A408

[omi]

Hello I just joined your forum. I may be the only woman on here, IDK! Just found all your amazing information through looking around on the Internet. So I figured I’d join and get a little info. I have a Maytag A408. Recently it stopped adding hot water (cold cycle still working perfectly) so I’ve realised that it is something to do with the water valve mechanism. Apparently this is something that is easily repaired. The other problem is that the button is stuck on extra large load. That would be the last button on the right hand side of the machine. Looking for any information that you might like to share about how I could fix this machine. I was thinking about getting a new machine either the Maytag residential commercial or the new Speed Queen. But with some research I got totally stopped in my tracks. I really need to have hot-Hot water which eliminates the Maytag residential commercial. And the new Speed Queen just swishes the fabrics around in a way that doesn’t really clean them. So now I really want to fix up this old Maytag A408. Any ideas or suggestions? I also have another vintage Whirlpool machine which I will look up the model number and get back to you later for info about that one. I think your picture galleries are amazing! What a really cool hobby this is. Love what you’re all doing here.

 

[repairguy]

Welcome! The speed queen TR3, TR5, and TR7 series were the ones that got a bad rap for sluggish agitation in 2018. Since then I’ve heard that some of that has been improved in the machines programming.

Personally I’d prefer the TC5 series machines which they introduced back into the market for knotheads like me that like the classic wash action. This particular model is not as flexible on water levels.

If your Maytag is in decent shape and you are handy, you could replace the water inlet valve and the water level switch(the one with stuck buttons) for probably a reasonable amount of money if you could do it yourself. There is a possibility that each of these parts could be repaired but because they both have the potential to flood your house if not properly done replacing them is the best option in my opinion as they are likely over 35 years old.

 

[qsd-dan]

The screen on the hot side of the inlet valve is most likely plugged. Just about every Maytag I pulled out of the house/apartment building built before the 60's had at least a plugged hot water screen. The 906 washer I pulled out of a 1920's apartment building in SF had both inlet screens plugged so bad that neither allowed one single drop of water pass through....which is why the young family that just moved in immediately put it up for free on Craigslist.

 

The stuck button for the water pressure switch is probably a simple linkage issue which would quickly reveal itself by removing the rear console panel and staring at it a bit. The easy way is to replace it, part# 205336, which is simple and straightforward.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353806438989?hash=item526081d24d:g:pB0AAOSwQo5hs6J8

 

[omi]

Ok thank you for these two replies. Of course I did check the screens as my first attempt to fix the hot water problem. I shined a flashlight in there and there was some crud but I took it out with a small brush and a cloth. Is this not enough to clean it? And I have a question about the part that you’re selling on eBay. So this would be the replacement for the water level which is stuck on extra large load? There wasn’t a lot of info or pictures about the part. Is it from a machine that was taken apart for parts? I also have a question if I do have to replace the hot water valve where will I get the part for this? It seems like they make a universal solution but I’m not sure where to go or where to buy?

 

[combo52]

Maytag washer a 408 problems

Good morning Maureen And welcome to the site there are actually quite a few women on this site

Both of your problems with this washer sound pretty minor and it’s probably something you may be able to fix yourself.

The stuck water level button I would try removing the control cover and spraying some silicone lubricant or even WD-40 into the switch mechanism it may free up and start working just fine, if that doesn’t work the whole assembly it’s not too hard to find an easy to change.

The lack of hot water is most likely a bad inlet valve fairly easy to change if you tackle things as easy as changing the hose on the washing machine this is a fairly easy safe repair for you to do .

It’s only a very small chance that the screen is clogged 90% of the time it’s a bad valve, if the hot water screen was clogged on this washer you would have plumbing problems all over your house with just about every Faucet screen and showerhead being clogged as well.

Let us know how all this works, John

 

[hippiedoll]

Hi Omi...

Welcome to the group!


You will find a great group of guys & gals with a great wealth of knowledge here. Unfortunately, I am not mechanically gifted so I can't be of much help. But I still love my vintage appliances and everything else.

I hope your faithful Maytag 408 stays up & running for you. Keeping my fingers crossed for you & your 408!

Again WELCOME

 

[qsd-dan]

I shined a flashlight in there and there was some crud but I took it out with a small brush and a cloth. Is this not enough to clean it?

No, that should be clean enough to flow water. A few more things to check out:

There should be a screen inside the water hose connection where it connects to the water source. Make sure that screen isn't plugged. If there isn't a screen in there, put one in.

Floodsafe Hoses: Those are notorious for acting up or going into "failure" mode which stops the water from entering the machine. Replace those with standard hoses if you have them, they're just a big headache and most of them take FOREVER to fill the tub.

Verify all 4 electrical connections to the water valve are in place and tight. Be sure to unplug the washer before doing that task. Some circuits in theses machines are alive even when the machine is off.

If the machine passes those tests, it's time for a new inlet valve. Purchase a genuine Maytag inlet valve. There are cheaper alternatives out there but they're very trouble prone.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165268764920?hash=item267ac938f8:g:S-UAAOSwSiNh1jjF




And I have a question about the part that you’re selling on eBay. So this would be the replacement for the water level which is stuck on extra large load? There wasn’t a lot of info or pictures about the part. Is it from a machine that was taken apart for parts?

The pressure switch is not mine, I just posted a link to the part. It's the correct pressure switch, I have the factory microfiche slides that go back to every single machine Maytag made beginning in the early 1900's. There are no pictures of the switch because the box is sealed with a brand new part inside....which is exactly what you want. As John mentioned above, a little lube and some patience will most likely get your current switch operational again.