Maytag Wringer Washer On/Off Switch?

[gobonniego]

I know my NTM (new to me) Maytag wringer washer doesn't need an on/off switch. You just plug it in, pull out the knob and the agitator starts in. But for the life of me, I don't know what the on/off lever on the front is for. It's almost a nuttin-button as I've turned to both ways and can't see what it does. Any help?

I'm assuming that this is an E series washer, but if someone knows better I'd love to know. I've see where you can tell by the logo on the machine, but my machine is missing the logo. You can't really see the lever in the pix, but it is at the bottom of the tub, underneath the knob.

I purchased this for $100 on CL from a man who told me it worked. What he meant was that it worked 15 years ago when a buddy stored it in his garage. I had to have 15 years of dust/dirt cleaned out of the motor for another $95. As soon as I purchased it, another one popped up on CL. This one was advertised as "new." I asked for a clarification and was told that the machine was purchased new, put into storage and never used. It was $200 and probably would have been a better buy, but I'm trying to get this one going.

If anyone knows of a manual available for the machine or even extra parts (it needs replacement of the rubber gasket around the lid, but that's it), I would be ever so grateful.

 

[gobonniego]

Not an E, but a J!

I finally read the answers to a query I posted a month ago (about time!). I'm told this is a J model, not an E. There isn't any hook on the dishcharge hose, so there probably isn't a pump. The water flows out freely when the hose is lowered. Still wondering about the on/off lever though. And a manual would be very nice (even if I figure out how to work it).

 

[revvinkevin]

Question....

 

 

Can you post a better photo of this on/off lever you were referring to?

 

And CONGRATS on your (new to you) Maytag wringer!!

 

Do you know when it was built?  Post the 2 letters from the end of the serial # and we can tell you!

 

Kevin

[this post was last edited: 12/14/2012-19:07]

 

[tomturbomatic]

Congratulations

First off, if you search eBay, from time to time, you will find instruction manuals for sale. Also, you might find the booklet available for download in the Ephemera section of this website.

I have never seen a Maytag wringer or "conventional" washer with an on/off switch. The motor (in all of the ones I have watched and used) comes on when the machine is plugged in. The only other control I have seen on the machine is the slide lever on the side for the pump on models with a pump. Where is the switch you are asking about in this photo?

 

[scoots]

Congratulations on your purchase of your "J". In a way, I prefer them over the top of the line "E" machines because their tubs are easier to care for and the lid gives you access to the entire interior of the machine, which helps getting bulky items out.

That mystery switch is probably a pump control. I am attaching a picture of the bottom of my "E" (it's identical to a "J"). On a Maytag Wringer, once you plug it in, all the controls are purely mechanical. The red arrow indicates the agitator control (the knob on the side of the cabinet) and the green is a toggle that pushes the friction wheel of the optional pump against the rim of the pulley.

If you push the pump to the "ON" position and nothing happens, chances are the pump wheel isn't pressing hard enough against the pulley rim. Word of caution: Be sure that when you start playing with the pump control, the water actually has someplace to go. Your machine should have a crook tube at the end of the hose and I don't see it, meaning if the pump is turned on, the machine will geyser.

By the way if you do have a pump, your model number is J2LP, if not, it's just a J2L

 

[scoots]

As for owner's manuals, this site has the Automatic Ephemera page where manuals and advertising material is available at a very nominal cost. For your wringer, just click the link at the bottom of this window and you will be taken to the specific page you need to get started. Consider "Long Famous Dependable Maytags" (published in 1966 but revised up to 1980) and "Maytag Wringer Washer Instruction Book" (1959). The first book is more of a primer, and the second gives very detailed instructions on handling laundry situations.

Your model (the "J") was the middle of the road model and was discontinued several years before wringer production halted completely ("E" was Top and "N" was Bottom of the Line). If there is no reference to the "J" model in the chapter you are reading (the deleted references are a little haphazard), just use instructions for the "E", their specifications are really identical.

One last thing, the designs on this line go back to World War Two and went forward almost completely unchanged until wringers were discontinued in the 1980's. While the machines didn't change the nature of clothing, fabrics, and detergents did, so my advice would be to follow laundry instructions from the latest publications.

Wringer Washer Library at Automatic Ephemera