Maytag Dependable Care LAT4916AAE Bleach Dispenser hose

[billythekid]

I'm restoring a Maytag Dependable Care washer, model LAT4916AAE as a replacement for the LAT8214AAE (that I bought new in May 1994) that had developed a balance issue and random drivetrain anomoly. As can be seen in the pic, the hose for the bleach dispenser has two kinks in it, these kinks are so bad that the bleach dispenser is not usable. I'm tempted to try to resolve this by inserting a smaller diameter piece of rubber hose with a thick wall in hopes of opening up those kinks, but gut instinct tells me there's something better. Is there an off-the-shelf hose sold by the foot that has proven to be a good replacement? I'd like to hear what others have done, I can't help but think that this is a common problem and that a proven repair has been discovered. Thanks in advance, anxious to hear what others have done.

 

[thatwasherguy]

Maytag bleach hose...

I just used an aftermarket hose from my local hardware store. 5/8 inch ID seems to be about perfect. That said, I just restored my machine, so I don’t know about how it’ll hold up to bleach. I also don’t usually use bleach, so it will take a lot longer for mine to show wear from it than it would for some others. I used a fuel line grade hose, though, so I feel confident that it will stand up to the bleach. It also seems thick enough to avoid bending like yours did. (Mine looked just like yours when I got it.). Good luck on your restoration! Looks like a fun machine! These 90’s era Maytags are very underrated in my opinion. Hope this helps,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[billythekid]

Thank you for the reply, it's appreciated! I'm in the same boat RE bleach usage, but I'm fussy about quality of workmanship when restoring/rebuilding things, so I really wanted to get it working. The plan for today was to pull the front cover, pick a solution and implement. Agreed on the rubber hose you used holding up to bleach, automotive stuff is really tough. FWIW, I was toying with the idea of either using auto heater hoses with 90* preformed bends or bulk hose; knowing it's 5/8" is great, that opens up a lot of options.

 

[billythekid]

Problem resolved! I went shopping for a 5/8" ID reinforced rubber hose, preferably intended for automotive applications, and just couldn't find one with enough flex to convince me that it wouldn't kink prematurely. But what I *did* find was this reinforced water hose, good flex, and able to bend at the needed radii without kinking concerns. A call to the company that produces the product confirmed it is PVC based. PVC in itself is not degraded by bleach so it looks like this hose should outlast the machine. Pics for attention, enjoy!

 

[tennblondie78]

I like the way that fits. Would you mind sharing the brand and where you got it? Thanks!

 

[billythekid]

The hose is Flexzilla (by Legacy) and I bought it at a True Value Hardware store (River Ridge Hardware) in Spokane, WA. The product says WATER ID:5/8" WP(150psi) on it; in my call to the company it was confirmed that water and garden hose are the same. I'd expect to find a seller online or in a store near you. Here's the linky to their hose products: https://www.flexzilla.com/

 

[tennblondie78]

Thank you!