Maytag set saved from the landfill

[heatgun215]

I just purchased these two matching units, Maytag model A208 and DE408. The gentleman who sold them to me was in the right place and time, and the old woman who they belonged to was going to have them hauled away to the dump. She was the original owner and lived in a Streng Brothers community here in Sacramento CA. Streng bros built housing tracts that are very similar to Eichler homes. These are both in tremendous shape and functional. I plan on using them for all my laundry, replacing the new LG HE front loaders which I can’t stand using. My biggest concern is putting more wear and tear on them, being that they’re most likely all original. What parts should I look at replacing and what maintenance items should I check for? I have run 3 loads through them so far to check out all the functions still work. When I moved them I noticed the bottom of the cabinet had a build up of yellow grease around the edges, so I know some mechanics are leaking internally. Any help and direction is greatly appreciated!

 

[good-shepherd]

what maintenance items should I check for?

Damper pads lubing would be a good place to start along with the motor glides.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?54335

Try to pull off the agitator and lube the splines/stop ring

Check for water leaks especially from the tub bearing.

Other preventive maintenance you can do but more involved.

 

[dominic20]

great job

we all like vintage maytags

 

[turbokinetic]

What an amazing find! So happy those didn't go to the dump.

 

 

[thatwasherguy]

Congrats on those machines!

I have that exact set (A208 washer and DE408 dryer) from 1978 in my collection, and they are my pride and joy. They were produced sometime from 1976 to 1980 (your serial numbers can be decoded for an exact date). In terms of maintenance items, the damper pads (the small pieces of felt between the base frame and the suspension tripod hub) are the main concern in my opinion. If they aren’t properly lubricated, they can tear away from the base, and allow the aluminum damper hub to contact the base, resulting in the damper being destroyed. This part is discontinued, and expensive to buy used. I would also recommend removing the screw in the side of the water pump and shooting some turbine oil into the bearing, and checking the condition of the belts on both machines.
Hope this helps,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[combo52]

Maintenance needed for a late 70s pair of Maytag

I would agree with post number four. The only thing to really worry about is the damper pads. You can look at the belts on the washer while you’re down there at the main drive belt if it’s badly worn, you can replace otherwise just use them and enjoy and see what happens you Can do as much harm as good by tearing them apart and working on them, especially if they’re lightly used machines they may not need anything for years.

PS, machines don’t get put in landfill anymore. These two machines could easily have made a new Hyundai for somebody, they do get recycled.

John

 

[washerlover]

Yay! Awesome save and a great set.

 

[chambersb]

I have a set like that, was told by the seller they were from 1976. I've been using them for a little over a year and I've not had any issues. I'm very satisfied with them.

 

[DADoES]

 
ChambersB/Brooke, serial numbers are coded for the year and month of factory production.  Cite your info for it to be decoded to confirm your machines' ages.

 

[heatgun215]

I was scrolling marketplace and found another beautiful set. This model is A107sa. I have not tested them yet, but the came out of a 95 year olds laundry room still used every day. I will have to determine which set I like more, and mothball or part out one or the other. Or should I resell a set? Wish I had the space to keep all of them.

 

[kalanikaau1]

new Hyundai for somebody

Indeed, or turned in rebar...something that a present day "Maytag" would actually serve a useful purpose, for a change.

 

[qsd-dan]

The 208 would be more flexible with its 2 speed motor if you don't use the suds-saving feature. Also more water temp choices. Both have the smaller tubs in them but can swap in a bigger transmission/tub combo if you happen to locate a 3rd machine, lol.