Early Maytag A806 in Berlin PA

[d-jones]

Looks like it's in nice condition. The ad says it hasn't been used at all for about the last ten years. Asking $150.00. If I had a place to put another 806 I'd get this myself. These machines aren't turning up as often as they did just a few years ago, so hopefully someone will step up. If not I'll have no choice but to get it myself and then my wife will kill me. Think about that. Not only can you save a neat old Maytag washer, you can save a life as well. Berlin PA is about 75 miles to the East and slightly South of Pittsburgh.

https://altoona.craigslist.org/app/d/berlin-may-tag-washing-machine/7303750296.html

 

[qsd-dan]

Wash n' Wear button...it's manufactured before May, 1967. Still has the original 8 fin agitator so assume that the stem seal, boot seal, and tub bearing are original.

 

[d-jones]

Thanks Dan

I knew it was an early one based on the stainless trim on top of the agitator, but I didn't know it was that early. The stem seal and boot seal are fairly easy to replace if necessary, but I was wondering if the tub bearing might be revitalized by injecting lube into the wicking with a syringe as some have done in the past?

 

[qsd-dan]

That's a very rare model with a Wash n' Wear button, rare and unique lint filter (not just because of the stainless steel cover, those were available through 1972), and very rare 8 fin agitator. This is probably your one and only chance at getting that agitator.

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

 

[d-jones]

Well thanks a lot, Dan. Now I'm really conflicted.

[this post was last edited: 4/12/2021-20:02]

 

[DADoES]

 
Does the Pre-Wash phase include a drain/spin?  Then, a refill at Soak, so Soak can by itself be run as a lead-in to a full cycle without a Pre-Wash?

 

[swestoyz]

Glenn, great question! Here's the full cycle chart from the 1966 Service Manual. A holdout from the Pre Wash cycle on the A702 where Maytag suggested using a liquid detergent in the softener cup.

 

[latchlock8111]

Sweet

That is a beauty.

 

[vacerator]

Berlin???

Makes me hungry for Snyders potato chips!

 

[lowefficiency]

Have you bought it yet?

 

[yogitunes]

always wondered why Maytag sort of did it backwards.....

would seem better suited, since the cycle progress into another.....

to make the Soak cycle first, then Pre-Wash...a spin and Refill for main wash from there....

 

[d-jones]

Have you bought it yet?

I told the owner if no one else stepped up I'd buy it. No one did, so I'm going out to have a look this weekend and likely bring it home. Someone picked up the dryer today.

 

[d-jones]

It's home.

Or at least as close as it's going to get until the restoration is complete. My wife only sees things as they are, so if I bring it home looking like this she'll have a fit. Consequently, it's at a nearby friends place where all the work will be done. It's in pretty decent shape overall, but it's still in need of paint and mechanical work. The porcelain in the tub is in good shape, just needs a good cleaning. The outer tub looks really nice as does the tub clamp. The damper feels smooth, but at least one pad is slipping out. I put power on it and the console light works but that's about it. It currently has a Kingston timer. Would this have left the factory with a Mallory? Anyways, I look forward to bringing it back to life. Should be fun.

 

[repairguy]

Congrats!

 

[qsd-dan]

Soak cycle first, then Pre-Wash...a spin and Refill for main wash from there....

 

It really depends of the soiling and staining of the load being washed. Maytag did it two different ways and each has their own advantage.

 

The 806 version, as Ben listed, was a pre-wash followed by a, spin, refill, momentary agitation, soak, then carried on with the regular cycle.

 

Beginning with the 10 Series machines in 1980, the machine fills and alternates agitating and soaking, then continues into the regular cycle without a water change.

 

With an exceptionally dirty load, the 806 version produces superior results. This happens to be the program I fancy. The prewash gets the majority of the dirt/grime out in the first 4 minutes of agitation then spins and out dumps it down the drain. Detergent is added again and the soaking process begins in much cleaner water after a brief 1 minute agitation period before continuing on through the regular cycle.

 

The 10+ Series soak cycle has an advantage over the 806 version if the load is relatively clean but one is just soaking out stains. Otherwise, the load is wallowing in its own filth for nearly 30 minutes.

 

[qsd-dan]

Congrats on the score, Doug! It does look like it's in great shape for its age, just a little sanding and painting on the base and motor cover and it'll look good as new again.

 

I believe most of these early 806's did originally come with a Mallory timer. My '67 did, anyway. 

 

Did you happen to glance at the serial #? I'm guessing this machine was built somewhere between January and April of 1967.

 

[d-jones]

Dan

Unfortunately I wasn't paying any attention to the data plate this afternoon, but I'll be over to begin disassembly tomorrow. I'll try to get the serial number then. I need to get this done quickly since it's taking up space in my friends garage.

 

[latchlock8111]

What else ??

You bought the 806, didn't tell the wife cause your afraid she'll kill you and now are hiding the washer at your friends' place. You Mr. Dan are my hero.

 

[latchlock8111]

correction

... excuse me. Mr. Doug*.

 

[d-jones]

Actually it’s Dave or David.

I’m not the least bit particular about which one folks use. And yes, you are correct. If I brought the machine home in its present state my wife would demand to know why I spent the money on this rusty piece of junk that doesn’t even work and there’d be a huge dust up over it. Once it’s restored she’ll be perfectly fine with it, even happy. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly.

 

[d-jones]

Just as a heads up

If anyone sees a Mallory timer with the part number 203182 or 2-3182 come up for sale somewhere please let me know. I just purchased a new Kingston timer for this machine, but I'd like it to have a Mallory. I'll be tearing the machine down this afternoon and starting a thread in the Imperial forum to cover the progress, so all future posts will be there.

 

[electronicontrl]

That's one of my favorites

I learned how to use an "automatic washer" on a 1966 A806S. One day I hoped to find one and I did. (Thanks to Goatfarmer). It was the first vintage washer in my collection. Mine is from 1968. Notice the Permanent Press button.

Thank you, David, for sharing and have fun restoring.