Maytag Model A-308 Agitator

[maytag308]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I have inherited my parents old Maytag A-308 Washing machine (late 70's-early 80's). It still works fine. I am replacing some basic parts (hoses,seals and transmission gasket) on it.I am having difficulty in removing the Agitator. There is NOT a bolt or screw holding it in place that I can tell. I have seen on another web site that all you have to do is keep pulling up on it. So far, that isn't working. What is the secret to removing the agitaor ? Thank you.
Agitated by agitator !

 

[kenwashesmonday]

The agitator on my Maytag A606 was stuck on but good.  I took a bunch of clothes line and ran it up and down the hollow center of the agitator making sort of a web, and attached a large slide hammer to it.  This got the agitator off without damaging it.

 

Ken D.

 

[bajaespuma]

Caution

Before you try anything ballistic, pour big pots of boiling water into the tub, enough to fill it up to the hub where the agitator is attached to the spline. Allow the heat of the water to have an effect on the plastic, metal and whatever lubricant may be left on the spline, about 10 minutes. Then try pulling it off. I've removed many Maytag Power-Fin agitators this way without breakage.

 

You might want to use the "Super Searchalator" to find the thread we did on this called "Turban of Terror" that talks about how it's done in some detail.

 

I would also warn you that's it's a really good idea to make absolutely sure that there isn't a mounting screw down there holding the agitator down. I've made this mistake many times. Use a mirror and a magnifying glass if you have to just to be sure.

 

[maytag308]

Maytag A308

Thank you for your advice. I have looked very carfully for any hidden bolts on the agitator. The only thing that I have seen is a tiny hole about the the size of a finishing nail. I thought it might point me to a bolt but it doesn't. I removed the outer tub cover with rubber seal ring(?). Hope to have this thing up and running soon ?

 

[rockland1]

Just what you need

Google "Agi Tamer" .....they really do work!

 

[gansky1]

I've removed a couple of them with just a simple hair dryer, put the nozzle in the barrel of the agitator and let it run on high for 5-10 minutes and warm up that base enough for it to expand.

 

Be  very careful using an Agitamer on a Maytag agitator.  It might work but more likely, it will fold up the plastic base toward the barrel and you end up with a stuck and ruined agitator.

 

[tomturbomatic]

There is a tiny vent hole in the skirt, but a locking bolt would be on the barrel of the agitator under the outlets for the filter. There will be a round collar around this bolt. If you don't find the collar, there won't be a bolt. As others have said, heat is your best weapon for the battle.

 

[maytag308]

Agitator is out

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. The Hot Water method proved to be the winning method. Now on to removing the tub seal and transmission. Shouldn't be has hard...hopefully. I am also replacing the drain pump and ring clamp around the outer tub.

 

[DigAPony]

transmission gasket

When replacing "basic parts" such as the transmission gasket you're into (or should be) a full trans rebuild, particularly the problematic lower o-ring seal. Along with all the other new items necessary in such a major disassembly.

I would do a search for some of the other successful Maytag washer rebuilds done by AW members to see what is involved.

 

[DigAPony]

I am also replacing the drain pump

Is there something wrong with the water pump? They almost never fail.

 

[maytag308]

Well the tub seal replacement is going tougher than I thought it would be. The Spanner Wrench that I purchased through "Repair Clinic" doesn't seem to grab the grooves very well. Too much play. Not getting a real good bite. I am trying to turn it Clockwise. Can anyone see anything different in the photo ?

Thanks.

 

[beekeyknee]

Take a cold chisel and a hammer and crack it off. Replace it with a new one during reassembly.

 

[maytag308]

Going into the transmission

The Brake wrench tool finally arrived today...now the real fun begins. I read the excellent write-up on how to tear one down. I believe that I have the same problem with the leaky O-ring seal.
Thanks for all your help. Good little web site here.

 

[maytag308]

Two more questions

I have the transmission and tubs reinstalled. I do have two questions though.

First question : Is the transmission suppose to spin while tightening up the seals and adjusting the tubs ? I had to wire the trnansmission to a couple of cement blocks so it wouldn't turn while tightening

Second question. Outer tub seems to be way off center.

 

[maytag308]

end cap of transmission broke

Well...shoot ! I broke the end cap that fits on the end/bottom of the brake assembly where the drivshaft ends. How vital is it to have this part ? I have looked for a replacement and no one seems to have one. May try e-bay ?