Maytag washer Model # A606 oil leak - Can you help?

[357dee]

The other day I purchased a Maytag washer, Model #A606 (can't find where I wrote the serial #) for my mother to replace an almost exact, but likely older(?), model Maytag washer she has had for almost 30 years, and was probably 20 or so years old when she got it (we don't know the model as all identification appears to be long gone). All of the button-settings are exactly the same, however, all of the writing on the dial of my mother's machine has been worn off so I don't know if the cycle settings are the same (the A606 has a "damp" setting I do not remember the other machine having). As it turns out, the A606 is leaking oil out of the bottom. I was offered my $$ back, but my Mom was so tickled to be getting a "new" washer almost IDENTICAL to her old one (which the agitator froze up on). So I have taken on the endeavor of repairing one or the other. I've never done washing machine repair, but I have taken on some fairly involved auto repair and succeeded.
Because I didn't want to give up on it, the gentleman I bought it from did take it to the local appliance repairman. He was told it was probably the seal around the top of the tub allowing water to leak down into the "innards" (my word, because I don't know exactly where).
Questions:
1) Would you agree with this oil-leak diagnosis?
2) Keeping in mind the toilet has to be pulled to get to my Mother's machine, would it be easier to repair the frozen agitator on said machine-in-tight-spot, or, replace the seal and/or possibly repair/replace the "transmission" on the A606?
3) Does anyone know where I can find a parts blow-up of the A606?
Any information you have would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you, in advance

 

[gyrafoam]

That's what Maytags do------

I'm curious ----- is there a "puddle" of oil?

Because it's not unusual for a Maytag to drip or sling a bit of oil around, just 'sayin.
And I've known of machines that ran for quite a while after dumping all their oil.

In any event, if you have to do a rebuild you are going to have to have room to work, pull the cabinet off of the base, etc.
You found the right website for everything you need. There are quite a few experts in your part of the country.

 

[potatochips]

Hmm... WELL. It is somewhat normal like Steven said for these machines to sling a bit of oil around on the inside, more than likely thats caused by a transmission gasket thats worn and starting to leak.

BUT the worst one would be if its leaking oil from the bottom of the machine on to the floor. That usually is a drive shaft seal issue on the transmission, which is a lot harder than replacing the gasket. Can you tell us any more details on the oil? Where its at? And maybe provide a picture of what it looks like?

 

[357dee]

Not exactly sure how big the "puddle" was at its former home, but it had leaked roughly a cup or so in the bed of the pickup that brought it to me (in a 24-48 hr period of time) and there was oil around the bottom edge of the machine when I was unloading it at my mom's. I will try to have pictures sent over to me to post this evening (unfortunately the washer is an hr away as I do not have the space to work on it at my house). The oil color and smell was that of slightly dirty car-engine oil. It kind of appeared to be coming out of the holes in the circular "bell-housing"(?) on the bottom of the machine.

 

[gyrafoam]

Drive shaft seal. You will need plenty of room to move around.

 

[357dee]

Luckily, this A606 is sitting in a nice, spacious shop. Still waiting on pics from my brother. Are there any experts anywhere in Kansas or Nebraska you would recommend for parts or whom would have a parts blow-up so I know what I'm looking at? Not opposed to upgrading my membership for it. My Momma loved her old washer like she gave birth to it and I don't blame her; thing was a BEAST! And, as Haynes auto manuals have proven to me, if I have a picture &/or some fairly straight forward instructions, I'm pretty sure I can fix this. Pictures will post as soon as I get them. Many, many thanks!

 

[duke]

Membership pays sir. Once you join, Your questions will lessen.I found enough information with pictures and interaction to sheepishly call myself an expert concerning my own machine.Welcome

 

[357dee]

Noted. Thank you. In the mean time, pics of the bottom of the machine...Not sure if they help. Purchased some service lit, hoping to find how to replace the drive shaft seal. If you have any tips or pointers, I'm all ears. Again, many, many thanks for the input.

 

[duke]

Noted,Oil leak-What service literature did you purchase ?

 

[gansky1]

If the machine runs fine, I'd clean up the oil and keep washing. I've seen a lot worse than that and the washer will run for a long time with a drip of oil now and then. Oil always looks disastrous when it's splattered about, but Maytags can run for years like this.

If the transmission becomes sluggish at start of agitation, you have a significant loss of oil, or see signs of oil in the wash basket, then you will need to rebuild it. Better still, keep your eyes on Craigslist around the general area for another nice Maytag washer, which you're likely to find fairly easily and cheaper than the combined new parts you'll need to rebuild this one. Maytags are pretty plentiful out here on the Mighty Prairie.

 

[357dee]

Purchased a spec sheet (parts blow-up) and parts identification guide. Though asked, my brother did not specify how much oil has leaked out of the washer since it was placed in the shop last Monday. When the weather lets up, I'll have my Momma run a load of something insignificant and see what happens. The gentleman I bought it from said the last time it was used was last Sept (2016) when his wife ran some rugs and towels (not sure if together) The washer belonged to his mother so he doesn't know the usage prior to Sept 2016. My only reservation about moving it inside and giving it the "green light" is the toilet must be pulled to install it and/or perform repairs (my dad was working on amending this before he passed but was unable to complete the task). Would like to insure the P.I.T.A. of installation doesn't have to happen on a regular basis. Did not have time last night, but purchasing membership today!!
Sidenote:
Might already have "spare-parts-washer" as I might be able to id the model of the frozen-agitator-Maytag currently in the tight spot at my mother's by the parts? (front panel is already off of it as my dad never replaced it after doing some minor repairs, long ago) Everything else, cosmetically, appears to be pretty much the same between the two, so fingers-crossed! Thank you all for your input!

 

[super32]

An orbit of options

Forgive me if its been said and i missed it but another option would be to put an orbital transmission in it. You should be able to still buy a new one. Its probably the most expensive options but would be the easy/faster option to a rebuild if time is limited. If you choose this option its highly recommended to replace the agitator with one that was designed to be used with the orbital transmission. The base is smaller in diameter to allow for the faster agitation.

Just a thought.