Beyond the Centre Dial....

[danemodsandy]

I have some questions for all our ever-dependable Maytag Mayvens....

A friend needs a reasonably-priced washer and dryer, and she loves my centre-dial pair. But - she's not much inclined to take care of things, and I would like to try steering her towards the next generation of TL 'Tags, which aren't (yet) so collectible. I'm talking about the ones that came after the centre-dial machines - the ones with the black "modern" console. What I'd like to know is:

1) What years are covered by this generation of machines?

2) Is there an equivalent to the A108 in this generation? (One-speed Fabric-Matic, bleach and softener dispenser, four temp selections, three load-size selections, Regular, Permanent Press, and Delicate cycles) I'm looking for a model number here.

3) Am I correct that these are essentially the same mechanically as the centre-dial machines?

Thanks for any light you could shed. A pic of a washer from the generation I'm talking about is below:

 

[qsd-dan]

"1) What years are covered by this generation of machines?"

As far as using the older (and more reliable) 180 degree arc Helical transmission, 1980 to June of 1986 are the years you want. These are identical in every way to the center dial machines with exception of the console. July of 86 and on is different story.

"2) Is there an equivalent to the A108 in this generation? (One-speed Fabric-Matic, bleach and softener dispenser, four temp selections, three load-size selections, Regular, Permanent Press, and Delicate cycles) I'm looking for a model number here."

Yes, but I would definitely opt for a 2 speed machine. My one speed A-490 beats the living shit out of my bathroom rugs and other "odd" materials. The slower speed would definitely be nice if not mandatory in these situations, especially with delicate items. I'm looking into converting my machine to a 2 speed by using a different console, motor, and wiring harness that comes with the console.

"3) Am I correct that these are essentially the same mechanically as the centre-dial machines?"

YES, they're EXACTLY the same! I don't mean to be harsh with my statement, but far too many people here think the 1980+ machines are crap. THEY'RE EXACTLY THE SAME!!!!

 

[queeny77]

this model shown in the picture could have been orbital drive or helical,one way to tell is to look inside, if it has a big agitator,its the old style trans,and if it has a smaller agitator its the new style.the models before this had ivory colored bottons and the model after was black faced with black bottons instead of brown.

 

[gadgetgary]

Yup

Exactly the same.

Here is my A 712....TOL Maytag with matching dryer

 

[gadgetgary]

Here is my daily driver that I call the Mutt

Just like the one I have from the mid 70's

 

[gadgetgary]

The Goldie

Center Dial

A 108

 

[danemodsandy]

qsd-dan:

I have a one-speed machine; it's the same A108 that GadgetGary shows in his last pic, just in the dread Almond instead of white.

On mine, the Fabric-Matic Delicate cycle doesn't beat up on anything; it agitates a bit, then stops a bit, agitates a bit more, stops a bit more, etc. Works very well, without the greater complexity of a two-speed motor.

Does your one-speed machine have the Delicate cycle?

 

[volvoguy87]

The scoop...

If it has the turquoise Power Fin agitator, it has the older helical transmission and a lint filter. If it has a white agitator, it has the short stroke orbital transmission and no lint filter.

Since you don't want vintage, look around and see what's available. Any Maytag Dependable Care or its predecessors should fit your needs nicely. Just remember, if you see a stainless steel wash tub, IT IS NOT A REAL MAYTAG!!

Good luck,
Dave

 

[danemodsandy]

GadgetGary:

Are you saying that the Mutt has exactly the same cycles and features as the A108?

If so, what's the Mutt's model number?

Thanks!

 

[gadgetgary]

Are you saying that the Mutt has exactly the same cycles and

Mutt model# A710

Regular, Perm Press and Delicate
Fabric Matic

I think the'Mutt' was a rebuilt machine.

Works perfectly

 

[qsd-dan]

"Does your one-speed machine have the Delicate cycle?"

Yeah, but I cringe every time the motor cycles on and off. Can't be good for the motor and certainly not good at all for the motor start switch. I'm weird that way

Get a shield for that motor, GadgetGary. You never know when that bleach hose will spring a leak.

 

[gadgetgary]

Thanks

Shield is in place. An old pic from this past Spring

 

[danemodsandy]

GadgetGary:

Momentito!

I've done some scouting around, and found several references on the Net to the A710 being a two-speed machine. In fact, our own Greg (gansky1) bought one recently, and posted some beautemous pics in the thread linked below.

You say your machine was possibly rebuilt- could it be one put together from more than one 'Tag? I've known rebuilders to do that. In fact, I've done it with GE dishwashers myself.

The thread on Greg's A710 has a post from repair-man (Edward) where he says he thinks the Fabric-Matic machine from this generation might have been the A610, with the A510 being the BOL.

Anyone know? P.S.: While I like the console styling of this generation, I must say that I like the later black buttons over the earlier white buttons on this particular panel.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/MODERN/18039x32.htm

 

[gadgetgary]

Sandy

You are correct. Even though the nameplate states A710, I believe it is rebuilt from several machines.

This machine is one speed. Regular, Perm Press and Delicate cycles. 4 pushbutton water levels. H/C, W/C, and C/C selections. X large capactiy. In fact, this machine sits next to my Neptune pair from 1997.

 

[danemodsandy]

Any Literature?

Does anyone have the brochures from this generation of 'Tags? Ben? Anyone?

 

[mihi]

excellent info.....

this thread has some excellent info. on the Maytags right after the center-dial units.
Thanks everyone for this!!!

 

[gansky1]

I have the 10 and 12 brochures, plus the service and parts info for all this era....

What would you like to wish for? ;-)

 

[swestoyz]

Me, me - I want brochures! ;-)

 

[danemodsandy]

Greg:

Wow!

Is there any chance the 10 brochure could be posted here?

Thanks. P.S.- The magazine you helped us with should be arriving in about two weeks. You won't believe how great the article looks, thanks to your help.