Maytag A612 Won't Always Agitate

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Took the machine apart today, as gsd-dan first suspected, agitator shaft was rusted and seizing up in top bushing. Had a heck of a time getting it out, but I persisted as I wanted to keep the good parts from the transmission. Everything else but the bushing and shaft are like new yet. Not much else wrong with her, apart from some rust under the top tub seal. Nothing that goes through the tub, so going to fill rusty spots with epoxy, then sand them smooth. Unless there is a better way? Still waiting on the replacement trans to arrive, USPS Ground Advantage is S.L.O.W.
 
"so going to fill rusty spots with epoxy, then sand them smooth. Unless there is a better way?"

That's the correct way.

Hopefully the transmission will come soon, I'm sure the laundry is piling up.
 
Nice used transmission will be here tomorrow. ALSO, got a brand new agitator shaft! But had to buy a whole NOS trans to get it. It's one for the small capacity washer, I see the bottom shaft is longer than mine, but hopefully the top is the same? Because I already bought it. Got an OK deal on it, as it wasn't selling, and I explained to them it was for a small capacity machine and that was probably why. Also got them to lower the shipping by a hundred dollars, originally as listed they were charging for expedited shipping, told them no one was going to pay $130 some dollars for shipping, so they lowered it to $30.
 
Thank goodness for that! I was pretty sure, but not 100%. Spent the last couple days cleaning hard water scale from the inner and outer tubs. FINALLY got it all off. They are in pretty good shape, except top of outer tub has a couple rust spots from the seal/gasket holding water, and rust under the bracket that trips the out of balance switch. Grinding that all out and will repair with JB Weld marine epoxy. Then I am going to coat the inside of the outer tub with Rustoleum Tub and Tile refinishing kit. Supposed to be pretty good stuff, 2 part acrylic epoxy. The outside of the outer tub is in good shape, as well as the whole inner tub.
Basically I am doing a full resto. Could have bought a new Speed Queen washer between all the parts and labor I'm investing, but what fun it that, LOL.
 
"Could have bought a new Speed Queen washer between all the parts and labor I'm investing, but what fun it that, LOL."

That's the sprit! You'll also have a machine that's a bit more reliable and with much better flexibility. The newer Speed Queen washers from 2018 to the present removed some options and flexibility to skirt around EPA regulations.
 
OMG!!!!! I received the brand new, in the original box Maytag orbital transmission today! It's for a small tub washer but I only need the top shaft. Almost had a heart attack, guess what else was in the box, a brand new OEM stem seal kit!!!!! The seller didnt even mention it. But..........the box for that opened and the carbon ring got chipped. All is not lost as I have another one , also OEM, but still what a thrill for a moment, to see that in the box too. Life's little up's and down's, LOL.
 
Well, darn it, the agitator shafts are not interchangeable between a transmission that has a 4 bolt cover and one with an 8 bolt cover. Neither are the bottom shafts, not that it matters for my project.
The agitator shaft has a different O-ring arrangement, and the bottom shaft has a different retaining method, plastic clip vs bolt. Will have to go forward with the good used agitator shaft, instead of a brand new one. Plus the shaft retaining bolt broke, but it did come out, and I have a spare. Oh well, time to put the machine all back together with the good used parts. BTW, I used my neighbors new top load LG washer the other night, wonderful to let me use it, but, man am I glad I'm rebuilding mine. The clothes were never submerged in water, and barely agitated. Tiny detergent compartment too. AND, took twice as long. Progress, LOL.
 

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