Maytag A606 Stopped Agitating

[msmaiden]

UPDATE

As instructed by Yogitunes we removed the belts, spun the center main pulley and going one direction the entire tub and tranny spun.
But spinning it the opposite direction nothing spun. Not the tub or the agitator.

Could it be the pulley rather than a timer or transmission issue?

Repairclinic.com sells a Maytag Washing Machine Drive Pulley WP6-2301530, RepairClinic Item #4435265.
They say it fits our model washer and is an OEM Part - Manufacturer #WP6-2301530

 

[goatfarmer]

Transmission.

 

[yogitunes]

yeah, exactly, you need to replace the whole transmission.....

 

[msmaiden]

Could it be possible that this part would work:

Maytag Washing Machine Brake Assembly WP6-2011900

RepairClinic Item #1472923 | Whirlpool OEM Part #WP6-2011900

Could it be that the brake assembly isn't working to agitate?

Or is it time for me to go looking on craigslist for an older washer and say good-bye to an old friend...............

I thank all of you for your help, I appreciate it tremendously.

 

[rp2813]

Something to Consider?

If you're really attached to the machine, the experts here should be able to advise if you could possibly use the turquoise cabinet and existing control panel on another Maytag with the same specs, so outwardly it would still appear to be the same machine.

 

It wouldn't be a very complicated operation.  The toughest part might be finding a donor Maytag in proper working order.

 

Or, you could say goodbye to a machine that has been faithful for +/- 50 years and upgrade to a nice previously owned 806 model (pictured) with more capacity and cycle options, but otherwise built to the same high standards that have served you so well.

 

Whatever you decide, if it means your turquoise machine will be up for grabs, someone here may be interested in it.

 

 

 

 

[msmaiden]

Someone Here May Want To See This....

This matching set of an A806 are on nh.craigslist.
Athol MA is way too far from us but I would love to see one of my fellow New Englanders get this.
Looks like a rare find.
Perhaps someone here on here knows how to post this to other members

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/app/5858913250.html

 

[toploader55]

I think you should take a quick road trip and grab it.

I Love my 806. Mine is a 1973.

 

[goatfarmer]

Decent set, at a decent price. Worth the drive,

 

[yogitunes]

I got a '72...with a Suds Saver!....

you wont be sorry for all it can do!......

 

[askolover]

I concur...you should take a trip and get that set!

 

[kenmore71]

A quick look through this tells me it is a timer problem.
If it spins out, the motor, belts and pulleys are fine.
I could diagnose this in about 3 minutes with a test cable if I were close by.

 

[msmaiden]

Test cable?

I know it is a nice set but I'm sorry, western Mass is just too far of a drive for us.

Kenmore71, what kind of test cable would be needed? My husband works on our old, classic cars(1960's and '70's) so he has various equipment he uses to test electrical and other systems on them.

I am looking over craigslist for another washer but the old gal is still in the cellar. We haven't parted with her yet.

I did consider a new Speed Queen but it's hard to spend that kind of $$. If I thought it would last even half as long as my old Maytag then perhaps we would buy one.

I want a washer that actually fills with water, has an agitator and doesn't take an hour + to do a load of clothes.

I have my eye on a 2001 Whirlpool or 2004 Kenmore that are close by. I know - they are junk but they are cheap enough and I need a washer now. I cant keep dragging my laundry over to my folks. Even if I get a few years use from them as long as the parts are available hubby can repair them.

 

[toploader55]

Where are you in New Hampshire ?

I have some free time. If your interested, and want the set, I might be able to get them for you for the cost of fuel and a Good Will donation. LOL.

It would take me 2.5 hours to get to Athol. Then to you... And then I could stop off at jetcone's house to annoy the hell out of him and go back to the Cape the next day.

Let me know.

 

[msmaiden]

I should have said 2004 Whirlpool GSW9800PW, not Kenmore. The 2001 Whirlpool is a LSR8433KQ0

Thank you toploader55 for such a generous offer but I will get by with one of those used machines.

Considering how difficult it is to get spare parts perhaps you should consider adding it to your collection

That's what hubby used to do in regards to his old cars. He used to be able to buy an entire car for a few hundred bucks and get parts off of them.

And I'm all set for dryers, we have two and no room for another.

 

[msmaiden]

Another Update......

Hubby took apart the bottom pulley and bearing. Was full of what looks like trans oil.
He was able to free the agitator but it seems to be sticking when he moves it back and forth by hand.

He believes the transmission ran out of oil.
Repairclinic.com sells trans oil for it. Hubby asks you experts if there is an oil fill plug or does he have to remove bolts at the gasket in order to fill it.

He thinks the trans may run a while longer with oil.
Here is a link to the trans oil they sell:

http://https//www.repairclinic.com/.../1472828?modelNumber=A606&ss=a11b4d83286&mr=1

 

[rp2813]

Here's  a picture of a jug of genuine Maytag transmission oil.    The Repair Clinic part/item number incorporates the Maytag part number (56080) and is also 34 oz., so I'd say go ahead and order  it -- and put the Speed Queen order on hold.

 

 

[goatfarmer]

You pretty much have to pull the transmission out to add oil. Major job, for maybe meager results.

 

[combo52]

Adding Oil To A MT Transmission

A lack of oil can cause these transmissions to get very tight if it has really leaked for a long time and has lost almost all of its oil.

 

The main reason most MTTs size up is the top agitator shaft bearing gets tight from a little water getting in it coupled with the fact that oil does not get into the top agitator shaft bearing very well.

 

If you want to try to get this washer agitating again without a complete tear-down and rebuilding you can try one or both of these suggestions.

 

1, turn the washer completely up-side-down for at least a few days and the reaming oil may run into the top agitator shaft bearing, warming up the transmission can help this effort.

 

2, drill a 1/4" hole in the side of the trans [ if you look at a picture of one of these trans opened up you can see the best place to drill the hole ] and pump 12 ounces of oil in the trans with a little oil pump can, you will have to reseal this hole by tapping and installing a pipe plug. If you do this I would use a much better oil than the MT stuff, go to an auto parts store and get some really good gear oil. When doing this again leave the washer USD for at least a few days and turn the main pulley in the agitation direction by hand to help get the oil worked into the top bearing.

 

John L.

 

[msmaiden]

Thank you combo52

Thanks for the detailed instructions! Hubby is going to go with your #2 suggestion. He likes that idea and is going to give it a try in the coming weeks.

He knows how to make a plug because he does all of our auto work and has the kits he needs.
And you just saved us $$ from buying the trans oil from repairclinic. He doesnt want to do a complete overhaul and this suggestion will hopefully keep it running for awhile longer.

He asks if 90w gear oil will work.

And thanks rp2813 for the photo

 

[combo52]

Adding Oil To A MT Transmission

90 weight gear oil should be fine, let us know how it works out.