Grease Spots Coming from Maytag A606S

[crenchy]

Hello!
My grandma's Maytag A606S is producing grease spots on clean clothes. We cannot figure out where the "grease" is coming from.

I have read that built-up fabric softener and detergent can cause spots that look like grease (though we don't usually use fabric softener).

At first, we thought the grease only dislodged/leaked out when using hot water, but it just happened during a cold load.

Sometimes, we can do several loads without having a problem.

If it were possible to get the grease spots out of the laundry, it would just be annoying. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get the spots out, so the clothes/towels/sheets get ruined if the grease gets on them.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what the problem could be? Or how to fix it?

Someone recommended that I remove the agitator to see if there's a build-up of softener/detergent, but I'm not sure how.

We had an appliance repairman come look at it, and he said, "We like to keep these old beauties going, but it would cost more for me to fix it than it would to buy a new one." All he did was take off the front panel and put it back on again.

Other than the grease spots, the machine works wonderfully, and I'd love to get it fixed rather than buy a new one that will need to be replaced in 10 years.

Thank you for your help!

 

[ryner1988]

That grease is likely coming from the transmission. Someone more knowledgeable than me can explain better exactly what is happening, but I remember someone else writing here about this exact issue. One of the Maytag experts chimed in and pointed to it being the transmission and indeed a very costly repair.

The problem is not only cost, but also many parts for these old washers are no longer offered by the manufacturer, so if a person wants to rebuild a machine like this, they would have to hunt the parts down on the used market, harvest components from donor machines, etc. For the average user, buying a new machine is often more practical and economical.

There are options. In an ideal world, the closest modern washer to the old Maytag is a Speed Queen TC5. It operates exactly like a machine from the old days and the controls are simple to use. A Speed Queen front load washer will be water and energy efficient and last virtually forever, but those are vary very expensive, as is the TC5 but less so. Whirlpool's basic top load washers are okay for someone on a budget (I have one myself), but they fall into the camp of machines that probably won't last super long. A lot of people have moved to front load washers, but unfortunately there just aren't very many basic front loaders that don't have a lot of complicated electronic controls to learn. I'm not sure how your grandmother would feel about this.

I feel bad for anyone who is in this situation in 2024. The modern market for big-ticket purchases like appliances just isn't what it once was.

Ryne

 

[good-shepherd]

that I remove the agitator

Agitator on that model just pulls straight up to remove no set screw, however if never removed before it could be a battle.

As mentioned the grease is likely coming from the trans via a failed stem seal and there could be water intrusion in the trans as well.
Not an easy repair but doable for a motivated advanced DIY'er, there are several how-to threads here on the subject.

 

[maytaga806]

I’m wondering if it’s coming from the agitator shaft. I agree fully with the statements above. If she was to get a new washer, the best option will be a classic Flex-vane SpeedQueen top loader. It behaves almost identically to the old Maytags.

It’s always an option though to go the used market and find a nice used Speed Queen classic, avoid the TR series which have black control panels and chrome knobs. They simply cannot clean laundry and it’s their new version. Anyway, other machines like older Whirlpools Kenmores Maytags Kitchenaid’s Amanas with the mechanical controls (direct drives) are a awesome used pick. Find a machine that has been taken care of, and is mostly clean inside and out. It will save you SO MUCH money to go the used route esp in this economy were struggling in, and often times there’s a ton of nice Speed Queen sets for under 900$ and some that are only like a few years old or so. I recommend the used route more than the new if you’re looking to stay on a budget.

Soon the Maytag experts will tune in to see exactly what the issue is and how much it would approximately cost.

 

[maytaga806]

I’m wondering if it’s coming from the agitator shaft. I agree fully with the statements above. If she was to get a new washer, the best option will be a classic Flex-vane SpeedQueen top loader. It behaves almost identically to the old Maytags.

It’s always an option though to go the used market and find a nice used Speed Queen classic, avoid the TR series which have black control panels and chrome knobs. They simply cannot clean laundry and it’s their new version. Anyway, other machines like older Whirlpools Kenmores Maytags Kitchenaid’s Amanas with the mechanical controls (direct drives) are a awesome used pick. Find a machine that has been taken care of, and is mostly clean inside and out. It will save you SO MUCH money to go the used route esp in this economy were struggling in, and often times there’s a ton of nice Speed Queen sets for under 900$ and some that are only like a few years old or so. I recommend the used route more than the new if you’re looking to stay on a budget.

Soon the Maytag experts will tune in to see exactly what the issue is and how much it would approximately cost.

 

[maytaga806]

Can someone please remove my duplicate? I don’t get why this website keeps doing this.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

The trans seal may still be OK. If the agitator has not been removed for cleaning for a long time, the small amount of seepage from the transmission can cause sort of a grease to form on the agitator shaft, and if a chunk of that buildup breaks loose it will put grease spots on the clothes.

That agiator may be difficult to remove, but it simply pulls straight up. There are many threads on this site about removing a stubborn Maytag agitator.

 

[combo52]

Grease spots in clothing

As others mentioned, it’s most likely a bad agitator shaft, seal and failing transmission.

It is possible, however if you’ve done a lot of laundry and cold water with not enough detergent, oily films can build up that occasionally come loose and cause black spots and clothing, this type of spot is easily removed with dry cleaning fluid or maybe ammonia most Times the items can be saved with proper cleaning techniques better if you catch the spots before it goes through the dryer and the spot is set even more however.

It is likely the washer needs a serious rebuild if it’s coming from under the agitator around the agitator shaft The best thing to do is probably look for a new washing machine.

By far the best washing machines today are front load washers. I would not buy a top load washer of any design today.

 

[qsd-dan]

You're on your own with these machines if you want it done right and not break the bank. You can remove the agitator, purchase a $20 spanner wrench, and remove the tub and mounting stem. Check the agitator shaft and make sure it isn't too far gone.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3352781956...0ETWCH5g6rLCjKHo7BBQD8+KyB|tkp:Bk9SR7rw_qKaZA

If the agitator shaft is fine, you can continue on but I would HIGHLY recommend AT LEAST cracking open the transmission, getting all of that old oil out of there and at replacing the lower o-ring seal.

There's a kit with some now very hard to find NOS parts. If you're serious about fixing it, get the kit NOW! I guarantee this kit won't last more than a couple of hours after my posting.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2765432831...WhqLyiZRPD7HRoaHIA1wWAtDPJ|tkp:Bk9SR6bWnKKaZA

 

[crenchy]

Thank you so much for all of your responses!

Unfortunately, I'm not with the washing machine right now (it's at my grandma's house), but when I was there, I did try to pull up on the agitator, but it didn't seem like it wanted to budge. I didn't want to pull too hard since I was leaving and wouldn't be there to fix it.

I've been searching Facebook Marketplace for the (recommended above) Speed Queen TC5, but have been coming up empty.

Are there any specific models (of whatever brand) that you all would recommend? If I know of a few to look for, I can at least ask Marketplace sellers to tell me the model of their washers.

Thank you again for your help!

 

[combo52]

Looking for a used, Speed Queen TC five washer

You don’t see them that often although they are selling well now, but you might be lucky and get a deal on one several people here have, you really could look for any Speed Queen top load washer built in the last 15 years, you can tell how old they are by looking at the serial number sticker under the lid of the washer. The first two digits are the year. It was made. The next two digits are the month of that year when the machine was produced, so the machine Is that information when bargaining on price.

Since 2018 about 1/2 of Speed Queen top load washers have been the newer generation machine. It’s a little bit different beast. It does have a lid. It’s more energy efficient and more gentle takes a little bit longer but if you’re looking for Oldschool machine for one with out a lid block, the new generation machines all start with a model number of TR.

You don’t say where you’re located if we knew where you were, somebody might be able to steer you to a good local deal.

John

 

[crenchy]

Hi Jon,
Thanks for the information.

My grandma's house is in Warren County, PA (northwestern PA in the middle of the Allegheny National Forest and about 1hr south of Jamestown, NY).

If anyone knows of a local deal, let me know!

Allison