Maytag Question

[liamwa]

Hi everyone I haven't posted here for a while but I have enjoyed reading all the threads and I always learn a lot from all of you. I currently have a problem developing with my Maytag A806. Here are the symptoms:

1. The machine fills to the first row of holes but the water is down to the third row by the end of the wash or rinse agitation.

2. Slight burning rubber smell during spin drain.

3. The machine is slow to spin drain and sometimes is not completely drained by the end of the cycle. However sometimes it performs perfectly normally.

4. The washer is not leaking from anywhere that I can see, and I have removed the front cover to check.

I am wondering if I need a new polly pump or if it is another problem entirely. The thing that puzzles me is that the washer often works fine but the problem is popping up more and more. The machine is still under warranty from West Coast Appliance where it was rebuilt, but if it is a simple fix I will do the repair myself. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Liam

 

[pulsator]

Not sure about the drop in water level, but I would guess that the pump needs a new belt if it is draining slowly and smells of burning rubber...

 

[volvoguy87]

Pump bearings?

Tilt the machine back and remove the belt from the pump. Give the pump's pulley a few twists. If it offers resistance, your pump may need replacement, or there may be something caught in it. Also, check the condition of the belts.

By tilting the washer toward its rear, the motor will slide back on its spring-loaded mount and release belt tension.

The pump pulley is in the front on the right side of the machine. The motor is in the left front. The transmission is the big pulley in the center. Not related, but if the center pulley is coated in a thick greasy substance, your transmission needs a new bottom seal, so that ought to be a warranty issue.

Also, check the drain hose to be sure it's not too low (even a little). The drain hose is normally filled with water and if it's too low, it will siphon water out of the tub. When the washer is agitating, the pump runs backwards, the pump only runs forwards during spin.

Hope this helps,
Dave

 

[liamwa]

I tilted the machine back and checked underneath. It looks clean as a whistle no dirt no greece, both belts look brand new as I would expect. I removed the pump belt and turned the pump pulley, it turns quite easily but there is a little resistance. Is this normal? Also the drain hose exits out of the lower back of the washer, travels up the wall and into the washer drain located at console hight behind the machine. Is that high enough? Thanks for the help.

Liam

 

[qsd-dan]

Sounds like the pump is ok. I'm guessing West Coast Appliance probably adjusted the brake package incorrectly. Either that or you have a spin/radial bearing going out.

Personally, I would take the machine back and have them fix it if it's still under warranty. The A806 is definitely a keeper and most certainly worth the hassle.

 

[goatfarmer]

Put a siphon break on the drain hose. Your appliance store will know what one is.

kennyGF

 

[pturo]

Are the belts Maytag belts? They are designed to slip at the right time, hence no clutch on the machine. The correct tension of the motor sled and genuine belts acts as the clutch. Using other than Maytag belts can cause problems with the whole spin, drain issues. Rarely, if ever, does the poly pump fail.

 

[liamwa]

Its the pump.

Well I ended up taking the pump out to have a look. I also removed the tub to pump hose to check for any blockages. No blockages anywhere that I could see. However I think the pump bearing is wearing out as the pump pulley seems a bit too stiff to me. The pump is definitely not new it may even be the original one. If so its 32 years old so I think its served its time. Anyway I put everything back together and put a bit more tension on the pump belt by moving the pump all the way over to the right side of the cabinet. The washer is working fine, but I will have West Coast Appliance come out and replace the pump as this is definitely a warrantee issue.

Thanks for all your tips.
Liam