MT spinning in reverse instead of agitating.

[volvoguy87]

I've been keeping an eye on a friend's 1975 Series 1 A806. I just swapped it out for one of mine because of a problem I've never seen before. When it is supposed to agitate, the tub just spins. It spins in the opposite direction of the normal spin cycle. MT washers have a reversing motor, so I know the motor is spinning in the correct direction at the correct time. Also, when the lid is opened or the power is turned off, the brake does not grab. I tried to hold the tub still during agitation, but the belt just slipped.

I know the brake holds the tub still during agitation, and its failure is likely responsible for the spinning. What would cause this type of failure? Might there be something wrong inside the transmission (I am comfortable tackling or swapping a MT transmission).

Dave

 

[wayupnorth]

Dave, when I bought my LA 511 in 1984 the very first load it happened to and spun the water over the top on to the floor as the drain was not pumping. Maytag repairman knew what exactly was wrong but apologized and fixed it all under warranty. I dont remember the part name but the big pulley in the middle of the bottom has springs in it to make it work one way on wash and the opposite on spin/drain he explained. I would double check that.

 

[bendixmark]

spinning

The trans mission pulley is most likely stuck in the up position against the brake package causing the machine to spin instead of agitate.Manually turn the pulley counterclockwise until it backs down and releases the brake.Next remove the transmission pulley and lubricate the pulley shaft with maytag transmission oil or equivalent and the pulley bearing and threads as well.This should stop the pulley from sticking.When you turn the pulley clockwise as far as it will go and release it should wind back down on its own.In extreme cases you need a new pulley but not usually.

 

[volvoguy87]

I'll check on it.

Thank you! I'll go over and check on it later this week. The washer is still at a friend's house, so I cannot just go down to the basement and look at it at home.

Right now, I resurrected an A207 from my dead line and it's doing a fine job.

I really like the regular-capacity MTs, there's just something about the way they perform that I like a tad more than the large capacity versions. Perhaps I'm biased as my first vintage machine was an A208 (which has traveled around the country with me and is still going strong).

David