How old is my Maytag A510?

[killerkoala]

I have an old Maytag washer (I can post pictures if necessary).
Model: A510
Series: 01
Serial Number: 807997 LX

How old is this machine? How big is it in cubic feet? How much water does it use?
Any other useful information you can give me?

I'm looking to replace this ancient washer soon and I want to compare it to newer models.

 

[kitty]

You could look its serial # up and it should tell the manufacturing date. The model # should tell you the capacity, spin speed, ect.
Cheers!

 

[kenmore71]

It was made in December of 1983.  The A 510 was the lowest model of the "Large Capacity" machines that Maytag made at that time.  The water capacity of the tub was 19 gallons (72 liters) on the highest setting.  Total water usage per load was about 40 gallons (152 l.) on the highest setting.  To my knowledge, Maytag never offered a cubic foot measurement for these tubs.  Generally speaking a Large capacity Maytag was good for 10-12 lbs. (approx. 5-6 kg) of dry clothes.

 

Most folks here would say that this a very fine washing machine (myself included).  If you are replacing it because it is failing or needs expensive repairs that is one thing, but if you are replacing it thinking that you will recover the cost of a new machine in reduced water and energy usage you may want to think again….  

 

Also, while Maytags were never at the top of list in terms of top-loading performance, today's machines are really not all that great either in my opinion.

 

[dnastrau]

Date code LX

It looks like your A510 was built in December, 1983.

 

Whoops - we must have posted at the same time!

 

[killerkoala]

Well then maybe you can help me out. The washing machine works but I wanted to replace it because I don't think it's as effective as it used to be - stains don't come out and towels tend to smell badly after they are washed. It's possible that this is just a maintenance issue.

I'm no tech but what I believe is called the "agitator" (green piece in the middle of the washing machine) is very dirty. Not just ordinary dirt, but stuff that's been there for a VERY long time. Can I remove it and soak that in something like baking soda to clean it or should I just buy a replacement part? Do you know a place that sells these vintage replacement parts (online shop) or should I stick with eBay?

Or is there something else I can do to maintain the freshness in our family's clothes?

 

[kenmore71]

You will most likely have a difficult time removing the agitator from that machine.  The better thing to do would be to fill the machine about 1/4 to a third of the way with the hottest water available.  Let it soak for a while until the water cools a bit and then go after the dirt with a stiff brush and see where you get.

 

The fact that there is this much crud on the agitator would lead me to believe that it's not agitating well or at all.  There are three things that combine to cause this on a Maytag.  

1. Overloading (Maytags do not like to be overloaded, the rule of thumb is to drop clothes in LOOSELY until they are level with the top row of holes in the tub)

2. Broken or weak motor carriage springs and/or motor carriage glide issues

3. A badly worn drive belt

 

The second issue is the most involved for an amateur to fix, but would be a very common repair that needs to be made on a Maytag of this age.

 

Tell us a little bit about how you wash.  How full do you fill the machine? What temperature water do you use? What kind of detergent?  Do you leave the lid open for the inside of the machine to air out for at least a day after you do laundry?

 

If you are washing in only cold water that could be part of the odor problem.  In your part of the world I would bet that most of the year your cold water is below 60 degrees (15 c.).  For all of the "push" for cold water only washing, most detergent manufacturers consider cold water to be 70-85 degrees (20-30 c.).  I would bet that if you set your machine to wash in warm and measured the warm water temp today that it would most likely be in that "cold" water range.  

 

If all of this seems like too much bother you would probably benefit from a new machine.  From what I hear pretty much anything else you buy today that is under $1,000 will most likely clean better than the Maytag is currently cleaning and likely last for 5 - 8 years before needing a major repair.  

 

[laundromat]

I don't believe these were bad at all in getting clothes clean. If I remember correctly,the Maytags , for years,were rated number one in Consumer Reports not only for overall performance and features but also dependability and freqence of repair records.

 

[swestoyz]

I don't remember exactly when the change happened, but sometime in that 1983-1985 range, the agitator changed from a friction fit to a set-screw fit. If it is indeed a set-screw style agitator, it is relatively easy to remove. All you need is a 1/4 inch nut driver or a 1/4 socket on a ratchet to release the set-screw. Feel around the base of the column for a screw. You don't need to remove it all the way, just enough to get the agitator to pull off.

If you find that your agitator doesn't have a set-screw and is indeed of the friction fit style, it is a toss-up on how easy it will come out. I've had some machines that were beautifully clean but the agitator refused to come out, while others were dirty, nasty machines and the agitator pulled out will little effort.

Good luck!

Ben

 

[washdaddy]

Have you been taking the lint filter out of the agitator and cleaning it?