Need Washing Machine Advice

[trish]

Greetings:

Am a newbie here. I have a '93 Maytag. We recently put down a new floor in our laundry room and the washer has decided to begin leaking ;(

This happens in the final spin and is underneath the machine. Not in copious amounts, but ostensibly cannot continue. My DH and I have explored it's inner sanctum and there is no evidence of water in there. We fear it's going to be a costly venture, like a bearing or something.

I looked into a replacement, but the last vestige of this type of machine -the Speed Queen AWN432, unfortunately has been discontinued.

I'm bummed--don't want anything electronic. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[bajaespuma]

Welcome Trish,

The good news is that usually water leakage isn't as serious or as costly as oil leakage in a Maytag from what I've learned. It might be as simple as a loose hose connection or as difficult as a leak from the poly pump.

 

The bad news is that, as was said in a recent post, the real geniuses in this organization can't give you serious helpful advice without knowing your machine. The model number would start this process and if you can't find it, you might try looking on the top of the backsplash behind the control panel on a small aluminum plate. Pictures of the machine, interior and exterior, especially the control panel would also work.

 

Good luck.

 

[trish]

Here's the photos of my machine...

Thanks!
Here are the photos.....the interior is dry. The water seems to collect directly under the machine--in the center towards the back. It's usually anywhere from a teaspoon to a few tablespoons depending on the size of the wash....and always during the final spin.

 

[panthera]

A few thoughts

I'm not an expert on late model Maytags, but here's a few general things to check until more experienced people join in (and they will):

1) Where water pools is not always a good sign of where it has originated. I swear it is as good at 'tunneling' as electrons. If you can do so without placing yourselves at risk, try spinning a full load of water out while filming (cell phone video is fine for this). Do you see droplets or spray coming out from anywhere?

2) The hoses, although exceedingly well made do have a limited lifespan. Is it possible that there's a minute crack or tear, a rub mark or perhaps an ever so slightly loose connection?

3) The air pressure tube might have come loose at the tub?

4) Sometimes the seal under the plastic rim at the top of the tub fails just a bit. Especially after a thorough cleaning, it can drip just enough.

5) While the pump is super reliable, connections do sometimes come loose.

6) Water lines? line from the water solenoids to the vacuum break? This is under the top panel and probably only accessible if you take it off.

 

I'd tape toilet paper all around these various places and run a full cycle with warm water. Where the toilet paper gets wet might just give you a clue.

 

[yogitunes]

well your somewhat half way there, as knowing it is happening during the final spin.....

but you are going to have to leave the front off, and watch each and every spin cycle to see where that water is coming from....it may happen the first time, or may take many loads before it shows up....

troubleshooting isn't always easy.....but in order to give a diagnosis and repair advice, your going to have to figure out where its coming from....

keep watching, and keep us posted....

 

[whirlykenmore78]

If you choose to replace:

Find a Speed Queen Front Loader now while there are still some left. These are the MOST WELL BUILT washer for home use ever. A good chance that you won't ever need another washer.
If you want to stay with a TL look for an old style SQ. There are still some out there but make sure it has the ELECTRONIC controller or the warranty is shortened by 2 years. They are also available, as are the FL, through commercial laundry outlets.

If going used look for a low mileage Whirlpool/Kenmore Direct drive machine made between 1988-2005. Those are the best ever for a TL. They wash and rinse well and when something does go wrong they are easy to fix.
WK78

 

[wft2800]

Speed Queen, best-built domestic front-loader ever? Not on the basis of all the complaints one reads. Plus, given how Alliance are behaving now, one wouldn't want to do business with them.

 

[combo52]

Hi Trish, As Martin suggested leave the front panel off and watch the machine, as soon as water appears turn off and unplug the washer and feel around and see what is wet and take a picture and post and we can see what is leaking and I can advise what you are up against,

 

We still have two AWN432 machines new in the box if you want to take a ride to Maryland and pick one up. We can also sell you a SQ Front Load washer, which is easily the best automatic ever sold for home use anywhere in the world, if you are over 30 it will be the last machine you ever need.

 

John L.

 

[trish]

Thank you!

Thank-you! Great group here, and I truly appreciate all your advice & info!
Will run my washer open faced this weekend and report back with the evidence ;-)

 

[panthera]

Trish,

Do be cautious. While the 'new' transmission you have is far safer than the 'old ' transmission, it's still really easy to get a camera whacked when you are trying to take a picture/video of just that one part back there.

Ask me how I know this.

 

 

[trish]

So here is what happened....

So, I ran a large load yesterday with the front panel off. I carefully watched both spin cycles. Not a drop of water in the inner sanctum. I fully expected to see water drops when I pulled the machine forward---and---zilch, nada, nothing!
The floor was dry! The only difference with this wash was that the machine was pulled forward about a foot from the wall. Of note: when DH installed the new floor, the machine seemed to move and the load became imbalanced. He used a level to adjust the feet. Is it possible this situation is being caused by an uneven floor? And if so, where did the H2O come from?

 

[vacerator]

Ours leaked near the back

center. It was the fill hose from the mix valve to the tub. Spinning tore it near the clamp on the little plastic spray nozzle thing. I cut the torn 1/4 inch section off, and re attached it.

 

[trish]

Thanks

Thanks---we replaced the fill hoses few weeks ago when we put in a new valve, so I think they are not an issue.

 

[wft2800]

Speed Queen fanboys out in force again I see. SQs are, in reality, very crude and noisy machines, of variable build quality, with incredibly basic specs (no on-board heater FFS!)... and Alliance are dreadful to do business with. Don't touch them. Fix what you can, otherwise go Miele (or LG if it's easier/cheaper).

 

[trish]

;-)

I do appreciate objective input from all. My main goal is to determine what's up with my machine. I truly would love to get as much mileage as I can from it. DH is willing to try his hand at some repairs~but not the more involved ones. On another note,while I'm not interested in the standard Maytag models, was wondering if anybody has feedback on this new model?:

Model #: MVWP575GW

 

[yogitunes]

what vacerator was referring to was hoses inside the machine that can crack/break, or clamps rust away......

its going to be one of those ghost things, where your going to have to hit the right conditions for the water/puddle to show up.....just keep watching....

it may take a while to show up....been there

 

[good-shepherd]

I'd remove the two screws on the front top corners, lift the top cover (opens like the hood of car) and have good look around in back for any tell tale traces of water leaks or streaking.

Suspect the tub cover seal as it leaks on the spin when water can get swirled up high in the tub.

Be sure tape down the lid first or you'll hear the sickening sound of the lid slamming onto the control panel when lifting back the cover.

 

[trish]

;-)

Thanks Good Shepherd---will give it a go. Doesn't sound too complicated!

 

[trish]

Think We Found it! But what.....

is it????

So DH and I just lifted the lid (last night I felt a small amount of moisture under the back/top).

Attached are photos of this moist area/black hose.

DH is busy cleaning all the crud ;( we unearthed!

He said the black rubber gasket around the tub looks OK.

Now I am seeking help from this wonderful group.....what's the next step?