Maytag J2L

[justjunque]

Greetings,

This Maytag wringer has been on our local Craigslist for a few days or so.
It looks a bit cruddy and rusty, but I know nothing about them, so I thought I'd see what y'all think.
I'm viewing it on mobile, and for some reason, it won't show me the contact information.
So I haven't inquired of the seller at all, to find out how long it's been since it was last used or anything.
Based solely on the two pictures; what can you tell me about it?
Approximate age? Are they a good machine? Would parts be available? Based on what you can see of its condition, does the price seem reasonable?
Likewise, based on what you can see of its condition, is it too cruddy/rusty?
As much as I'd love to bring home a maybe 1960s-1980s washer/dryer pair, I really don't have the room.
But, I know I could find room for a wringer, and I could probably even convince the wife not to kick me out of the house if one should happen to show up some day.

Thank you for anything you can offer to educate me on this machine.

Barry

https://westernmass.craigslist.org/app/d/springfield-antique-washing-machine/6919176315.html

 

[launderess]

CL goes in and out of "Reply" button/links not working. It can be anything from your device to their security/anti-spam system. Had it happen for weeks on end (using a PC), then went away, then comes back....

As for the that J2L there are plenty of posts/threads on those Maytag wringer washers in archive.

Outside condition would be least of your worries (one in OP doesn't look that bad, have seen much worse), but state of tub, seals, gears, power ringer, pump, motor and other bits are of a bigger worry.

Without seeing inside of tub and or underneath hard to tell what sort of condition this machine is in. Is there the dreaded tell tale trail of oil down left rear leg? This can mean water is getting down into the transmission/gearbox.

Get a hold of seller and ask for clearer pictures of tub, wringer, and if possible underneath.

Parts? Yes, there are still plenty of spares out there for Maytag wringers include NOS. Myself and others have our stashes, and there are the Amish and several other Maytag service persons about as well.

 

[qsd-dan]

It's a fully loaded J2LP made after 1965. There's a hook on the side to keep the drain hose upright and it's missing the goose neck connection but it may be inside the tub.

Personally, I buy 5 feet of 3/4" heater hose, hook it to the goose neck, and run it out on the ground. More convenient and less messy.

I have 10 Maytag wringers spanning from the mid 1920's to the 1970's and I find this model to be the most convenient to use. 18 gallon tub holds a good amount of laundry (largest of the Maytag wringer family) and the large removable top makes for easy loading/unloading. Porcelain interior allows one to use bleach, ammonia, and oxygen bleach without discoloration, unlike the aluminum E2L or older pre 1940's cast and aluminum models.

You'll be surprised how well these old wringers clean up with a bit of elbow grease (Before and after E2LP pictures below).

 

[e2l-arry]

J2LP

AND it's a pump model. For $40 bucks I'd go for it! It was made in the late 60's and probably hasn't been used much.Laundress is right about checking for oil down the left rear leg. I suspect it will be clean but even if it isn't I'd still go for it. It's not that bad or difficult a job to replace the gaskets and seals even if it has been leaking oil. Plenty of people on here, including me, have done the job. The J2L was just 1 step down from the top of the line E2L. Difference being the E2L has an aluminum tub. That made for additional insulation to help keep the water hot for longer. The E2L also had an attached/hinged lid. The mechanics and capacities on both machines are identical.

Good Luck!

 

[justjunque]

Thanks for the replies!
I'm really tempted, but I do want to find out more about its condition.
The seller stated that it's been in the family since new, and it's been stored for a long time.

Barry

 

[lowefficiency]

>> I'm really tempted, but I do want to find out more about its condition.

Wait too much longer, and the choice will be made for you.
$40 is way cheap, and someone else is going to take advantage of your hesitation and snap it up.

People pay more than $40 for them in worse condition with missing parts just to use them as planters outside!

 

[justjunque]

Okay. I'm convinced.
I'm going to contact the seller to set up a meeting.
If it turns out to be a piece of junk, I'll use it as a decoration.
Indoors though. I couldn't bring myself to leave it sitting outside.

Barry

 

[justjunque]

Contact made

Just a little update, for anyone who might be following this.
I've spoken with the seller.
The machine was purchased new by his parents, and he remembers his mom using it in the kitchen.
It sounds like he's now living in their old house, and it's just time to start getting rid of some of the old stuff that's just sitting around.
He's not sure, but it's possible that the last time it was used was in the 1970s.
He said the inside of the tub is clean.
I'm busy this afternoon, and have to work tomorrow.
So, unless someone beats me to it, I'm going to see it Saturday morning.
I didn't realize how much I wanted one until now that I'm this close!

I'm just curious.
Dan, (qsd-dan), and Larry said this machine is a J2LP.
How can you tell it's the version with the pump?
The label just says J2L.
Also, Dan and Larry... I really wish one of you lived near Western Mass!
If I'm able to bring it home, I could sure use someone with your knowledge of and experience with these machines!
I read in an old thread, that if you have to transport these laying down, it should be laying on its front.
Is that okay to do, or would I be better off to bribe a friend with a pickup truck into hauling it upright?

Barry

 

[ea56]

To my knowledge, if the model number doesn’t have a P at the end of it, there is no pump. Also, if it has a pump the switch to turn the pump off and on will be at the bottom right side of the tub, if there’s no switch, then there’s no pump.

BTW, if the machine was manufactured from I believe 1969 until the end of manufacture of these machines in the early 1980’s, the model number would also have an S at the end, to indicate it was a “safety”model with the foot pedal to activate the wringer.

My Mom bought a new E2LPS in 1969, and the dealer told us that this was the first year for the safety pedal. He said that most owners hated this feature and offered to deactivate it by removing the rubber tube underneath the washer and plug the hole with a stove bolt, which Mom elected to have done. So my guess is that the washer your interested was manufactured sometime between 1966 when Maytag changed from red to turquoise plastic trim and agitator and 1968.

My very first washing machine was a J2LP that I bought for $35.00 at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It was a wonderful washing machine and I wish I still had it.

I hope that you manage to score this Maytag Wringer, I think you will really enjoy using it.

Eddie

 

[e2l-arry]

J2LP

The label model does not have the "P" but they were easily added after market. There will be an ON OFF lever on the lower right side if it has a pump. I'm going by the drain hose. It has the threaded end used to connect the goose neck that hooks over the sink. Ask about that it if it's not in the machine. It's easy enough to improvise one if you need to like I did.
YES! if you have to lay this down to transport it ONLY put it front side down. Otherwise the power unit oil will leak out and make a mess. Not only that but there's no way to add oil without taking the whole thing apart. These are great machines! Have Fun!

 

[bradross]

Nozzle on hose end looks like that for a pump model...

although it appears to be missing the gooseneck, unless it's inside the tub. If you're curious, perhaps you can ask the seller for another pic of the right side of the machine, to see the pump lever at the bottom of the skirt.

BTW - Happy 4th! We had our big day on Monday the 1st.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks guys!

Happy 4th/Independence Day!
I get the impression that the seller isn't big on taking more pics.
Like I said, if someone else doesn't beat me to it, I'm going to look at it in person Saturday morning.
The seller said his mother used to run it in the kitchen.
To me, that would support it probably having a pump...no?
She probably drained it into the kitchen sink?
How else could she use it in the kitchen? Floor drain? Hose out the door?
I don't know. Fingers crossed, I'll find out on Saturday!

Barry

 

[ea56]

Yes, a pump could have been added after market, but the drain hose having the threaded end for the aluminum “hook” to screw onto isn’t necessarily an indication that it originally had a pump. From my recollection of seeing these machines new in the Maytag showroom back in the day and in the brochures of the day, ALL of the Maytag wringer washers were equipped with this same drain hose, the only distinction for the pump equipped model would have been the addition of the aluminum hook at the end for draining either in a stand pipe drain or a washtub.

Also, take a look at the Maytag Wringers for sale on ebay. All the non pump models use the exact same drain hose. The white, threaded end has a hook on it that is used to keep the hose attached to the side of the machine.

And as far as draining a non pump model used in the kitchen, many owners would have just rolled it to the backdoor and gravity drained it on the ground outside. Its unlikely that owners would have had a floor drain in the kitchen floor. And gravity draining into buckets certainly could have been done, but it sure would have been a hassle. Also, you could attach a garden hose to the end of the hose and run the hose outside to drain it.

At any rate, I hope you score it. IMHO, the J2L is preferable to the TOL E2L, the capacity is slightly larger, and the porcelain tub is not harmed by any laundry detergents or LCB, like the upscale aluminum tub can be. The only real advantage of the aluminum tub is that it is double walled, and insulates the water to keep it hotter longer.

Eddie
[this post was last edited: 7/4/2019-14:09]

 

[bradross]

Pics of different hose nozzles...

just to clarify that there are two different nozzles, the one on the left for a pump model, and the right for gravity drain. The gooseneck would not sit properly on the right hand version.

The J2L pictured shows the gravity drain hose.

 

[ea56]

Thanks Brad for the clarification,

I wasn’t aware of the slight difference in the angle of the threaded end between the pump and non pump models. At first glance they both look the same. This would explain why my recollection of the display models of the day all had drain hoses that looked the same.

Also, I’ve only owned/used pump models.

Eddie

 

[qsd-dan]

Gooseneck

Barry,

Send them this picture and ask if it's in the tub. If it isn't, it's probably lying somewhere around the house or in the garage. It'll give them some time to find it before you pick it up.

 

[justjunque]

Dan,

Thanks for the great picture of the gooseneck.
I sent it to him.
I don't know if he'll reply, but maybe he'll look for it, if it's not with the washer now.

Barry

 

[justjunque]

More questions

Okay.
Provided it doesn't get sold before I can get there, I'm having some anxiety about transport.
I didn't want to, but let's say I have to carry it in the back of an SUV, laying down.
We've established that I will only lay it on its front.
That will prevent oil leakage.
Is there anything else that I should be worried about?
Anything that could come loose or bang around while driving?

Also, in an old thread, someone suggested removing the wringer before trying to lift or transport one of these, because that part has a lot of weight to it.
How difficult would that be?
I don't want to take anything apart that I won't be able to put back together.
And, keep in mind, if the machine hasn't been touched since the 1970s, things probably won't move too freely.
Help me not to be so stressed over this!
It's supposed to be fun!

Thanks again,
Barry

 

[dermacie]

I have a 1952 Maytag J2l that I have owned and used regularly for the last 5 years. I do not have a pump model (I wish I did) but my laundry room has a floor drain and it doesn't take any effort to drop the hose and let it gravity drain.

I use it when I have a back up of laundry and want to get it all done quickly.