Maytag A500 timer knob...is this easily fixable?

[Sarah P.]

Question re: Maytag Super Highlander A500... the knob, spring and dial for the timer assembly have come off a working machine... is it an easy fix to get them back on?

Background: I'm renting an apartment that is chock full of vintage everything, in terrific shape, including this old washer, which has worked perfectly since I moved in two months ago. The washer is shared by at least one other unit in our small apartment building. It was working perfectly a week ago before I went on vacation. When I came back, the knob, spring and dial were laying on the top of the machine. No one knows what happened, of course, and now it just won't go. I've tried fitting the pieces back on but can't seem to get it right enough to stay on and allow the machine to work. Maybe there's a piece missing? Or a missing piece of information that would make it simple? There are no diagrams that I can find online to help out but I did find this forum and y'all seem highly knowledgeable. Why isn't the landlord fixing it? He's a commercial fisherman and out on the fishing grounds so not available for who knows how long. Also, I like to know stuff and want to figure it out. I do have a photo of the bits that I'd share but can't figure out how to upload it here since it's on my phone, doesn't have a url. Not winning in the cleverness department so far today.

 

[qsd-dan]

Take and post pictures of the parts, we can figure out what's missing and direct you in the order those parts fit together.

 

[Sarah P.]

Thanks! Here's the machine and the pieces that were still with it. What I think I need to know is how to get the knob to stay on the end of the shaft so that it can pull it out to start the washer. I can do it manually and the thing runs but I can't figure out how to get the parts to stay together. Can you tell if anything is missing?
Where does the spring go relative to the dial? Behind it is the only thing that makes sense to me but it seems like something is missing to hold all the parts together and keep the spring compressed without pushing dial and knob off.
Much appreciated!

 

[phillymatt53]

Thanks! Here's the machine and the pieces that were still with it. What I think I need to know is how to get the knob to stay on the end of the shaft so that it can pull it out to start the washer. I can do it manually and the thing runs but I can't figure out how to get the parts to stay together. Can you tell if anything is missing?
Where does the spring go relative to the dial? Behind it is the only thing that makes sense to me but it seems like something is missing to hold all the parts together and keep the spring compressed without pushing dial and knob off.
Much appreciated!

There should be a small metal clip that has to be slid into the groove on the timer shaft to hold the knob in place because of the spring tension behind it.
Find that clip, perhaps it fell somwhere on the ground or inside the washer

 

[DADoES]

No one has directly answered the spring question. I believe the spring goes between the dial and the chrome knob, not behind the dial.

 

[phillymatt53]

No one has directly answered the spring question. I believe the spring goes between the dial and the chrome knob, not behind the dial.

Yes that's right.
That metal clip may be inside the knob, under it's front cap.
Shake it to find out.

 

[qsd-dan]

The order of assembly is:

Timer Dial > Spring > Timer Knob > Clip > Timer Knob Cap

 

[phillymatt53]

The order of assembly is:

Timer Dial > Spring > Timer Knob > Clip > Timer Knob Cap

That is correct, Sir!

 

[Sarah P.]

Success! You guys are awesome, thank you. With the info you provided and the parts diagram, I found the removable knob cap (never thought to check if it came apart). The tiny clip was wedged inside there so that it didn't rattle. But, now everything is back in its proper order and functioning as designed. I've taken photos of all the actual parts as well as the parts list from qsd-dan for future reference.
Many thanks!

 

[qsd-dan]

Do you realize you're using a washer that's at least 61 years old?

Only a Maytag!

 

[phillymatt53]

Do you realize you're using a washer that's at least 61 years old?

Only a Maytag!

Like the Old Saying goes......
"They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore."

 

[Sarah P.]

Yeah, it's pretty neat

 

[robbinsandmyers]

If you need some electrical parts like the timer assy, temp or water level switches I saved them from a 1964 A500 years ago that had a rotted tub. Sadly the timer dial was ruined so it got tossed. I may even have an original black agitator and lint screen

 

[Sarah P.]

Thank you! I think we're good for now but I'll save this info and pass along to the landlord in case he's interested.