Maytag LA511 washer

[wa9alqth]

Hi everyone, I just picked up a Maytag LA511 washer (for FREE!) to match my LDE512 dryer. They're both almond. However buttons & knob don't match.

Please check out the album and let me know if there's anything I should address before putting this to work.

ALBUM -

I guess I'll be keeping the A885 for myself - https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?84866

 

[wayupnorth]

I have the same LA511 washer that has been going strong since I bought it new in 1984. Only repair was a $28 motor coupling. I would never get rid of it for todays new crap. Your dryer is slightly newer than the washer but both are real Maytags from Newton. I'd just hook them up and use them.

 

[wa9alqth]

The grease line right below the tub is a little disconcerting. Does the tranny need a top up and a new seal?

 

[good-shepherd]

Does the tranny need a top up

Probably leaking from the trans gasket.

Not a major problem by itself but the machine looks like its got some miles on it so preventive maintenance wouldn't be a bad ideal.
However, there is no way to top off the trans oil and getting the trans removed, cleaned for new gear oil/gasket is a big job.

 

[good-shepherd]

Just looked at the photo to album..

Yeah, that machine needs some attention if you're planning to keep it. Water injector hose kit is shot, lower trans oil seal is leaking, damper pads are probably dry as the Sahara.

Not saying it won't run as is but some things are better fixed sooner rather than later, especially damper pads and stem seal.

 

[goatfarmer]

I had an A510 and a DE 408 dryer as daily drivers for a lot of years. Set of belts is all I ever did to the washer, after pulling it from a trade in pile.

 

[wa9alqth]

I’ve cleaned it up a bit and will test it out later this week. I’ll run it as is for the time being to get a better idea of what’s in dire need of replacing.

I just cleared some space on my phone so maybe I’ll post a full cycle on YouTube.

 

[wa9alqth]

Just wanted to add that it looks like most of the water damage was caused by the outer tub drain hole being clogged. Any water that escaped the inner tub had no where to go. Pretty unfortunate since this is easily avoidable but just inspecting and cleaning the machine every few years.

While I have the machine open what can I do about the rust? Should I clean up with rust with naval jelly and cover the bolts with poly lube? I’m thinking of conditioning rubber hoses with silicone lube. Anyone try this?

 

[good-shepherd]

cover the bolts with poly lube?

Tub band bolts can be changed out with stainless steel items replacements.

General crud can be cleaned with Bon Ami, hard water deposit can be removed with 50/50 of solution of Muriatic acid and water, flush well with a garden hose and cover the motor with a plastic bag.

Hosed can be treated with rubber condition but if really hard replacements may be in order.

You definitely need a new water injector hose kit.

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[wa9alqth]

Can you provide a link or size for the tub band nut & bolt?

 

[good-shepherd]

size for the tub band nut & bolt?

It's a pan head slotted 1/4 inch bolt/screw with a square nut as I recall.

I would just remove the old one and match it up in stainless steel at the hardware store.

 

[wa9alqth]

Finally taking it for a spin.

 

[wayupnorth]

Sounds the same as my 511, goes to warp speed. Mine does that with a full load and sometimes rattles whats on the shelf above it.

 

[DADoES]

 
FabricMatic model.  1-speed, Delicate cycle is intermittent agitation.

 

[wa9alqth]

It leaks around the outer tub seal. I’ll have to do another run to see if it’s the full hose. How do I fix this?

 

[robbinsandmyers]

That made my day. I love how smooth and silent all the mechanicals are. Gives me inspiration.

 

[wa9alqth]

They’re multiplying. Help.

Actually I might get rid of the almond set in favor of the stackable SQs. I don’t have time to troubleshoot the washer and I’m looking for something quiet and contemporary to match the design of the house.

 

[good-shepherd]

the full hose. How do I fix this?

Looks like it is leaking from the injector hose, if so get a new one.

If leaking from the tub ring seal you'll have to disassemble and carefully clean the lip of rust, paint it with POR or similar, then put it back together using some RTV sealant in the really bad spots if necessary

 

[good-shepherd]

I don’t have time to troubleshoot

If you're after a matching set you could swap the entire Almond cabinet right onto the the white washers base.

In fact, you could even use the white washers console to match the almond dryer.

Thus, you would get the higher end features of the much better condition white washer in the cabinet of the almond unit.

Wouldn't be that difficult to to do at all.

Just disconnect the wires to the motor, inlet valve and the hoses, undo the base plate screws and lift the top cover and cabinet right off.

Reverse the procedure to reassemble.