Maytag Agitator seal problem

[pulsator]

Today I started work on my Maytag, (seems everyone is workin on one machine or another and I didn't want to be left out!!!) and I have tried everything to get the agitator out, boiling water, a hammer, wedges, and drilling a hole and pouring in WD-40 to soak. The agitator is now loose from the shaft but won't budge over the seal. I have lifted the machine off of three legs and still nothin. I don't mind have to take a saw or a gun or somethin to the agitator, but, how do i go about doin this?

 

[fixerman]

Someone mentioned using a rope wrapped around the agitator and using a slide hammer. I haven't used this method but seems like a reasonable means to remove the agitator. Be sure it doesn't have a set screw holding it on.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Jamie is this your Maytag wringer??? If so do you have a spare agitator? If you do have a spare you could always cut out the old agitator and split the agitator spine. I've done that before with bakelite Maytag agitators that wouldn't budge. But I did have a spare or two ready of course.

 

[pulsator]

It is my Maytag A208S, I have a spare that might work, it is a bakelite Maytag agitator, (unused.) If that doesn't work I can buy a new one. How do I go about cutting out the old agitator without damaging the machine or myself?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Jamie let me see if I can find a picture tonight of the inside (with filter removed) of a Maytag agitator to show you. You need to use a hacksaw and you should ask your Dad to help you since its easy to cut yourself doing this. I know because I've done it!

If anyone out there has a picture of the inside of a maytag agitator, please post it here.

 

[christfr]

oh boy

been there done that.. one thing i will tell you do not use a hammer to break the agi.. i just went through the same thing.. there is supposed to be a type of tool to fit under the agi and inflate to raise the agi.. ususlly breaking the agi.. so i figured what the hell if im gonna break it ill just use a hammer and a chisel.. it worked but bad idea.. seems by doing that and hammering in a downward motion i dammaged something in the trans causing spin problems.. maybe using a drimel tool with a cutting blade you can cut the agi in half or in sections and remove them by hand.. either way if the agi is stuck that bad its gonna have to die to get it out.. better kill the agi that ruin the trans.. just take your time and it will get there..want to save you from making the same mistake that i did.. chris

 

[drmitch]

I ran a load of laundry and mine came right off! There`s no set screw only splines so I would try rocking it around while pulling. Good luck Jamie!

 

[mayken4now]

I agree with christfr, the dremel tool works great. The hacksaw that unimatic is another route, but somewhat vintage!!! LOL. Either way, be careful and don't damage the tranny. Patients is the best moral to keep.

Steve

 

[gizmo]

Well well well!!!

That photo of a Maytag agi spline from Dr Mitch is identical to the Simpson machines in Australia. I have long suspected that Simpsons of seventies and eighties vintage used a Maytag trans, now I am becoming more convinced.
What is the trans casing like on these models? The Simpsons have the trans assembly (frame and gears) inside a plastic casing which spins during spin cycle, it looks like a tupperware canister.

I have also had immense trouble removing Simpson agitators, leaving it to soak for ages in really hot water can help, also whacking the agitator DOWN to release its grip on the spline and try to get the rubber seal back into its groove can help. I think it hangs on hard when the rubber seal starts to lift up with the agi and forms a wedge between the agi and the shaft splines. if you whack it down you can hopefully dislodge the rubber retaining ring. You don't keep hammering it down, just one or two sharp whacks down, then try pulling it up again. I have put every muscle into removing one, it eventually let go suddenly and flew up into my chin. OWW!
The Simpson ones are all plastic not bakelite, I'd imagine bakelite would be even worse.

Good luck with it Jamie

Chris

 

[pulsator]

Well, THANKS FOR THE TIPS EVERYONE!!!! Unfortunately, I still couldn't get it out, so this morning after giving it one final tug, I gave up and began to saw away. So far I have got the shaft of the agitator off, but I am still working on the base. I started off with the hack saw and just a while ago I gave up on that, I just got too tired. So, now I am waiting for dad to get home and he's gonna use this really cool REALLY loud thing that he used to cut drywall. It is like a drill, but it spins at something like 3,000 to 5,000 RPM!!!! (If only washers spun at 5,000 RPM!!!!)

 

[Unimatic1140]

That's great Jamie, just be careful not to cut into the actual agitator shaft itself. Keep us posted!

 

[westytoploader]

Wow...a RotoZip would be perfect for agitator removal since it can get into close quarters! The only drawback I can think of is that because it spins at 15,000+ RPM, it might melt the agitator and bog down. I'm not 100% sure, but there's no doubt it will work.

Good luck!!

 

[compwhiz128]

How about I grab a sludge hammer and I destroy the thing and take pictures MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Jk