Maytag A208 timer doesn't move

[yoshm]

Everything else seems to work fine, but the timer doesn't advance automatically. This started about a week ago. We can move it manually from step to step to get through a load (but that's not so convenient, as you might imagine).

Will this probably require a replacement of the timer? Or is it likely to be something simple that I can fix? I'm fairly handy - did all repairs on my GE washer for over 20 years, but just got this Maytag about 8 months ago - so I haven't even opened it up once yet...

Any advice about how to fix this problem - or where to buy and how to replace the timer will be much appreciated.

(If this has already been dealt with please point me to the right thread.)

Thanks!
Yosh

 

[pdub]

Timer Motor

You probably need to replace your timer motor. It should look like this. Follow the link to one available on ebay.

You should verify that this is the right one for your A208. One of the many Maytag experts should chime in with more info.

Good Luck

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maytag-New-...781?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336a056dcd

 

[yoshm]

Many thanks. I've also sent the seller of that motor a question if it fits my A208. BTW, is there a general guide somewhere for getting inside the machine? I haven't started trying yet, but I can see it's very different from my old GE washer.

thanks,
yosh

 

[goatfarmer]

To change the timer, unplug the machine, take 2 phillips head screws off the console top. That reveals the inner workings. Take the center cap off the timer knob, remove the small clip, and the knob and a spring will come off. Then remove the dial, and there are 2 screws that hold the timer in place.

 

[yoshm]

Thanks, goatfarmer, that was exactly correct & pretty easy.

A further question - the whole mechanism is pretty large & has lots of wires connected. I've attached a picture of it (while still mounted).

I can see the motor - i.e., the part that looks like the picture that Pdub posted - in the lower right corner. Taking that off looks pretty straightforward & only involves two wires. Are there any hidden "gotchas" I need to worry about in removing the timer motor from the timer assembly?

Is there an easy way for me to test that this is in fact the part that needs to be fixed or replaced? How can I test the timer motor itself?

I got a quote from a local place to rebuild the timer for about $70 with a 6-month warranty (that's a flat fee without even seeing the timer - they said it'll be back to me in 1-2 days). Any opinion about that option? If I go that route, I'd prefer to remove just the motor, if I am sure that's all that needs fixing - I'm worried about getting it re-hooked up correctly to all the wires.

Of course, if I can rebuild or fix it myself, that's preferred...

One last question - does anyone have the part number available for the timer motor? Note that I am currently on the other side of the pond, so I need the 220/240V-50Hz version.

Many thanks,
Yosh

 

[yoshm]

ah, well - no one answered my latest query. I guess I'll fumble my way forward on my own. If I learn anything interesting I'll try to post it for the benefit of others. Meanwhile, if anyone has any guidance, it will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yosh

 

[yoshm]

ah, well - no one answered my latest query. I guess I'll fumble my way forward on my own. If I learn anything interesting I'll try to post it for the benefit of others. Meanwhile, if anyone has any guidance, it will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yosh

 

[pdub]

I wouldn't think your whole timer needs a rebuild if it just stopped advancing. It sounds like just the timer motor has gone bad. You can unscrew the timer motor from the timer body and just replace that part and it should cure your problem.

As far as a part number for the "other side of the pond" I think the people in your specific country would know where to look. Any local appliance repair shops in your area could direct you or perhaps even try to Google for the part in your area.

By the way, what country are you in since your profile only says Texas???

 

[yoshm]

thanks, Pdub. That's probably what I'll try first.

As for where I'm from - I was born in Austin & lived also in San Antonio - so Texas is where I'm from. But I also lived in St. Louis, Chicago, Durham (NC), Poughkeepsie, LA, San Jose, etc. Where I am now - Israel.

Thanks again,
Yosh

 

[whirlykenmore78]

240/50/1 voltage timer motor.

Tomorow morning I'll put a call into my friend Marktag. He is the ultimate Maytag guru. He can look at any Maytag (or Whirlpool at that) and tell you when it was made and what's wrong with it without tearing it apart. So I hope he can help here. I'll get back to you.

 

[yoshm]

Thanks, whirlykenmore78 - looking forward... meanwhile, I think I've found a source for a replacement motor. Also found this website with instructions for DIY refurbishing: http://www.davesrepair.com/DIYhelp/DIYKstonmod60fix.htm (but I'll probably just get a replacement motor - at this point the wife is running out of patience...)

Thanks,
yosh

http://www.davesrepair.com/DIYhelp/DIYKstonmod60fix.htm

 

[yoshm]

Forgot to mention - the motor is a Kingston Model 60-1 3 Watt 1 RPM (in my case it is 240VAC-50Hz).

 

[yoshm]

It's working again! I found a local place that sold me a rebuilt motor for $50. Installed it and the machine is working again just fine.

One note for the next person encountering this problem - When putting the timer motor back in its place, you have to get the finger that sticks out from the output gear to engage with the slot in the white plastic piece inside the timer control unit. It is visible through a clear plastic cover on the opposite side. I found that I had to take the clear plastic cover off (there are two locking tabs - one at each end) to move the white plastic piece so it lined up with the finger (the output gear itself I wasn't able to adjust by hand & I didn't want to force it). Once the motor was in place, I snapped the clear cover back on.

I've attached a picture of the timer motor showing the finger on the output gear. Sorry I didn't have the presence of mind to take a picture of the interface on the timer control unit... but it's pretty obvious once you get your hands on it, according to goatfarmer's instructions above.

BTW, I hear the 120V timers have black wires - mine are red - perhaps the convention for the 240V version.

If I were in the States I probably would have tried rebuilding the motor myself using the instructions on the site I mentioned in a previous post along with the part he sells there - or sent it to him to do. But I didn't have the time to wait - and I was worried about compatibility between the 60Hz & 50Hz motors.

Thanks to all for your help,
Yosh

 

[pdub]

I'm glad it all worked out. Now your machine should be good as new!

 

[yoshm]

One more bit of info: After fixing the machine, I got a reply to a customer service query on the Kingston web site (see link) offering to build me a new motor for a reasonable price (less than I paid for the rebuilt motor!).

http://www.kingston-asfc.com/shop/pc/contact.asp

 

[dnastrau]

Kingston customer service

It is good to know that Kingston offered to help. It is somewhat rare these days to find original suppliers of old parts who will bother helping an owner of a vintage item.