How to indentify a "good" modern Maytag

[lordkenmore]

If I recall right, it's been said (by some, at least) that some fairly recently made Maytags are decent washers that have a lot in common with the Center Dial Maytags. It seems to me that at least part of this group is the Dependable Care.

Then, as I recall, there are Maytags that are nothing but trouble.

Question: how does one easily tell the difference?

 

[aaronfitzy]

This is easy enough.....

I think any helical Maytag was dependable. It wasn't until Whirlpool took over and converted Maytag to DD that things really went downhill. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone.

Aaron

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

I just saw a new Wp/Maytag Center Dial:

At a 2nd Hand Appliance Shop recently. I didn't ask if it was a Customer's to be Repaired or if it was used as a Trade-In for one of their 2nd Hand Washers.

That is just real sad to think that a new Appliance being already in either need of Repairs or gotten rid of for something else.

Peace and Kind Regard, Steve
SactoTeddyBear0503...

 

[dnastrau]

How to tell...

A few of the ways that I know of would be a model number starting with an "L" like LAT3600 or "A" like A9900 or A882. The outer tub would be made of metal (tub cover may be plastic though) and the inner tub (spin basket) is white porcelain. The lid hinge is a nylon ball - no brackets. I think the cabinet top and lid were porcelain coated too.

Taking the front panel off is the dead giveaway when in doubt (see link to example.)

 

[dnastrau]

"Bad" Maytags

The new "Maytags" that are Whirlpool DD machines underneath starting around 2007 are not the ones that have the bad reputation (at least for reliability.)

The Amana built machines (models starting with "S") have a terrible reputation for early failure. To a lesser extent the Norge-based machines (PAV, MAV, HAV, CAV models if I am not mistaken) seem to have more problems than "true" Maytags as well. These lines started in 1996 or so and ran until about 2005 or 2006. They were made concurrently with the real Maytags - the "Dependable Care" line ("L" model washers and "M" model dryers) which ended in 2006 if memory serves.

The other thing that I have read here is that Maytag changed the design of the tub seal on the later "true" Maytag models eventually causing leakage issues necessitating a "stem and boot" job. Over on the Vintage forum there has been at least one writeup on how to make this repair and how to help reduce the possibility of it happening again (see link.)

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/VINTAGE/2009/25520.htm?54

 

[maytagbear]

My LAT9806, purchased new in 1997

has been wonderful! Most versatile and flexible washer I have ever owned.

If I could marry it, I think I would.

It sounds almost like my A208, which I had from 1978 to 1996.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[alr2903]

A good rule is tilt it back and look are there two exposed belts? Beware if you only see one belt, thats the Maytag performa, older crosley, norge, magic chef. The absolute terrible Maytags are the old Amana design with a gold tone looking steel bottom with a hole dead center. The Maytag helical and orbital all have 2 belts that are easily seen with with a flashlight and a friend to lean the machine back, keep in mind the pump belt is very close to the front of the machine. Hope this helps. alr2903

 

[lordkenmore]

Thanks everyone for the information! The model number part is particularly useful--it's something fast to check.

"That is just real sad to think that a new Appliance being already in either need of Repairs or gotten rid of for something else."

It is sad, although--unfortunately--not at all hard to believe. It's interesting how many appliances turn up on Craigslist that have major problems...and are less than 5 years old, and have been used normally.

 

[peterh770]

Does it have a porcelain tub that is not freakishly deep but seemingly too wide, with evenly spaced uni-size perforations? Then it is a good Maytag.

 

[goatfarmer]

I've had pretty good luck with the Herrin built Norge based machines I've picked up. Most have need a pump (pretty simple fix), and a few have needed a snubber ring(another easy fix).People like the capacity, they run relatively quiet, all in all, I'll take a few more if I can find 'em!