1985? Maytag LA712 lip seal

[bwildered]

Our A712 bit the dust after 26 yrs so we just found a barely used LA712 washer with dryer for $250. Probably used collectively one year in a vacation home I was told. This should last forever. I'm checking it out and saw a drop of tranny fluid on the rubber cap at the bottom. Everything around it is super clean. I put a lip seal on her old one 10 yrs ago and probably ought to do it on this one. I see a couple of them on e-bay but I cannot confirm the numbers. There's a similar video on youtube also, which brought a few things back to memory.

My question is, I don't remember needing that fancy tool to remover the pulley? Is it possible to replace it without taking it off? Maybe I got lucky and it popped off without it. Or maybe I jimmy rigged a part to release it. I may have found some advice on an old forum back then but I can't find anything now. My memory is gone!

Also, any advice on replacing anything else due to just age? I think the belts have been replaced.

Thanks,
Don

 

[combo52]

Oil Leak?

Wipe off any excess oil and leave the machine alone, some oil is normal in this area.

 

[kenmore71]

I second John's advice.  That oil could just as likely have come out of the brake when the machine was moved.  

 

[goatfarmer]

It ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[DigAPony]

I agree, the lip seals hold up far better than the old style o-ring seals in the Helical trans.

A drop of oil is nothing, the effort would be better spent lubricating the damper pads and motor slides if needed.

Check hoses for hardening and any water leaks, perhaps a new injector valve and sleeve while you're under the hood.

 

[bwildered]

Thanks, awesome advice! I'm very good at leaving things be! We installed them today and wow, what a sweet set of machines, quiet, still, etc. I'm a HUGE fan of the older models.
We used an older A612 in between the dead one and this one, but always had our eyes out for a better deal. Today's machines are just plain junk, but efficient, I was told! Paying for repairs isn't my idea of efficient.

A friend is asking to keep an eye out for a good set. From what I remember anything before the mid 90's??
I also hear Whirlpool is great, but know nothing about model numbers, or years of the better machines. Again, any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[DigAPony]

Don't know the cause of death for the old machine but remember to salvage any and all useable items from it before scrapping.

Who knows what parts availability will be in years to come.