80's era Maytag Washer and Dryer

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superwash

superwash

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 6, 2012
Messages
45
Location
Cape Coral, FL
Hi! I have a chance to pick up these beauties this weekend. They look to be in great condition and were in use until recently. The new homeowners don't need them.

So, are they worth it? I was wondering if they're still Maytag or Whirlpool built. Will I be able to still get parts?

I appreciate your advice. Thanks!

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All I know is that the washer has the orbital transmission with short stroke action, and four slots in the agitator with white tub indicates large capacity (as opposed to standard).   They are real Maytags built to the high quality standards Maytag was once famous for.
 
So what can you tell me about the 1st generation LAT models?

The dryer design goes back to 1976 for residential use (about 1973 for commercial use). Some minor oddities changed over the years but not much. This platform ended in 2006.

 

The washer got a new transmission/agitator change in July, 1989. Other than that, besides the updated motor carriage and twist lock fill flume hose (mid 80's) and large capacity tub (1966), it's basically a 1950's Maytag helical washer.
 
You have convinced me to proceed with getting them. I wanted some that was vintage but still reliable. These will replace the junky Samsung's left by the previous home owner. They are only 3 years old and I've been getting errors on the washer (plus it sounds like it's going to blow it's transmission just anytime). It barely swirls the clothes around and I don't overload. I just don't like the HE washers with the wash plate.

Thanks everyone for your input. It is greatly appreciated!
 
Orbital trans washer which means it can be upgraded to the Load-Sense agitator for better roll over with large loads.

Are they worth it? Depends on the price and the market in your area.

I would pull the lint filter out of the agitator to get an idea how they were cared for, some people never clean them and they are full of lint and crud.

Remember to disconnect the fill hoses and tape down the lid before transporting.
 
never hurts to loosen the set screw, pull the agitator, and check the Self-Clean filters underneath....

first load should be with very hot water and bleach...

and open the dryer and clean out any built up lint....

check conditions of belts on both

from there on, you should be good to go....
 
Two More Things --

 

 

1)  Truck the machines from the side only.  This may seem like common sense but there has been no shortage of Maytag washers pictured here over the years that have had dents in the front panel from a hand truck or appliance dolly.

 

2)  The washer is quite heavy.  Bring help if you have any reservations about being able to load it onto a truck or into a van or station wagon by yourself.
 
Hi Mike

In addition to the wonderful advice already given,
I usually open the front of the washer (while unplugged) check the damper pads and motor slides for condition/lubrication. It's also a great time to inspect the hoses for any evidence of leaks.
I have the same washer as a daily driver and it's a TANK.
Good luck!
 
Truck the machines from the side only.

I always move them with an appliance hand truck and the back of the machine washer against truck. This way any damage to the cabinet can't be seen once installed, plus the tub isn't banging against the side of the cabinet

Also, very awkward going through doorways or stairs with the longer dimension sitting sideways.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice!

I'm picking them up tomorrow, but they will go in the garage until I can check everything that's been suggested. I'm looking forward to getting rid of the Samsung set.
 
They're Home!

I picked up the Maytags today. They look better in person than they did from the photos! Both washer and dryer are in mint condition. No scratches dents or rust anywhere .

I already did a water leak test in the driveway. The washer agitated and spun the water out without any issue. No leaks no sign of leakage when the front cover was taken off. I set it over on its back and while the two belts look pretty good, I'm going to go ahead and buy new belts.

Once the belts are installed I will install the set and let everyone know how they perform. Yes the wind filter is inside the agitator and it was gross. Lol.

Thanks everyone for the valuable advice. Great group!
 
I'm going to go ahead and buy new belts.

I'd hold off on the belts if the originals are in good shape, they last a long time. The new belts are not quite the same quality and its no big deal to change them out later on.

More important preventive maintenance is lubing the damper pads. They are probably getting dry after 30 years and are major hassle to replace, IF you catch it in time.

Also, check and lube the motor carriage slides while you're under there.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?54335
 
Good-Shephard, thanks for the information about the damper pads. I'm hoping that I can do this, because (at my older age, ha!) it looks intimidating. Anyone living in SW Florida that would like to assist (I would pay you, of course).

Thanks!
 
Good-Shephard, thanks for the information about the damper pads. I'm hoping that I can do this, because (at my older age, ha!) it looks intimidating. Anyone living in SW Florida that would like to assist (I would pay you, of course).

Thanks!
 
Not so intimidated now. Ha!

I just watched a few YouTube videos, and now I'm not so intimidated. It does look pretty easy to check. I'm hoping I don't have to replace them.

Thanks again![this post was last edited: 11/28/2021-22:03]
 
The Maytag Pair Work Great!

The Maytags are in place and seem to be working fine. I did run a water leak test in the driveway, after getting them off the trailer. The washer perform just fine.

I just ran hot water and bleach through the washer. The wash cycle in first spin did perfect. It just finished rinsing and is draining the water now .

I'm still going to replace the belts just to be safe. I also noticed that the left front leveling leg will probably need to be replaced. But I do have the washer level, both front to back, inside to side.

I'll run a load of light laundry in it tomorrow morning to see how she does.

By the way, the dryer works fine. Heats right up, but I guess I'll know when I throw some wet stuff in and see how it will do with drying.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I really appreciate you guys!

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WOWZERS...

CONGRATULATIONS on getting a Maytag set! I am not very familiar with this era of Maytags, I'm more familiar with the center-dial models. But from what I've seen, some of these later model Maytags have a couple more options/features added compared to the center-dial models (2nd rinse, infinite water level), and I'm not sure if maybe another option added in the timer knob of the model that would be similar to a 608?

So CONGRATULATIONS on your Maytag set, I'm glad they seem to be in Plug & Play condition and ready to use for you.

Doing the HAPPY DANCE for you on this side of the computer!
🥳😊
 

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