Maytag A606 Questions

[eurekastar]

My A407 washed quite well in it's regular cycle, but I didn't like the way the other cycles functioned.  So I cobbled together a non-Permanent Press timer, speed switch, two speed motor and harness and converted the A407 to an A606.  I also have an A606 timer and dial with the PP setting that I may install some day.  Mainly, I wanted a set up with true low speed agitation.  BTW, I found a four option temperature switch, which I also installed!

 

I'm curious however about the variations of the A606.  Was the non-PP version rolled out first or were PP and non-PP versions always available at the same time.  The other thing I noticed is the Maytag switched from three to four water level options at some point.  Did that come with the introduction of PP or was it always an option.  Also, the parts lists still out there list a switch with four wash/rinse options.  Did that come with the introduction of PP. 

 

I have a service manual, which covers the 06 and 07 series.  It looks like each model in the 06 series had PP and non-PP versions.  I prefer the non-PP timer because it has a 13 1/2 minutes was time.  In PP versions that time is dropped down to 10 minutes with 8 on the PP cycle. 

 

Sorry for all the questions but it makes me wonder if all these changes represent options in the 06 series of if they were production run changes during the series. 

 

[yogitunes]

3 selection water level....standard capacity

4 selection water level....large capacity

and depending on your model/year....the listings were small, medium, normal, large...

or as in your machine, showing large and ex-large

my preference, if it wasn't an 806, the next best thing was the pilot light...

 

[kenwashesmonday]

Yogitunes wrote:
"3 selection water level....standard capacity
4 selection water level....large capacity"

I do not believe this is correct. Early A606 machines had 3 water levels, but were large capacity.

 

[appnut]

Bill, this is what I replied to you on 10/10/2018

The one you are looking at with 3 water levels, were early 606 models from when these were announced in 1966 or 1967. Friends of my parents had an early 606 with 3 water levels. It had the washing cycle and soak cycle. No permanent press cycle.

An added comment now. This model also only had the 3 water temp buttons, but the warm wash had a cold rinse. I think this was Maytag's acknowledging it didn't have a Perm Press cycle but it would at least provide a cold rinse for loads that were Perm Press fabrics. And those would be loads with warm wash water.

 

[eurekastar]

Thanks for the replies!  As I've looked more carefully at the service manual, it seems that the four level switch was maybe specific to Permanent Press models.  However, my question is this:  Did Maytag offer Permanent Press and non-Permanent Press models together or did PP models replace the non-PP models?

 

The A806 has a speed switch that allows the user to select Regular Agitation with a Fast or Slow spin or Gentle Agitation also with a Fast or Slow spin.  I have an A606 Permanent Press timer that has an additional terminal on it that will allow the addition of the A806 speed switch.  Interestingly, it doesn't show up on the wiring diagram (I guess since it's not used).  I'm going to order one of the A806 speed switches from Ebay and install the A606 timer!  LOL!  I'll have to create a new wiring harness for the switch, but that's easy to do.  I like the idea of having that flexibility!

 

[rp2813]

For sure!  The Slow/Fast combo is something I use often and is why I held out for a TOL model that offered it.

 

[eurekastar]

The "Franken-tag" A606 Video

Or maybe I should it the "Maytag-stein"!  I must admit that if I'd been able to salvage the original transmission, I would have kept it all original.  But the temptation is too strong to tinker and experiment! 

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I run an A606 (with permanent press) here. I've meant to study the wiring diagram, as I have no need for a gentle spin. I'd like it to spin fast regardless of the agitation speed chosen. This would keep me from having to run up and down the basement stairs while washing gentle loads. Sure, an A806 would be nice, but I don't really need the bleach dispenser or the florescent lit back panel.

 

[eurekastar]

@ Ken

I have the switch on order and it is supposed to arrive on Friday.  I'll tinker around with it on Saturday and shoot some step-by-step photos to post.  We'll see how it goes!

 

[hippiedoll]

Eurekastar:

I'm looking forward to a video of your MAYTAGSTEIN washing on slow speed, with that orbital (short stroke) transmission agitation.

Keep us posted...
;o)