Maytag N2L help Needed

[bluebonnet73]

Hello.

I recently bought an N2L, which I'd like very much to be using as my everyday washer. (I'll skip the saga of my frustrations with two new HE machines, sent back, and one older adequate Whirlpool, which must stay here, out of consideration for partners who don't see the appeal of fiftey-year-old machines!)

My lovely Maytag is currently sitting in the kitchen, where it's easiest to get water, but it's not quite ready for use, I think. the seller told me it was in working condition, but it needs a little help.

I am blind, so since I can't easily access manuals and get info from pictures online, I am not confident enough to attempt repairs myself. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to find help checking over this machine, and replacing parts, etc? (I'm in TX, Austin, if anyone happens to know of someone near here...)

It seems to be in overall good shape. It runs and the wringer works. But the power cord should probably be replaced, so I haven't plugged it in more than a few times.

And water drips, so something underneath needs replacing.

Even with this small leak, I did one quick load of clothes, with a pan beneath to catch the water, but that seemed unsafe. I don't know where else the water may be going inside the maytag. Where exactly is the motor? Is water likely to get into it? (I haven't had much contact with the underside, because it is grubby. If anyone has suggestions on how to clean that up, and what to use, I can at least do that.) The rest of the machine is very clean, though.

Can anyone recommend sources of parts or manuals that could be helpful, if I can find someone to work on this?

I would be so sad to have to let it go--I've gotten attached. I love that I'd have control of the wash, rather than pressing buttons, and hoping for the best. This way of doing it would suit me so much better!

My mother--who now thinks I'm crazy, after I showed her the Maytag on Facetime--says her mother had one like this, in the '50s, kept in her kitchen. A common enough thing, then, I'm sure, but it feels like something I've inherited, that I should have. And my three-year-old twins call it the "new washer."

Christina

 

[hippiedoll]

Hi there!

And welcome to the group...

I'm sorry i can't be of much help because I am not very mechanically-gifted. But this should bump your message back to the top so that others can see it and the experts can chime in.

By the way, we sure would love to see a picture of your vintage Maytag wringer washer! We loves to see pictures
)

Keeping my fingers crossed for you it's not too much to get the OL' GAL up & running.
;o)

 

[bluebonnet73]

Thanks!

Thank you for the welcome, HippieDoll.

Yes, I'll share some pictures, soon!

No luck when I called a couple of appliance repair places. One man at least knew what I was talking about, said he hasn't worked on one of these in years, and didn't sound too interested, but said I could check back in a couple of weeks. *sigh*

 

[geoffdelp]

Hi bluebonnet ... these machines are fairly simple to work on.

A good source for parts is Cottage Craft Works; just Google it. They cater to the Amish community. Their resource is wonderful; parts are still being made.

DavesRepair.com has the full service manual available to purchase, as well.

Chances are that the leak could be the drain hose; an easy replace. Or, it could be more complicated as well. You'll have to try to see where the leak is coming from by looking up underneath. Take a flashlight and put some water in the tub and try to figure out where it's coming from.

You can clean gunk from these machines fairly easily. I use lacquer thinner and make sure you're in a well ventilated area when using! Strong stuff.

When facing the machine, the motor is underneath the skirt to the right. Can't miss it!!

If you want, you can tip the machine over ... BUT ... make sure you lay it down on the front side; that's very important. The front is where the agitator button is. TAKE THE ENTIRE WRINGER HEAD OFF FIRST BEFORE TIPPING OVER, by putting the lever into the "swing" position and pull the head straight up and set it down somewhere where you won't damage it or the post. You can then tip the machine over safely. There might get some grease leakage when you tip machine over; to be expected, but shouldn't be a lot ... a tablespoon or two. If you get a lot and with water, it means that water leaked through the center seal into the right angle drive and the center seal will have to be replaced.

To replace cord on motor, you will have to remove motor; you'll see how to do it by looking underneath or tipping over on the front. Take the motor to a local electric motor service shop and it can usually be done fairly cheaply. Those cords are pretty standard and make sure you get a 3-pronged one.

Good luck ... take some photos.