Need help with Maytag Wringer Washer, Series

[gobonniego]

I've just purchased this vintage Maytag wringer washer. I'm going to use it to felt sweaters. Doing it in my modern machine clogs it up. It should be easier in this machine.

The guy I bought it from said it was working 15 years ago when it was put in storage. Since then, your guess is as good as mine.

Unfortunately, the plug was missing so I couldn't test it. I took it to an appliance repair place but they couldn't find anything out about it so they refused. Called Maytag and they didn't know anything. Called Sears (who said they carried Maytag parts), but without a model number, they almost wouldn't talk to me.

I have a friend who's a mechanic and works on old trucks. He said he'll look at it. I'd love to have some info for him when he gets here.

Here's some info and questions. The lid is not attached; it just sits on top. The agitator color is black. I can't find a model number, just a serial number. I saw some pictures that looked a bit like it and they called it an "E2" or an "E series." I don't know if that's correct. Would the plug have been a two-prong or a three-prong?

Is there any place to buy a repair/parts manual for it? Obviously, I can't start looking until I have verified the model. I was just wondering. And any place that sells vintage parts?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[wringer]

Hello,

You have a model J. If it has a pump on it it is a J2LP if no pump it is a J2L. The serial number and the letter following it will give you the date of manufacture. I am not certain what you are asking about the plug so won't comment. Someone in the club will help you out. Congratulations !!

Jim

 

[e2l-arry]

You can buy

A replacement cord/plug at any hardware store. I replaced mine at Ace Hardware for $6.95. These originally were 2 pron non-grounded but I upgraded to a grounded 3 prong. Just attach the ground wire to a screw holding on the power cord cover plate on the motor itself. Really pretty simple. Plug it in and see if it works. Then worry about a manual. And yes, they're easily obtainable.

Larry

 

[kenmore71]

It's hard to tell from the angle of the picture whether it's a J2L or a J2LP (pump). I can tell from the color of the wringer release bar and your description of the agitator that the machine was most likely made between 1955 and 1965.

Does it need the entire cord replaced or just the plug? Either of those items can be gotten at a hardware store as mentioned above. Also, I noticed that the lower roller seems to be askew. If it has simply jumped out of its "slot" that obviously a simple little problem to fix, if you need a new lower roller you'll need to do a bit of hunting (but not that much)!

 

[kenmore71]

Also, with the exception of the actual tub and cover nearly everything is identical between the E and the J. The were both sold as "18-gallon" machines. The wringer heads were the same as was everything "under the skirt".

 

[stan]

Don't see

a goose neck on the end of the hose so it may not be a pump model, but you can still get the pumps for these if you want to add one.
Once you replace the plug, see if you can get the rollers on right (you don't want those turning if there a fowl)
Once thats straight, plug her in and see if the motor spins, and agitator turns back and forth when you pull the front nob.
Next..
make sure that the agitator pulls off and out of the tub (it's supposed to!) check and see if there is a removable lint screen under that. If so, clean and replace.
Lube the agitator spline, and post with a little petroleum jelly, and replace.

Next, while it's still outside, add water and see if there are any leaks, if not...fill to the fill line (on agitator) plug her in! Pull nob and watch the action LOL (gravity drain after)

If you get that far, hit us back, and we'l tell you how to work the wringer

HTH

Looks like a very nice machine!

 

[stan]

For Parts

Phil at Phil's Maytag in Ovid N.Y

Will post email and his phone if you need.

Let the webmaster know if you want service manual, or user manual. I'm sure Robert will hook you up with one.

 

[alr2903]

Bonnie,  I seldom defend Sear's anymore but your wringer washer is a Maytag product mfr.  in Newton Iowa,  decades ago.  Whirlpool now owns the "Maytag" name. I doubt Sear's would of been able to assist you. Even had you brought the whole machine to them.  The members here will help you with all things "Vintage Maytag".  alr2903