A700 metal pump failure

[bluejay]

I have a Maytag from '61 that came with the original drain pump.  The washer and matching dryer had been sitting for some time, but I was able to get both back up and running.

 

The original metal pump finally developed a leak (it was dripping like a faucet out of the bottom onto the pulley), so I have replaced it with a poly pump.  My question is (and I hope it isn't stupid), do I need to punch the hole for the bleach dispenser?  It has the protrusion for the bleach dispenser hole, but it appears to be sealed off.   I figure the answer is yes, but wanted some confirmation in case that isn't the solution.

 

 

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/b4p11/Maytag-Washing-Machine-Drain-Pump/62022030/1480330?modelNumber=A700

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Yes, just drill out the inside of that fitting!

 

Kevin

 

PS: I didn't realize any of the A700's ever came with metal pumps.

 

[swestoyz]

Yes, but original Maytag spec on the hole size I guess could be critical. I've seen some where service guys have reamed the opening as large as possible. I use a drift punch for setting finish nails to open the hole. Doesn't need to be that big of an opening.

Ben

 

[bluejay]

Looking at the top it looks like that's exactly what they intended for use to make the hole.  It has a point to set the punch.

 

I'm also going to take the metal pump apart to see if it can be repaired.  It went 50 years the first go-around, so it definitely was built to last!

 

[combo52]

Hole For Bleach Dispenser

In MT poly pumps, I am sure that one of the other MT experts will come in with the answer, but when you used to buy a new poly-pump the instructions with the pump specified the correct hole size [ yes Ben you are correct it should not be too big or too small ] I seem to remember 3/16". The hole should diffidently be drilled, I would NOT try punching the hole as you not only could ruin the pump but you would never get the correct size, it needs to be a drilled orifice for the bleach dispenser [ and washer ] to perform correctly.

Jason, this MT pump design was about the most durable pump ever used in an automatic washer, BUT the metal MT pumps were too thin and had many problems with pin hole leaks and the only reason yours is around 50 years after being built is that the machine saw little or no use for a substantial part of its life. Turn your old pump into a display but there is no point trying to fix it as it will only leak again. The plastic PP is yet another example of how newer machines are built to last longer, a plastic PP will easily outlast 5 of the old pot-metal pumps in normal use.

John L.

 

[bluejay]

John,

I see your point about the metal pump.  The exterior looked fine, but when I opened it up...whoa.  It wasn't too bad, considering it is a 50 year old pump, but it won't be going back into service anytime soon.  Interestingly, the top and bottom were sealed with a cork gasket. 

 

I kind of jumped the gun and punched out the hole; I did a load of laundry and everything worked accordingly.  I don't use bleach any more (I switched to bluing liquid) for my whites, so I'm not terribly worried, but I'm monitoring the next few washes to be sure nothing surprising occurs.

 

 

[kenmore71]

The hole should be drilled to 5/16" according to the service literature.

 

[combo52]

Thank You Mark

I knew it was either 3/16" or 5/16" but when I think about it 3/16" is really too small.

John L.