Maytag J2L

[justjunque]

Hi all.

A few years ago, I had a ton of questions for you, as I was about to acquire a J2L which I knew nothing about.
I only know very slightly more about them now. And the machine I was getting never got anything more than a thorough cleaning.
Now, I'm trying to get myself into even more trouble.
I found another J2L that's in danger of being hauled off for scrap. So, of course, Mr. Hoarder here is trying to save it.
I know, before ever even seeing it in person, it's going to have at least all the same problems that my first one has. Leaking tub seal, agitator frozen on, etc.
This one appears to be older than my other one, as this one has red knobs and release bar, and a black agitator. My first one, circa 1966, has all turquoise. And, there's no guarantee that I'm going to get this one, but I'm trying.
I told you all that, just so I could ask this question. The only thing that I know for sure is missing from this one, is the black rubber piece that goes around the outer edge of the lid.
I just thought I'd ask what you think the chances are of finding one of those; provided I get the washer.
I know it's really the least of my worries. But, one of my idiosyncrasies is that I don't like to see obvious missing pieces.
Thanks for reading this, and for any possible assistance!

Barry

 

[launderess]

You may have to purchase an entire new lid, NOS or used.

Happily one or both are rather easily found.

Maytag Wringer Washer Tub-Frame Parts

USA Amish reproduction Maytag Wringer Washers parts for E series square tub washing machines and earlier J and N round tub machines made from the 1940s up until 1983. Keeping Maytag Wringer Washers operational in the Amish communities. Maytag parts include the replacement, legs, leg extensions...

cottagecraftworks.com

 

[justjunque]

Thank you, Launderess!
It looks like they might even sell just the lid band.
If I end up getting the machine, I'll definitely check with them!

Barry

 

[justjunque]

Update

Well, after a couple/few weeks of trying to figure out the best and most cost effective way to move the machine, I finally gave in and rented a truck.
The old girl is now in our basement. (The Maytag. Not the rental truck.)
I haven't had a chance to get into it much, but I'll share what I know.
It's definitely in a little rougher cosmetic condition than my first one.
But, lo and behold, the agitator lifts right off with only slight effort!
It appears to be a Bakelite agitator.
I looked for a serial number stamped into the metal, just below the black rubber piece that separates the tub from the base. That's where it is on my other one. This one doesn't have it. I do see a small metal tag riveted on the very bottom of the base, next to the left rear leg. I haven't confirmed it yet, but I'm guessing that's where I'll find the serial number.
This one also needs a ton more cleaning than my first one. And, the power cord has lots of little cracks in the outer covering. I don't know how I feel about attempting to plug it in to hear how the motor sounds.
I'll share more information, and of course pictures, as I can.

Barry

 

[launderess]

"And, the power cord has lots of little cracks in the outer covering"

Welcome to my world! *LOL*

Good number of my vintage washers arrived with dried out brittle power cords. It's just what happens to old coating used back then.

Long as insulation is intact, area and cord are dry plugging it in to test motor should be fine.

 

[justjunque]

A couple of pictures.

That aforementioned tag is, in deed, where the serial number is located. But, those of you with more knowledge of these machines already knew that!
I don't seem to be able to get a good picture of it. After several attempts, this is the best I got. To me, I see 216512F. Does that make sense? Does anyone else see it differently?
And, here's the markings on the underside of the agitator.
Before I even post them, I'm going to apologize in advance if they come out oriented all wonky. I know even less about techy things than I do vintage appliances. And, that's saying something!

 

[justjunque]

Thank you again, Launderess.
That's good to know. I'm not going to plug anything in, nor do any serious cleaning of the finish, until I thoroughly vacuum away the majority of the dirt, dust, and spider condos that are all over it.
But, since the basement and the machine are most definitely dry, I'll eventually give it a go.

Barry

 

[justjunque]

Would anyone be able to tell me when this machine was born, based on the serial number?
Provided you can make it out.
Thanks!

 

[launderess]

It pays to wander into the archives...

Decoding Maytag wringer serial numbers has been discussed many times previously.

Maytag Wringer Washer serial numbers 1939-1952

Here are 15 pages of serial number data regarding Maytag wringer washing machines manufactured between November of 1939 and October of 1952.

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[justjunque]

Thank you again!

I usually ask for help with serial numbers, because I have a tendency to get it wrong.
An element of the autism? I don't know. But, numbers are not my friends.
If I'm correctly reading that chart that you linked, and, if I'm reading my serial number correctly, this washer was born in July of 1947.
I appreciate the help!

Barry

 

[launderess]

That do be it!

We have a winner! Give that man a Kewpie doll!

*LOL*

 

[justjunque]

I'm guessing that means that the agitator must have been replaced at some point. I read somewhere, in another thread, that the black Bakelite agitator was used from some time in the 1950s, until the early 1960s.
I would have liked if it had a red agitator. I really like the look of those. But, this black one appears to be in great condition. And I'm just happy that it's not frozen onto the post!

 

[justjunque]

Here's a quick picture of her, next to my 1966; warts and all.
This is pretty much just how it came out of the previous owner's basement. I have vacuumed off some loose dirt and spider webs.
Just out of curiosity; should the '47 have a Maytag logo on the front? Maybe that sexy red cursive type that I've seen on some?
Lacking any trace of mechanical ability, I may never get any farther with either of them than just shining them up. But, I just think they're so beautiful. Am I crazy? Both of them were at serious risk of being scrapped. I figured, even just sitting unused in my laundry room was better than that.
Here I go again with the sideways picture. I apologize.

 

[launderess]

At some point in future you may want to consider obtaining the newer (and last incarnation) of Maytag turquoise agitator for wringer washers.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?40946_9

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?85337

Some don't like them, but Maytag had a reason behind the madness. The turquoise agitators have a cup at base which helps keep water from getting down past tub seals.

 

[justjunque]

If I ever get to a point where I'm able to actually use one of my wringers, I think I would be open to using the type with the cup. Anything to help keep water from getting where it doesn't belong.
I believe I saw a post where someone had one of the black agitators with that same design. That would be better yet, as, in my opinion anyway, it would coordinate better with the machine than the turquoise color. But, I believe they also stated that the black plastic version with the cup was very rare.
Don't get me wrong; I think the turquoise agitator looks great in the newer machine that has the turquoise knobs and release bar.

 

[justjunque]

Well, I finally got it cleaned off enough to try plugging it in.
The motor started right up, and sounds nice and quiet.
I pulled the knob to engage the agitator, and it too, seems to work fine.
The only thing that didn't function was the wringer. When you engage it, there's a clunk, so something is engaging. And, the rollers move slightly upwards. I'm guessing there's something rusty and crusty enough in the works to prevent the rollers from turning.
Still, not too bad for a 1947 that's been sitting neglected in a basement for at least 17 years.
I'm not having much luck with making it look pretty either. I guess what this one really needs is for someone to completely tear it down and restore it the right way.
That's way beyond my capabilities.

 

[launderess]

If haven't already consult owners manual to ensure you have gears set for wringer to work.

 

[justjunque]

I've actually watched that video recently!
I wondered why his machine makes that constant knocking sound.
I'm not sure that I'm understanding what you mean by having the gears set.
I did it the same way that I did when I tested my '66.
Motor running. Agitator disengaged. Wringer head locked into position. Then, moved the lever to the forward position. The rollers didn't roll.
Moved the lever to the rearward position. The rollers didn't roll.
Is there a step that I'm missing?
I'll be the first to admit that I know very little about these machines. But, the basic operation seemed pretty simple and straightforward. Plus, on my other machine, everything functions when done that way.
Like I said; if there's a step that I'm missing, please let me know. I'm here to learn!

 

[launderess]

Sounds like you've got things cracked.

You may want to lift wringer head off post, laying it down on floor (something underneath of course to absorb grease), then watch to see if gears are turning that drive wringer.

If everything looks good from that point of view, then issue could be within wringer head itself.

Common issue with wringer rollers not turning is that tension has been released and not reset properly.

To prevent rollers from sticking to each other Maytag came up with a procedure where tension is released on rollers, then they are raised apart from each other. To use wringer again the procedure is reversed with tension reset and rollers dropping into position.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?90818_9

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?75642_11

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?8847