Checkup instructions for Maytag A-608 Washer?

[rangies3]

Hello, I'm new here. I found a Maytag A-608 Washer at an estate liquidation-type place and bought it. It's been sitting in our garage for a year, waiting for me to figure out how to check it and see if it works (before putting it in the house and finding out it leaks oil or water).

Is there a basic DIY tutorial out there which tells me, step by step (for Dummies!) how to open it and inspect it? I am not sure which parts I need to examine. I imagine that the belt has to be replaced, due to age and lack of use this last year (at least).

If there is a post out there already, I apologize for duplicating. I browsed online, and really hope that somebody here can point me in the right direction. I don't want to damage it (or our home) by being too hasty and not researching the proper steps to take.

Thank you!
Angie

 

[hippiedoll]

Hi Angie...

and welcome!

To open the front panel, there are 2 screws in the front, down at the bottom of the front panel. Take those screws out and grab the front panel from the bottom, and swing it out towards you (like you are opening a hood).

There are 2 hinge tabs at the top that should release, when you swing the panel out far enough, towards you.

The front panel should be off and in your hands by this point. You can put the front panel over to the side somewhere, out of the way. You can visually inspect the inside of the cabinet now.

Take some pictures and post them on here so we can see what it looks like.

I'm afraid I'm not mechanically-gifted so I couldn't tell you what to check in there. But the experts should chime in soon and be able to give you directions.

Again, welcome & CONGRATULATIONS on your Maytag A608.

It is a 2-speed, big tub washer.
)

 

[hippiedoll]

One thing you can check...

In the washer tub is the lint filter that it's inside the agitator.

First, take out the fabric dispenser cup that is in the top of the agitator.

Then grab the top of the agitator with both hands and pull up on it. It should pull off, revealing the lint filter that fits down into the agitator barrel.

Don't be surprised if it's full of hard, gunked up, old lint.

Take pictures of the inside of the washer's tub so that we can see what the washer's tub looks like.

 

[rp2813]

Even if the machine has sat unused for a year or longer, the belts may still be fine.  Maytag's design doesn't place a lot of stress on the belts, and genuine Maytag belts for your machine are not easy to find anymore.  The new ones that are branded "Maytag" aren't the same.  They'll work, but belts that were made when Maytag was still Maytag (in Newton, Iowa) are superior.

 

Can you plug it in somewhere like a garage and test for leaks there?  You can use a garden hose to fill it.

 

[good-shepherd]

finding out it leaks oil or water

If a garden hose is available the washer can be hooked up outside and run it through a cycle or two while checking for leaks and listening for odd noises and such. Just be careful with the power cord and water, the washer pump is powerful.

Oil leaks, if any, are mainly found under the lower base plate slung. If you see some oil residue don't worry its common on older Matyags depending on mileage and they can be cleaned up and run for years as is..

Front panel is easy to remove for inspection, two philips head screws at the lower corners and it lifts up and out from the bottom like car hood.