Maytag A608 era

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akronman

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Folks-----I paid but didn't pick it up yet, working/rusty Maytag Center-dial A608. Once it's here, I'll post pics and see if I can still read the serial number, but what is the overall era of A608?
Thanks
Mark
 
Maytag A608

Serial number is 618214-CX(though that could be Ox, difficult/rusty badge to read.)

Here are some pics, very happy to get this machine. And the $45 was reduced to $22.50 since I stopped by on last day of sale!

So far, all I've done is one load of regular wash, one small load on PermaPress( which seems to WASTE TONS of water with all those cool down fills)

This model is 2 speed, 4 wash levels, 4 buttons for temperature combinations( but so far with one small load, it seems as though PermaPress gives cold rinses, overrides the warm rinse in this cycle????)

Also, the fill spray/rinse spray seems aimed at base of the tub, then gets thrown at only bottom row of clothes for the spray/spin/rinse, and the deep rinse comes up with plenty of soap and then no more spray rinsing or ability to opt for a second rinse. Anyhows, every model has good/bad points, what the hell.
Does anyone know the age from that serial number?

Here are some pics, and more comments as I post them all--

akronman++12-6-2010-10-11-41.jpg
 
Maytag 608

Some thread here said 608 is one step below TOL. I know the very top line was all pushbuttons, but can't exactly figure what else is missing from this, seems relatively TOL to me, 4 temp buttons, 2 speed, 4 water levels.

It says HEavy Duty right on it, and the Agitator has 4 slots x 4 sides for the lint removal system, which I think means deep tub/extra capacity instead of 3 slot models.

As you can see, control panel is one-piece with no lights, and I don't think there any tub light----Correct me if wrong, a light would be fun.

And I'm gonna leave the $45 price tag, actual was $22.50 last day of sale, and it worked the instant I plugged in/hosed in. The paint and sides need some work, sounds like a mid-winter quiet evening project for me, cool.

akronman++12-6-2010-10-19-52.jpg
 
608 Maytag 2 speed washer

The lint filter was CAKED with crap, this picture shows it already through a Hotpoint dishwasher once, and a toothbrush cleaning too, but I think I need a gallon of vinegar and an overnight soak. Anyone know how well these did or didn't work?

Also, that little center-spin cup for softener-----I imagine it works on regular cycle high speed, but I bet it gets defficient on PermPress with all those extra spins, and probably not quite up-to-par for gentle speed?

akronman++12-6-2010-10-27-27.jpg
 
Final pic

My guess is I'll be on Regular for 99% of the time, sort of surprised it only has ten minutes. And that missing chrome piece in the center there is the only missing thing I've noticed, so far. Lots of stuff is pitted and rusty, but it's there.

So, for my first Maytag, I'm glad it's a classic center dial and heavy duty, very impressed with its working abilities for its age and pricetag, slightly disappointed in rinses. But, since I already own an Easy SpinDrier, a Hoover Twin Tub #0519, and a 1940-s Speed Queen wringer washer, it's damn nice to have a vintage Maytag to accompany them instead of the 4 year old Admiral BOL POS I bought one penniless weekend at Home Depot. Actually, that dull machine has been entirely trustworthy and handles large loads, but it's just one speed and not a single bell or whistle at all. On sale for $270 in 07 or so, so not really a bad deal at the time. I believe the Home Depot "Admiral" is a privately labeled Amana, not 100% sure.

akronman++12-6-2010-10-35-26.jpg
 
"PLAYTAG"

When I get my Maytags, I always remove the front and watch for any leaks that may be causing the rust on the outside. Their jet spray nozzles are usually the cause. They ware out from the stretching of the outer rubber sock and can spray water everywhere. The other thing I look at are the sides of the inner shell for any oil that may be leaking and depositing on to it.If that's happening,and the machine is in good physical shape, I will replace its tub seal.Once all is ready to go, I run a real hot wash using either Spray-9 or meuratic acid to thoroughly clean and disinfect the inner and outer tubs and clean out all deposits that may have built up inside the tubs and pump. I put on a new set of belts,new hoses and refinish the shell with fresh glossy enamel paint.I use a brush,not spray.
 
Mark-

The next stop up would have been an 806. You'd get to set speed for agitation and spin independent of each other, and also get to choose wash and rinse temps seperately. And a tub light and chrome trim strip on earlier models.

CX = December 1979

The lint filter in my 806 works pretty well (after having been decrudded. Its nothing earth shattering but works better than I'd expect.

Enjoy the machine!
 
Maytag A608

MisterEric and Laundromat----thank you for advice and input, very much. Here's more pics inside:

I was AMAMZED at the amount of rust, but all these pics were taken during the third of 3 back-to-back washes, and not a drop of water anywhere. Check down the thread when you see the newer tub-to-pump hose, only new thing on this machine. So I believe the rust was from some era just before it got replaced, and no current leaks anywhere. I knelt right in front for 5 minutes during extra-large wash and top-speed spray rinse, not a drop anywhere, so I might leave well enough alone for a bit.

akronman++12-6-2010-12-11-3.jpg
 
Maytag 608

Did I type 806 earlier? Sorry, it's pure 608

More interior rust. Also, the bleach dispenser----there's no solenoid or anything, I guess this just released bleach to the bottom of the tub, hopefully to mix with incoming water, instead of pouring on top and potential damage to clothes? I always thought there was a valve of some sort, didn't know it was just a bottom-feed tube. Picture--and me--are on our sides, sorry

akronman++12-6-2010-12-19-57.jpg
 
Maytag 608

Not best pic, but you can see the recent(not by me) new tub-to-pump hose, and the rusty original drain hose connection. Not a drop underneath, so I won't touch it for now. I'm getting together a short list of needs, fortunately quite short, and then will do a semi-tear-down/paint/hose/belt job this winter

akronman++12-6-2010-12-24-10.jpg
 
Nice Maytag, bad picture

HEre's the fill/spray area, not a drop of leakage. One of you helpful gents advised a good look at that, but I don't see problems, and I stuck my head and camera in while spray-rinsing at top speed, not a drop anywhere but in the tub as planned.

akronman++12-6-2010-12-28-16.jpg
 

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