A506 Motor Replacement Question

[waltl]

I have a 1989 A506 and the original motor is weak, spins slowly, and will overheat and shut off when doing larger loads. I bought an aftermarket replacement on Ebay ($100) but the motor mounting studs are located at the four corners of the new motor, while my original motor has three possible places for studs at each corner, and my studs are in one of the offset positions (see attached pics). So, the old motor doesn't mount squarely relative to the motor base.

When I mounted the new motor to my base, now mounted squarely, the front corner of the motor protrudes such that it will prevent the front panel from being mounted, and another corner is touching the side panel. I looked at a Maytag parts supplier and their motor($230) also has the studs at each corner like my new one.

Is this typical for an A506/has anyone run into this same problem and/or have any suggestions? I don't see how I can make this work without a motor with off-set studs like my original. I suppose I could try to modify the base, that or just cut a hole in the front panel :>(. I'm not really wanting to take either of those approaches...

I was so close, just my luck...

 

[combo52]

Motor for a Maytag dependable care washer

I think you need the correct motor to fit your washer, but from your problem description it doesn’t sound like the motor is bad if you only have trouble with it spinning it’s a belt or motor belt tension problem.

If it goes through the wash cycle without problems. It could also be low voltage or other issues.

John.

 

[lowefficiency]

Does the old motor alone (without any belts connected) spin freely by hand? It could also just need some oil.

 

[valvashon]

Why not get that original motor rebuilt if you are sure that is what the problem is? I used to do building and broadcast equipment maintenance at a TV station and had many of our HVAC fan motors rebuilt off the shelf replacements that would mount up correctly just weren't available. The voltage and mounting ears made them real unicorns and I determined that the best motor to use would be the original motor rebuilt.
I was using Eurton Electric in California. You might expect to pay in the neighborhood of $400 but having it go back together without extensive modifications is worth it in my opinion.

Val

 

[combo52]

Motor for a Maytag dependable care washer

These motors are not considered re-buildable, they are glued together.

I did find one clever guy, one time who actually would knock them apart and glue them back together, but it’s certainly not worth the time. These motors are a dime a dozen if you were nearby, I would give you one.

They don’t fail very often to begin with. It’s usually the last part of a Maytag that wears out.

John.

 

[qsd-dan]

Looks like the mounting studs need to be moved one hole to the right. Is there a locknut on the bottom?

 

The main area with spin cycles issues is the motor carriage. Make sure the tracks are cleaned, lubed, and the rollers/glides in good condition. Also make sure the drive belt isn't worn. When the fabric coating wears out, the belt grips instead and slipping which causes problems in your description. Also check the bearing in the pump by twisting the pulley. Is should turn very smooth and easily, with no rough spots.