Digital Maytag - Coolest 90's Top Loader, EVER!

[revvinkevin]

I think I remember seeing those new.....(??)

Hey Ben... WOW... that is SOOOO awesome you were able to find one, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

After seeing your photos I think I vaguely remember seeing that model new in some appliance store way back when.

What a great find!!!
Kevin

 

[jaxsunst]

Don't Dis the Calypso

I love mine, the secret is how you load it. Load it like the instructions for a vintage Frigidaire says in the manual on this site and clothes comes out perfect every time.

 

[swestoyz]

Did some wash in the Maytag today. Very impressed with the Orbital. Would you believe this is the first time I've ever seen an orbital in action?

At first I wasn't sure what the roll-over would be. The stroke seemed to be too fast to be effective. As soon as it started to pull the clothes down, BAM - it was washing like a jiffy. Not sure how that sock ended up in that load of mix ;-)

A few photos and a YouTube video that walks through the computer control interface. Enjoy!

 

[swestoyz]

Self cleaning lint filter. I was worried this would be plugged and nasty. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad.

Orbital Experts - is there supposed to be a stop o-ring on the agitation shaft?

 

[swestoyz]

Don't brand me a Calypso hater ;-) You would have had to of been at Greg's in '07 when the wash from the Calypso went straight to the Super Unimatic with enough soap still left in the clothes to re-wash then in the Frigidaire! I still love'em though, that's why there is one in the basement.

Yay for extra long rinses in this Maytag!

Ben

 

[andrewinorlando]

I too find Calypso's rinse very well, and wash just as well, too. Just have to know how to use one. After 8 years, mine still works as well as it did when it was new! I'd buy one all over again......

Now this Maytag...she's just a beauty in every way.

 

[super32]

No stop ring after 86'? They did away with the stop ring and went to the set screw. That is an awsume washer. I had a set of 9904 which was the succesor model to the 9900. If you come across a load sensor or one of the newer double action agitators from a newer dependable care washer, drop it in and try it. Thats what i did with mine.

 

[repair-man]

What a nice machine !

I like the electronic control a little more on the black face than the later white one. I never knew how flexible the cycles are. BTW all Maytag's from the '12' series on (about 1984-1985) fill with the lid up. I have never seen this machine except in the book. The white panel ones where a little more common around here. In fact I have only run across one or two A9800. Seems everyone bought the A9700.

 

[gansky1]

Always wanted one of these too!

Very nice!

Love the "UNBALANCED" indicator tipped to one side!

I'll stack the computer controlled Whirlpool up against that orbital any day for washing ability - take the load from the WP and put it in the 'Tag. I wonder if there's an "UNCLE" indicator light on that display? Hahaha!

The 80's brown-button Maytags I've had and sold all filled with the lid open, had you not seen that before?

 

[swestoyz]

UNCLE!

The 80's brown-button Maytags I've had and sold all filled with the lid open, had you not seen that before?

I must admit that I really never played with a Maytag made after 1980 until a few days ago. When I read through the Service Lit for this machine I thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread - and also that the lid open filling was an option just for this machine. Little did I know that a few pages later the same feature was listed for the other models as well.....

Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I the Computer-Controld Maytag will sit next to the Rapid Advance KitchenAid. I suspect this will happen quite often actually!

I like the electronic control a little more on the black face than the later white one...

At first I thought that I liked the white better, but after seeing this machine, and knowing that the white can turn yellow - I really prefer the earlier black now. So sleek!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

It doesn't NEED a stop ring for the agitator, but in cases where there is a little too much play in the agitator, I've used a stop ring in addition to the set screw.

Since you have it partially disassembled, now is the time to check a weak spot before it gets ugly. I would pull the spin tub and check that boot seal under the tub drive block. If it's clean with no signs of rust, put back together and call it good. If there is ANY sign of rust or water contamination, I'd think about replacing the mounting stem/boot BEFORE it gets bad enough to warrant pulling the outer tub and doing a tub bearing job. This will be a small investment now in a machine you'll have for a LONG time. Congrats on the find! A A9900 set has always been on my short list of wishes!

RCD

 

[qsd-dan]

RCD, how would you rate the reliability of these electronic consoles? Have you had to replace a console or any boards?

 

[nmaineman36]

Very nice machine. I remember seeing those at Lechmere..long dead store. Anyways the LoadSensor agitator will turn a much larger load over in this washer. I have that in my LAT9357 and it does very well. Or and i know I am going to get scolded here...you can get a stop ring and put an original PowerFin agitator in that and watch. Those larger vanes turn a load over like nobodys business and washes very very well. Plus with a filter in the barrel you can have the best of both worlds with a self clean filter and a manual clean one. I have done that with mine and not had a problem.
Or you can also put in a PowerFlex 12 agitator. I have that as well and it does clean well and gives some splashing drama.
That washer was worth a trip to Chicago!

 

[nmaineman36]

Here is a scan from a training manual for the agitator.

 

[nmaineman36]

And another

 

[nmaineman36]

Inside of the machine. Granted they tweaked it some.

 

[nmaineman36]

and another

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The control boards were SOLID!

I've had to replace only 1 washer board due to a dropped neutral. However, What I commonly see is the button faces wearing out on the panel, exposing the actual buttons on the control board. Exactly like they do on the Whirlpool 'clean touch' washer panel.

I get a kick out of the lid balls on the washer. I always brag about my Maytag being the only washer 'with a set of balls that just won't quit...' LOL

RCD

 

[nmaineman36]

more scans of the manual

 

[maytagbear]

Great catch, Ben!

I do love this machine.

If I had room, it would definitely be on my list.

Very happy for you.

Lawrence/Maytagbear