
I assume the lubricant was "spraying" from the underside. Is there evidence on the "power leg"? (that's the back leg that supports the wringer.) This is probably indicative that the water seal around the agitator drive post is in need of replacement. There will also be oil leaking from the little drain hole located in the center plate, just to the side of the gear box underneath.

The replacement part can be purchased through Cottagecraftworks online, or periodically they show up on ebay.

The big worry, however, is more than replacing the part. If a significant amount of water has entered the power unit (gear box), it will still be present (water being heavier than oil, and having displaced the oil) and this could require removing the tub in order to access the power unit, and replenishment of the lubricant. This is a big job, something I have not had to do to my machine yet. But there are several members here that have experience with that, so they would be a good resource for you, should you decide to tackle the job.

 

[vespa]

There is no oil on any of the legs. I posted a picture of the oil on the floor. It is a spray pattern from the middle of the machine and now a spot about the size of a cup coaster or saucer,

 

[yogitunes]

is it spraying oil all the time that the motor is running?...continuous, intermittent?

only when pumping?

only when agitating?

in neutral?

and you do have a spray pattern so to speak, look underneath from its position....obviously a direct line of where it is coming from....and possibly what your looking to replace/repair from there....

 

[bradross]

That leads me to believe it may be the oil seal around the pulley shaft. The oil would drip, hit the belt, and spray like that. Replacing the oil seal requires removal of the tub in order to open up the power unit (gear box.)

 

[vespa]

I finally got a good look from the bottom. It is leaking oil from the gear leg and from be the belt as you suggest. I wish I could find a repair person. Check the 2 pictures. I got the manual and found it's older than I guessed. First part of 1940.im pay almost anything to keep using her.

 

[bradross]

That does look pretty serious, Elaine. Unfortunately, most modern appliance repair shops don't have staff that are familiar with these old machines, even if they did, by chance, have replacements parts. Perhaps there's a club member in Colorado that can offer some help. If I was closer, I'd certainly tackle the job!