Help - lower wash arm on the 66 Maytag Dishwasher

[turquoisedude]

That nifty 66 Maytag top-loader has been sitting, neglected, in the basement since I got it. We had to remove the basement ceiling to begin some pre-kitchen renovations and the lid was left up... A small amount of dusts (saw- and plaster-) got inside, so I thought it would be wise to clean out the tub. I was doing great until I decided to try taking off the pump drain guard under the lower wash arm. I found a screw on the side of the wash arm tube so I undid it, thinking the wash arm would slide right off. It didn't. Worse still, I can't seem to find where the screw was attached! D'OH!!
I am now paranoid that I loosend a washer or nut in the wash arm. Can I actually take this part off?
I tried to unscrew the cap at the top of the wash arm tube, but it didn't budge... I thought better wait than try to force it!
Any help or suggestions from those more knowledgable about Maytags than me would be welcome!
BTW, the model of the dishwasher is a WP600 Series 01 - could that indeed mean it is one of the first Maytag dishwashers?? Serial number is 104573-MU and it was made in Newton, Iowa.

 

[turquoisedude]

Close up of that pesky screw

Just in case it helps!

 

[oldhouseman]

Careful there

that screw looks like it may be stripped.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I have parts and service breakdowns from orig manuals. Let me plow thru my service route and I'll post later today. Have heart!

RCD

 

[turquoisedude]

Wow - thank you very much! Take your time - I'm not going to be able to get down to the house in Ogden befor the weekend anyway.

 

[whirlcool]

Wow, I never knew that Maytag built dishwashers way back when. Any photos of the outside of the unit?

 

[turquoisedude]

It's not the best shot, but here's one of the outside. I need to take some better ones one of these days!

 

[appnut]

that's Maytag's very first dishwasher if I remember right, they sold portables before built-ins I do believe.

 

[peteski50]

maytag dishwasher

I never realized they were being made in the 60's
Nice machine.
Peter

 

[redcarpetdrew]

HP should stand for "Hardly Productive"

My scanner took a dump and I am currently trying to download new drivers from HP. AAARRRGGGHHHH! Hope to be up and scanning soon...

RCD

 

[countryguy]

I remember seeing that dishwasher in our local appliance store when I was a kid (late 60s). My dad wanted to buy it but my mom did not as that would have meant she would have had to replace her stove also (which was a 54" wide model with 4 burners including deep well and warming oven on the left, regular oven on the right - don't remember the brand) with a 30" model in order to make room for the dishwasher.

Gary

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Parts Breakdown...

Pictures:

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Descriptions...

 

[turquoisedude]

Thank you!!

That is a great help! Sorry for the grief with the scanner - I very much appreciate this information.
I guess I will just have to find a way to gently undo that nozzle on the wash tube!!
BTW, do you think that there is any chance of obtaining parts for this dishwasher still? I am missing the rinse aid dispenser cover and a couple of rack retainer clips and what I wouldn't do for a replacement for the 'rolling' rack where the cutlery basket and plates go!!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Service info...

This is from a wu600 (built in model). It should be close enough to get you there. If not or if you need more, let me know. Good luck and enjoy your keeper, you lucky son of a gun!

RCD

 

[redcarpetdrew]

2nd page...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

You posted before I could get the last two scans up. Damn HP! It worked really well BEFORE I infected it with Vista 64 bit... Go XP! Anyhow, hope they help! As far as parts are concerned, I can finish beating the scanner here into submission and scan parts breakdowns for the racks...

RCD

 

[turquoisedude]

Again, thank you!

Wow, the service guide there is a huge help! If you can, the rack parts breakdown would be great, too. I just have to get this baby in use soon!