Crazy Maytag washer motor

[bobbyderegis]

Hi All:
The new A712 is mint, except for the way the motor starts at the beginning of the first agitation. If the speed selector is set on regular (fast), the motor makes this strange sound for about two seconds. If the speed selector is set on slow, the washer makes the same sound for about two seconds, but runs at fast speed for about another two seconds, then kicks over to slow. This only happens the first time the washer is used after a day or so. If you wash a second or third load right after, it does not happen again. The sound is hard to describe, but if the washer was under water and running, it might sound like this! Anyway, I took the motor cover off, unscrewed the motor switch, cleaned up some lint and grease, put it all together, and the problem seemed to be solved. A day later, I washed again, and the problem was back. Last night I pulled the switch off again, played with the start winding kick out arm, ran a cycle and lo and behold, the machine ran fine. I will see if after a couple days the problem returns. What the hell could be wrong? The motor switch has been discontinued, so I can't easily replace it. Has anyone had this situation before?
Bobby in Boston

 

[qsd-dan]

What is the part # of the motor switch? I know a few places that still carry lots of NLA parts.

 

[coldspot66]

Hi Bobby,

It could be the tripping mechanism inside the motor may be at fault. I think there is a "spring" type device(almost looks like a roundish piece of thin wire) mounted to the frame of the motor and against the tab that presses the motor switch button. Maybe it's missing?? In any case, that's not fixable, so another motor would be the best solution. Does it have the old style motor carriage that mounts with 4 nuts through the bottom of the base, or the newer style with the 2 screws at the front of the carriage?

 

[bobbyderegis]

Qsd-dan: motor # is 2-1666-13. I don't know the switch number off hand. I would not mind replacing the switch if I could find one.
John: The spring is in place. The arm seems to be a little stiff to move, but I don't know if that's normal. Could it get stuck after a while of non-use? The carriage is the newer style, I believe, but I would have to double check. I would hate to change out the motor for such a stupid problem. I can't believe there is no way to fix it.
Bobby in Boston

 

[coldspot66]

Bobby,

I could take the switch off the motor I have and send it for you to try. It's a used motor, but the switch is prolly good.
If it still does the same thing, then it's internal to the motor. Those are disposable motors, you can't take them apart to get to that switching mechanism. Let me know. I can send you a pic of the switch to make sure it's the same terminal markings, etc.

 

[bobbyderegis]

John:
Don't all the motors have unique switches? BTW, I ran it this morning, and it worked fine! GO figure. If the switch is the same, I'd love to try it.
Bobby in Boston