"Gray Ghost" Maytag wringer washer - finally!

[mouse]

Refurbishing a #624979S

I have been haunting this site for quite a while because I love antiques and like to learn about them. I have been wanting a wringer washer for a very long time, (along with an older stove and refrigerator) I finally joined because I just acquired a machine very similar to Brad Ross', only with the oval maytag label.
Squeeeeee !! So excited. It is a working model that really needs some cleaning and love.
I think mine is also a model #30.

When I did a test wash, the agitator seemed to do the 180 + and the water spashed considerably more than Brad's does in his video.

Me thinks the "torque for center shaft" part (says a printout) (The squarish top part of the brass center) may be too loose? How would I tell, and exactly how to you remove and put back together? I'm afraid of not being able to replace the pin.
One post commented on the top being too rounded, but my agitator sits quite nicely and I think snug enough... again how would I tell?

Also I am having trouble removing the skale from inside the tub and finding new-er rollers. Any suggestions please?

This is the first time I've ever tried to referbish an appliance and I would not like to mess it up with too much blind fumbling. Where would I get a repair manual. I cannot seem to locate one?

I would appreciate any help and suggestions on my bringing this new addition to my family back to shining life.

On a side note: I also received a N2LS from a friend, but for the life of me I cannot get the agitator off and the crank shaft thingy is to stiff to run. Motor is clean and runs beautiously though.

Thanks.

 

[bradross]

That is indeed a Model 30...

Hello T,

Congrats on your antique model 30 acquisition! I think they are a fantastic testament to American engineering and reliability of an era long since past. They are built like tractors! Essentially with care, one should last indefinitely - mine is from 1935.

To address a couple of your concerns:

1). The splashing - 180 degree arc in the agitation sounds right. Did you fill the tub to the water line indicated on the agitator? If not, it certainly would splash more than mine in the video.

2). The "drive block" is the square part on top of the post - it is typically loose, and in fact, if the machine is running without the shift lever engaged, and the agitator is removed, you will notice the drive block actually moves ever so slightly back and forth (in spite of not being engaged.) As for the rounded shape on top, that is the design. Personally, I wouldn't mess with it.

3). Removing scale on the washtub and agitator - I used SOS pads followed by fine-grit sandpaper. Then, fill the tub with extremely hot water and add a non-corrosive / non-oxygenated detergent (such as Original formula Tide). Agitate for a few minutes, or for that matter, do a load of whites while you're at it.

Periodically, I would suggest polishing with "Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish" - it is amazing for polishing the crown and agitator to a mirror-like finish.

 

[abcomatic]

Brad

HI Kid, Love you washer; you did a superb job of restoring that. I hope all is well? Gary

 

[mouse]

Brad: Help Refurbishing a #624979S Model 30

Thanks so much Brad.

It's raining today, so in between downpours and a during a brief peak of sun I went to evaluate the washer per your information.

Started machine without agitator - Drive block moved about 180 without being "engaged" - more than slightly moving lol
Filled washer all the way up to score line on agitator - No splashy
Washed a few towels - tested wringers... not bad, still need work.
emptied tub
removed agitator - Drive block did not move at all unless "engaged" this time.
Now I am befuddled. My husband fears the pin inside or something is broken.

Since it "works" I think we'll just return to THAT issue later. For now, I'm just gonna keep cleaning etc. Tonight we replace the motor cord and plug. Wish me luck.

I'll check in soon with some progress and more questions.

Thank you much.