Maytag 806/808 Newbie

[sprog]

Thanks to those who have contributed to this wonderful website!
You've inspired me to save a pair of old Maytags (a806 de808) from the landfill.

In the spirit of giving back, here is what I learned from my restoration (that I haven't seen on this site).

For the dryer:
Dryer-sheet residue came off with Meguiar's rubbing compound. This was more challenging than I thought it would be.

For the washer:
Removed the agitator with nylon straps and a metal bar lever braced with towels and a wood plank. At first I thought I could achieve success with brute strength... go ahead and laugh.

Tub bleach-tube was replaced with newer poly-tube (much more flexible/chemical resistant).

Replaced old broken tub backflow preventer with a new one (designed for a hot-tub), attached below the bleach dispenser.

Disassembled break package, cleaned with solvent (70% ethanol), and reassembled with red gasket sealer.

All the rest you've heard before...
Bypassed the injector valve with PVC and zip ties
Used modern ATF fluid for the transmission
POR-15 for the base
Silicone based lube for the switches
New rubber all around...

They have both been running like champs for 6 months.
I've included a few images that hopefully add to this post.

Thanks again.

Let's save some more machines!

P.S. I know how lucky I was to find these right away...

 

[eurekastar]

Very nice work!  After working with the agitator for a couple of weeks, I finally gave up and cut it off with an angle grinder.  I love my old Maytag 407! 

 

[electronicontrl]

Very Impressive! A beautiful set for certain!

 

[rp2813]

Agreed -- that's some impressive restoration work!

 

Nice job.  Enjoy!

 

[hippiedoll]

WOWZERS!!

Looks like you did great on your restoration.
CONGRATULATIONS on finding yourself the most versatile MAYTAG center-dial set.
WOOOO HOOOO!

What color is your MAYTAG pair white or almond?

Again congratulations & welcome to the group
)

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

That washer has a lot of buttons, is it the ‘8’?

Hope to see more from you, welcome to our group...

— Dave

 

[yogitunes]

first off, Welcome to the club.....

second, your probably one of the few who have taken the time to fill in your profile...some should take notice

you may want to consider upgrading to a paid member, theres more to discover when you do...

nice job on the machines!....seems we have a lot to learn off each other, ideas to share...

I suggest the boosted 50hz pulley if you can locate one...

 

[combo52]

Nice Restoration

Hi Chris, Thanks for sharing pictures of your restoration job, I can see that you are able to easily work through minor obstacles as you completed your restoration.

 

You may be ready to take on one of our more rare and complex Combinations Washer-Dryers we have here at the Museum , We even have two Maytag combos that need to be combined into one fully functional machine.

 

Come visit some time, John L.

 

[vacerator]

Welocome

also to you Chris!

 

[sprog]

Thanks for the wonderful welcome!

As a full-time scientist, husband and father (not in that order), I wouldn't have considered the restoration without this website.

As for the questions/comments:
Christina: these are both almond
Dave: yes indeed, these are "8"s
Martin: thanks for the suggestions!
John L: yes, I love a challenge

Once again, my sincere and humble thanks.

What next?
Not sure... possibly some Youtube videos on how an amateur (me) can fix/restore an old Maytag.

I also considered hacking an older machine with an arduino and some relays. An old meets new theme: LEDs, possibly sound bites e.g. Patrick Stewart anouncing a new load saying, "Enagage", or Arnold saying, "This load is terminated"... not sure.

If either happens, I'll keep you in the loop.

In the meantime, please don't be offended if I disappear for a while.

Many irons in the fire!

Chris

P.S. One more thing. As a newbie, I thought a new set of official belts would be the right thing to do. To my surprise, new belts made a screeching noise that only abated when old belts were returned. The new belts were slightly thinner (a few mm). Live and learn.

 

[combo52]

New Belts ?

I never replace them unless they show signs of wear.

John L.