Its time..........

[DADoES]

 
Somewhat common.

Whirlpool shortened the baseplate centerpost, spin tube, and basket neck (the agitator shaft was not changed) on belt-drive machines, IIRC it was on either the F or H series, which put the bearings and seals below the water on a medium-ish or higher fill.  Bearing wear was reduced due to less lateral/angular stress.  However, a seal on the agitator anchor bolt is supposed to provide for an air bubble under the agitator that keeps water away.

 

[combo52]

Maytag Agitator Shaft

Good clean up job John, I would try to fill the pits and coat the shaft with something to seal the shaft against corrosion. I have never tried to do this but other members have done this and it looked good.

 

We still have enough transmissions around with shafts that are in great shape so I have never tried restoring a rusted spited shaft.

 

Hi Glenn, The thing that made WP washer bearings last so much longer was the addition of using two seals, this was so effective when they started doing this around 1974 that they shortened the spin tube again around 1978 putting all the bearings and seals below the water level. WP also bolted the agitator in place when they did this to maintain an air-pocket under the agitator which further helped to keep water and mineral deposits away from the water seals.

 

I have never seen any washer of any design or brand that had bearing wear problems till water got past the water seals and into the bearings, it is pretty simple engineering to make bearings strong enough to do a job and last until you add water.

 

John L.

 

[robbinsandmyers]

You think those pits will ruin the seal? Should I stay Maytag oil?

 

[combo52]

Maytag Agitator Shaft

The pits will ruin the new Agitator Shaft Seal, and when the unplaced shaft starts to rust the seal will be damaged very quickly.

 

We have the same problem with WP washers that use lip type seals. lip seals are very good but they must have a good surface to ride on if they are to work well or long.

 

As far as type of oil to use I don't think it matters much, I would use 70-90 weight depending if the machine will be operated in a really cold basement at times. I guess synthetic could be good, I would not waste my money on MT [ WP ] oil unless it is no more expensive that the good stuff you can get at an auto supply store.

 

John L.

 

[robbinsandmyers]

Cold basement

Yes thats one prob I seem to have at this place is the basement does get pretty cold in winter and it really slogs the machine down when I first do a load. The cold doesnt affect the synthetic I believe.