Look at the agitator, if it has 4 of those vertical slots going up and down in it then it is the "Extra Large" Capacity machine, if it only has 3 then it is the regular capacity machine (a shorter tub and agitator) The Extra large capacity has the deeper tub and taller agitator and is just about as big as the Whirlpool Kenmore Super Capacity machines were and should handle your largest loads just fine. Also, you should know about the lint filter, if you pull out the fabric softener cup (if it's there) then pull the top cone of the agitator out, it will come out to reveal a circular screen that collects lint. It needs to be checked after each load. Most of the time lint about the size of a quarter collects on it but if you wash something fluffy or new, it could be loaded. If it won't come out, chances are someone previous didn't know about it and it's stuck in place from mineral and lint buildup. The way it works is the agitation action pushes water away from the fins at the bottom, water flowing through the agitator falls down through the lower holes in it creating a void in the center of the agitator that is then refilled with water flowing in through those slots in the center post, the round screen in the center post of the agitator catches the lint as if flows through the screen. If the screen is clogged, not only will lint filtering be hindered, but also water circulation effectiveness will be hindered, this flow through style agitator was designed not just to filter the water but increase water circulation making washing performance better. I have a slightly newer version of this machine, I love it but I'm currently having a problem with it dumping grease on my clothing. My Mother has an even older but similar machine that is 39 years old, it was her Mother's, it is still going just fine. We did notice the belts were slipping and making a thumping noise and I could stop the agitator with my hand, if you can do this, get a new set of belts, they are easy to change and make the machine perform like new. They should be somewhat loose. Also you need to use the genuine belts, not some from auto parts stores. The genuine ones are made of a special material that is designed to slip at the beginning of the spin cycle. Could you sent a close up picture of the control panel? I'm curious about what the right row of buttons says and are for?
Enjoy this machine, this is one of the best and most reliable washers ever made on the planet, I kid you not. They are easy to fix if ever needed too, though some parts are beginning to be phased out as Whirlpool bought Maytag in 2005 and phased out this mechanical design in 2006 when they closed down the Maytag Newton Iowa factory where these machines were produced.
