Maytag A608 dripping oil on floor

[a608owner]

Oil dripping off of the part (near bottom of machine) shown in picture....but presume it may be coming from transmission above.

While I have replaced simple parts on a washer, this is likely beyond my reach. I would like to know what it relates to before calling local repair. So I appreciate any diagnosis from the experts. I presume it is transmission-related, but unsure if this means faulty seal or entire transmission problem.

Obviously would like to keep this machine, but have been told that parts are hard to find/expensive; worth repairing, or do you just keep using it until it dies? I trust there's not an easy way to add more oil.

Most importantly, if anyone knows someone who specializes in vintage machine repair/rebuild in the N. Kansas City/St. Joseph, MO area please advise. Thanks in advance...

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

This eventually happens with all helical drive Maytags (after many, many years).   It's the o-ring seals on the input shaft of the transmission.   While I've never done this repair, I know it's a pretty involved, requiring complete disassembly of the washer and the transmission.

 

I'm pretty sure any appliance repair shop you contact will tell you A: it's too old and not repairable, scrap it and buy a new one, or B: <span style="font-size: 12pt;">parts are not available,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">scrap it and buy a new one</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, or C: they are not willing to work on it, so</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">scrap it and buy a new one.   In other words, it's more work than they are willing to do.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">These can leak (slowly) for many years before it causes any problems with operation of the washer, other than leaving greasy mess on the floor under it.   If it's only leaking small drips, I would say just keep using it, unless you have the knowledge, ability or desire to repair it yourself.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kevin</span>

[this post was last edited: 4/30/2016-16:13]

 

[combo52]

MT Washer Leaking Oil

Roger what is the model # of your MT washer, If it is built after about 1990 and has the orbital transmission it is fairly easy to replace the lower transmission oil seal. If it is the earlier design it is a very big job, it is often better to just clean up the oil as often as needed and keep using the washer until it stops, often a MT washer that leaks oil will run as long as ten or more years before it dies.