Maytag A207: Repair Question

[michiganphil]

I have been an admirer of this site for years and am now a member.

Machine: Maytag A207 washer. Over the 40 years of reliable service, I have replaced 3 “master control” switch units on dashboard (including original), several hoses, repaired a leak in the drum and replaced the water inlet valve and the pump. I am now faced with replacing the seal which caused the oily, greasy reside to be deposited onto floor below the washer.

Question: I am willing to do the work to prolong the life off this wonderful machine. I have read (on this site) that, though time consuming, the job is not difficult. However; I have also read that several critical parts that I have never replaced are no longer available.

I must measure the wisdom of undertaking the seal repair. After 43 years, the odds an unavailable part will fail grow greater by the day, rendering the seal repair a wasted endeavor. Would anyone like to offer sage advice in this regard?

Thanks,

Phil

 

[good-shepherd]

Unavailable part will fail grow greater

Parts availability is not an issue with Dependable Care Maytags. The mechanicals were little changed from1966 until the last DC model around 2006.

The failed part in question is the lower o-ring oil seal . On the A207 requires transmission removal and disassembly to replace the o-ring, which means removing the inner/ outer tubs and replacing the mounting stem, tub bearing in the process. Lots of info on the site covering the job from beginning to end.

Around $125 in parts altogether. A lot of labor, but not too bad for a motivated DYI'er.
The good part is afterward you have an almost totally rebuilt machine.

 

[potatochips]

Having rebuilt three pitman drive Maytag transmissions, I can say parts for the whole machine are actually very available. Pitman transmissions, however,  are hard to come by so the choice is either to rebuild or find a donor machine. Rebuilding isnt that hard, its fun and easy, and worth while. What you will need is new oil and a new o ring seal for the transmission, both of those numbers I will get for you a bit later. 

 

[michiganphil]

Thanks to good-shepherd and potatochip for your input and advice. Will now discuss with board for final decision. New Detail: l am told sheets and pillow cases are showing up with small tears. Inspection reveals no obvious cause. Problem began within last 6 months.

Great site. Thanks again to all who viewed original post.

Phil

 

[combo52]

Small Tears In Sheets And Pillowcases

While this is probably related to the age and orignal quality of the S&P you should also keep in mind that MT washers with the Powerfin agitator were proven to be a design that was hardest on clothing and can actually cause severe damage in one washing to delicate items.

 

Be sure not to overload and use a shorter wash time period if the things are not visibly dirty.

 

John L.