Maytag Model Question

[danemodsandy]

I have an LA108 washer- the dread Almond with the 1970s Sunglow control panel.

Since I prefer white appliances, and like the blue "New Generation" panel, I'd like to look for a Maytag like the one I have, but earlier. Does anyone know the correct model number for a "New Generation" washer with these features:

- One-speed motor with "Multi-matic" delicate cycle
- Cycles- Regular, Delicate, Permanent Press
- Bleach dispenser
- Softener dispenser
- Small, medium, large load size selector
- Temp selections- Hot/Warm, Hot/Cold, Warm/Cold, Cold/Cold
- "Automatic" delete plate on control panel

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[bajaespuma]

Doesn't exist. Bleach dispenser was only on TOL models 806 and 906. Only three temp selections and I don't believe there were ever three cycles for the "New Generation" BOL's. They're my favorites as well, you can't go wrong with a 206 or a 106. Don't know if there was ever a "New Generation" 306. There was a 406, just like the 606 but single speed.

 

[danemodsandy]

Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

Well, I may just have to find a white 108 and live with the Sunglow, then. I really like the machine I have, because it has exactly the features I need, and none I don't. It's mechanically simple, easy to repair. I always prefer the simplest appliance that will accomplish the job I need done. That is usually not the BOL (BOLs are usually lacking in any convenience features). The 108 has the conveniences, without the elaboration of 806 or 906 machines. I really love the 906, but I wouldn't want to own one unless I had a Dr. Mitch in my life- and the money to treat him well.

Thanks!

 

[appnut]

Sandy, a 408 sounds very close to what you have. Friends here had the 408, a Fabric-Matic which had the 4 temp combos; it was ex-large capeacity though with 4 water levels; the blue New Generation panel. Instead of "Automatic" plate (which is a place holder), it had the 3 fabric buttons of regular, perm press, and delicate. It also had a 30 minute automatic soak cycle on the timer and the wash cycle itself had a max of 10 mminutes. This also had a bleach dispenser, but was direct-in; as well as a fabric softener dispenser and lint filte. Turqoise agitator.

 

[machinehead]

When did the _06 series start?

Ok Maytag Guru's:

I have heard lots over the years about the 106, 206, 606 and so on (forgive me if i invent a non-existent model, you get the idea)

My curiosity is, what year did Maytag first start using models with that _06 ending?

 

[gansky1]

The "New Generation" or "Washpower" Maytag washers and matching dryers were introduced in 1966 and were all designated with the '06 in the model number.

In 1975 Maytag revised it's models and minor cosmetic details, these were designated with '08 in the model numbers. Gold paint on the lower part of the panel, crystalline knob grips, etc.

This is for the regular line of models, there were a few models (probably mid-production changes or dealer-specials) that had '07 in the mod. number.

 

[bajaespuma]

When did Maytag get rid of its Helical drive? and why?

 

[qsd-dan]

When did Maytag get rid of its Helical drive? and why?

Around 1988. I have one of the very last ones produced and have only (recently) had to replace the belts in 20 years of hardcore service.

I'm guessing Maytag did away with it because the orbital trans has very little moving parts, can be fully serviced without removing the trans, and had a faster agitation speed. I'm willing to bet that a cost cutting factor was squeezed in there somewhere.......

I still prefer the beefier Newton drive trans with its smooth 180 degree arc agitation over the fast 90 degree agitation of the orbital. Both transmissions are a compatible replacement and will fit any cabinet that either were produced in.

 

[pturo]

I have an A107. It is almost BOL: regular capacity but is fabricmatic on the dial with a gentle cycle, perm press and regular and has a fabric softner dispenser. It has the Automatic "delete" button. Only three temp controls.

I have an A408, it is the same machine with large capacity, 4 temp buttons, plus two soak cycles on the dial. The fabricmatic part is the buttons where the Automatic is on the above. You press regular, delicate or perm press and it acts like the one above. It has a direct bleach dispenser and a fabric softner dispenser. I beleive this is the lowest model number to have the bleach dispenser.

 

[toggleswitch]

but I wouldn't want to own one unless I had a Dr. Mitch in my life-

or a Dr. Manny!

 

[70series]

Difference between A206 and A207

I had an A206 growing up, and an elderly neighbor of mine, whose lawn I used to water, had an A207. I saw it only once for a few seconds (quick duck into the basement to look). From what I could see there was no difference between the two models with regard to cycle and setting options. The only difference was cosmetic. The 07 had the shiny chrome trim on it's panel, and it had the turquoise agitator whereas the 06 had the black one.

Were these the only differences? Just asking.

Have a good one,
James

 

[pturo]

Au Contrare, fixing a Maytag washer is as easy as licking a stamp.

 

[70series]

Meant to include this in last post.

I always thought that the area marked Automatic on those Fabric Matic models was just a plate to occupy the space where the speed buttons were on the other models. It was a delete button? How did it work?

The great things about this site never cease to amaze me. I learn something new every day.

Again, have a good one,
James

 

[bobbins]

When did Maytag get rid of its Helical drive? and why?

This was introduced in around 1988/89. At that time we were told the reasons were for ease of servicing and it was cheaper to manufacture. All of the servicing can be done without removing the outter tub and in front while the washer was on its back.

Bob

 

[danemodsandy]

70series:

"I always thought that the area marked Automatic on those Fabric Matic models was just a plate to occupy the space where the speed buttons were on the other models. It was a delete button? How did it work?"

No, it was a delete plate, performing exactly the function you mention. The term means a plate to fill a space normally occupied by something. If you order a car without a sound system, there will be a delete plate where the radio should be- the radio was deleted from the order.

The purpose of the delete plate was to keep from having to manufacture a separate control panel for 'Tags that didn't have the features controlled by buttons in that space. That kept costs down, helping to keep the machines more affordable.

 

[70series]

Thank you for clarifying that. It's like I mentioned before: On this site you learn something new every day.

Have a good one,
James