Motor on Timer Shot/ 1976 Maytag Washer A606S

[wondering10]

My dad's old Maytag (1976, I believe, if the instruction manual date is correct) Washer A606S (with no Series number listed), also with the Permanent Press cycle, has stopped cycling. It is also deposting much tiny specks of lint on all the clothes, even though the lint collector collar seems to be collecting the normal amount of lint as it usually does- though, maybe the unusual lint deposting has something to do with me advancing the machine manually now- perhaps I'm skipping or short timing something when I do the wash.

However, it seems to be that the motor on the timer is shot, but since I'm not a mechanic, I don't know if the timer and the motor are the same part/joined as one, or do you order the motor sep. and attach it to the timer?

And if so, how difficult would it be for an armchair mechanic such as my dad to do this job if he was able to get the part(s)? He has no schematics manual, but when we took the metal plate off the back console, I think you could sort of see where the part was, under a mass of wires. I have a photo of this I can post later.

My dad was told over the phone by 2 different companies/repairmen who had some experience with the older Maytag models that the part needed would have to be rebuilt in Toronto, Ontario, for $150, since no others used, new or usable seem to exist in our area in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Is this likely, because I found 2 USA Maytag parts sites on the internet that sell seemingly the correct parts (around $40 US), and some of them are listed as new (unused?) and/or also used, for a lesser price. Anyone from Eastern Canada experience this drought of used or new parts for these vintage Maytag machines, and would the US website parts be worth the chance?

I know my dad has found local appliance parts stores which sold old parts for his fridge and oven, and even if they weren't the exact match in some cases, they worked when he installed them.

This machine has been a good work horse for my parents, now retired and on a fixed income. However, although, they would like to keep it going, they wonder if the cost and difficulty finding a part/rebuild, not to mention the extra proposed labour costs and time to get the rebuild done is worth it. The only other problem the machine has had over the years is the odd drum adjustment and plugged water hose. Both minor fixes done by my father quite a few years ago.

Any help or advice offered would be appreciated. I'm attaching the one allowed photo with this post, but I can post others, with more details, if this is acceptable.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[cuffs054]

I did mine and it was not hard. You need to pop the chrome cap off center of dial to get it off. Make sure you make diagram of where wires go. POWER OFF

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Try this...

A picture would indeed help identify the style timer as some were a clam shell and some were not. Anyway, what you can do is get a volt meter (set to ac) and check power at the timer motor leads. Find the two black wires coming from the timer motor, usually a silverish round shape, and follow them to the terminals on the timer body. Turn on the washer (either wash or spin). Once the washer fills then starts agitating, put your meter leads at the timer motor wires at their terminals. You should be getting line voltage. If you're not, most likely it's timer time. If you are, you probably only need to replace the timer motor, which isn't that hard. That's where the picture of the timer comes in handy because then the method of timer motor removal can be determined. About 75-85% of the 'no advance' complaints I see on those older Maytags are just timer motors.

RCD

 

[wondering10]

Motor on Timer Shot/1976 Maytag Washer A606S

Thanks kindly for all the info so far. I will try to get more pictures up, but the feedback so far is encouraging. Of course, I still have to get the part from somewhere, and the thought of an expensive rebuild is not very appealing. Hopefully one of the online parts places will have the correct part.

I will be pulling the washer away from the wall tomorrow (with help) to get a better view of the area behind the dial and will try to post a better photo. Here is a photo from yesterday where I pushed the camera against the back of the machine in a very tight space.

Thanks again,

Rob

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Like I said...

A clamshell timer. The timer motor is a simple thing to change on this one. You still gotta see if it's the timer or just the motor. On this timer, there should be a couple of plastic advance arms that the timer motor moves to advance the timer, so possible idea #3 is the timer motor advances but the movement arms do not properly engage the timer cam to move it. Still not a total disaster. Soooo... you gotta see what it is...

RCD

 

[bpetersxx]

I'm not sure but I think it is a kingston timer

The motors are available as mine died and I had Ed Hession put a new one on for me

Takes no time at all

 

[electroluxxxx]

I have the same problem with my highlander I hate when it happens

 

[wondering10]

Thanks to all who replied with info re: my initial post for help with this machine, and espc. RedCarpetDrew who also provided some extra, detailed help I might have to use one day if the timer itself goes (God forbid). I ordered an old stock/new Kingston timer motor from a US online washing machine parts place in PA and put it in myself, with my dad looking on and expressing great relief to see it fit and later worked It was pretty straightforward work as you all indicated, though the mass of wires at the back of the clamshell is still pretty intimidating.

Thanks again, and now I know where to go for help if the machine acts up again.

Rob in Ontario, Canada.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

You just can't beat that flush of excitement when the part you replaced works without too much in the way of sparks... Looks like that A606S is in good hands...

RCD