FINALLY - a push button Maytag dishwasher!

[swestoyz]

Hey Gang -

I had hinted earlier this week, when I brought home the 'Beeping' Lady K set, that some dream machines were making their way to Waterloo this weekend.

I've decided that for 2009 - it is ONLY dream machines. The basement and garage are just too full, and I don't have time to commit to everything that crosses my path. I've got a house to finish!

Anywho - back on topic. Dream machine #1 is a WU-601 Maytag dishwasher! Years ago I spied a push-button Maytag at Menards. It was on the upper rack and I thought that I would see another one. NOT.

I haven't seen one since - seems that NE Iowa was a breeding ground for KitchenAid dealers, even though Maytag washers sold like hotcakes.

This gem came from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. The tank is still in pretty good shape, but the racks will need to be replaced. The previous owner had bought a used WU-502 from his neighbor about 20 years ago and parted it out. After we loaded the dishwasher he comes walking down the driveway with a Cubs Foods bag full of belt drive Maytag parts! Motor, mint door gasket, soap dispenser, valves, timer, harness, pump assembly, etc. I was very grateful that he had the foresight to do this years ago to keep his dishwasher going. He had replaced the water valve and the racks. Originally this machine had white racks, and John mentioned that the white racks had rusted out sometime ago. Now, the blue ones are going. Good thing I've got spares.

There are slight differences between this unit and Greg's. The buttons don't seem to push down as far, and the panel color is a dark grey. Build date is December 1977.

 

[swestoyz]

Button close up.

I recall reading in the service lit for these machines that there was a change in cycle times between the 600 and 601 machines. I'd have to drag it out to find out what the differences were.

The previous owner said they only used the Crystal & Plastics cycle. John was not committing to me that any of the other cycles would work.

 

[swestoyz]

The door gasket is as hard as a rock. Thankfully the blue door gasket from the WU-502 is perfect!

There is a slight scale that has built up in the tub. I really don't think that the finish has been compromised. Some elbow grease and she'll look like new.

 

[swestoyz]

Upper rack shot. These will be replaced if I get this machine into full use someday.

 

[swestoyz]

Model ID tag.

Again, not a huge find by any means, but another to check off the list!

So, what color should I paint it? If it were to go into the kitchen - I am working with Quarter sawn oak cabinets, butternut stained oak floors, black granite counter tops, and two white appliances (1951 GE fridge and 1957 GE stove). The KDS-15 in SS will be the first in, but someday I would like to experience the roar of a belt drive while trying to watch a movie ;-)

So color would be nice. And no, I cannot go with a boob.

Ben

 

[swestoyz]

what was the other dream machine?

Good question! It is newer than 1986, so you'll have to check out the Deluxe forum. Here is a teaser.

Ben

 

[qsd-dan]

How about a brand new switch for $25. I stumbled on this seller last week and spent over $200 on parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Maytag-Dishwash...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[bpetersxx]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I would go with Harvest Gold but then you would need a Harvest gold WD to match it

At the time I didn`t know my appliances would match

 

[bpetersxx]

WD

I`d love to have a push-button DW like that 601

 

[everythingold]

Nice dishwasher, 20 amp service? That seems way high. Is that normal??? Matt

 

[gyrafoam]

Congratulations Ben! Mine also had a graying console color as the original bluish color had faded. I re-painted mine to match the cold console on my Highlander. (Pls. advise if you would like that paint information).

I really like how well my old Maytag cleans ALTHOUGH it will not hold the big and clumpy pots the KAids will, and the lack of a fan-forced dry will keep mine on the side-lines with some of my other collectables. Funny how just a few simple things can cause one to choose one appliance over another.
I love my old KAids.

 

[qsd-dan]

Pls. advise if you would like that paint information

Oh hell yes!!

 

[swestoyz]

Steve - I agree 100 percent. I prefer a nice forced dry as well, so there will be some adjustment using the Maytag. I hadn't thought about bulky pans though. We'll see how that 'pans' out - no pun intended ;-)

Did you have them mix up the gold using PPG codes? Certainly wouldn't hurt to have on hand. The Aqua blue would be nice too someday....

Ben