Needing information on Maytag A806 washing machine

[bigterkc]

Hello!
I've been a lurker here for some time, and have finally gotten my dream washer/dryer set, a Maytag A806 washer and D 606 dryer!
A year ago I found a set on CL and before I had a chance to call the ad was removed, only to reappear about a month later. I was tinkering around with my phone and happened to take a screen shot of the ad, and before I had a chance to call about the set, I was notified that my job was ending.
With impending unemployment, I thought it was best to not get the set. But I never forgot them, and actually watched the ad till it expired. Then I was called back to work full-time and I kept thinking about that W/D set and kept watching CL to see if another set or type similar would show up.
As I was cleaning out old files from the computer I happened to stumble upon the screen shot I had taken and it had the persons phone number, and having remember the ad expired, I wondered if they still had the set, so I texted the number and the next day I got a reply saying he still had the set!!! Yippy!
I made arrangements to pic the set up, the trip was 75 miles one way, and I went and got them. The original ad said the dryer element needed replacing, so he was selling the set for $75.00 or just the washer (that worked) for $100.00. After loading the set, I asked if the price of $75. was still what he wanted, and he told me that since no one showed interest in them that I could just have them!!! I said I didn't feel right just taking them, and offered him $50.00 for not having them scrapped!
The nice old man told me that if I got them home and the washer didn't work, to text him and he would send me my money back! LOL I said to him "Not to worry! I want them just the way they are!"
I've not hooked them up yet, as the laundry area of my house is being revamped (another long story), but I did plug the washer in to see if the backlight would come on, and it didn't. So, I went and bought another florescent tube at HD and replaced it, and when I plugged it in, and turned on the machine, the water inlet solenoid buzzed like normal, but the light didn't come on, and I checked the bulb to make sure it was twisted in place correctly and it flashed really bright (as if it burned out) and wouldn't come on. WELL, I had bought two bulbs, just in case the dryer needed one, and so I tried the second bulb and it did the same thing.
My question is, what do I need to investigate on the machine to repair this, and anyone familiar with this sort of issue?
If anyone has links to their repair stories/progress, can you please share them!
I'll post better quality pictures when I get some taken, the one I'm sharing is from the CL post. The machines are in great shape, some pitting on the chrome, probably from stain removers, and is there anyway to 'fix' that or just something to live with?
Thanks for any input and information.
Terry in KC,MO

 

[rp2813]

You may need a new ballast.  There was a recent thread about a non-working tube, but in that case, the tube wouldn't light at all.  Replacing the ballast fixed the problem.

 

You can try searching key terms by clicking on the "Super Searchalator Search" option at the top right of the forum index page.

 

[d-jones]

As Ralph said

it could be a ballast issue, but I'd also try replacing the little starter. They don't last forever, they're easy to replace and they don't cost much. With the cover removed from behind the control panel the starter will be on the far left end.  

 

By the way, those are very nice looking machines. As you already know the washer is a late production A806, but the dryer looks to me like a DE808.

 

[arbilab]

The starter should not cause the lamp to light extremely then 'burn out'. That would be more characteristic of a shorted ballast. Ballasts match tube styles but the lamp industry has been in semi-chaos for a very long time with styles going in and out of..... style. E.g., the twist/cartridge starter is not a current design.

Standby for someone familiar with replacing that exact tube/ballast. The Maytag part would work but may/not be readily available.

 

[bigterkc]

Thanks

Thanks for the input, I'll get another starter and see what it does, since they are fairly inexpensive.
d-jones-- You are right, the dryer is a D808, I don't know why I entered 606 other than it was late and I was ready for bed. Thanks for pointing that out.
rp2813--Thanks for telling me about the Super Searchalator!

 

[d-jones]

If you wish to replace the ballast there are a couple of quick sources. If you want new (and expensive) the <span id="productTitle" class="a-size-large">Robertson 02588 - SPT258 can be had for $33.99 plus three dollars shipping on Amazon. It's as near an exact match as I've been able to find, but they're sometimes back ordered which means it can take a few weeks for the new one to arrive. Here's the link.
</span>

<span class="a-size-large">http://www.amazon.com/Robertson-025...UTF8&qid=1369195580&sr=1-424&keywords=ballast</span>

 

<span class="a-size-large">If you don't mind used then eBay is another source that almost always has something available. A simple search using the phrase "appliance ballast" usually turns up several options including the one I found minutes ago for $8.50 plus $4.54 shipping. It's the same Robertson ballast that's being offered at Amazon and it's ready to ship.</span>

 

<span class="a-size-large">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jenn-Air-St...766025?hash=item1a0d541d49:g:YD0AAOSwBLlVb32r</span>

 

 

 

[appnut]

Congratulations Terry.  It's nice when dreams come true.

 

[hippiedoll]

yes, CONGRATULATIONS!!

On a highly sought after model of maytags in the center-dial style! It took me 3 times before landing an 806 & 808.

My 1st maytag center-dial washer was a GA208 (washer), 2nd maytag center-dial was a A608 (washer), and then a DE308 (dryer), then I bought a GA806 (washer) & GDE808 (dryer) set & finally a CA 806 (washer).

Your's look to be in good condition from the pictures you've posted from the craigslist ad. Can't wait to see pictures that you take of these.
Did you check the lint filters in the washer & dryer?
Did you try pulling off the agitator to make sure it isn't stuck on?

Looking forward to reading more about your new vintage maytags
;o)

 

[bigterkc]

806's Lint Filter

<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hippiedoll</span>- It took me about 5 min's to get the lint filter to let loose, so I posted a couple of pictures of what was holding it in.
I've pulled up on the agitator but it didn't come out, but I'm not going to try and force it, yet, anyway. It does need some cleaning up, but its not to bad, other than the lint filter.
I got a new bulb and starter for the light and it still didn't work, so I got on eBay and ordered a new ballast.
I'm starting to get all excited about the machine.

I'm sure there will be plenty more questions as I go along. 

 

[yogitunes]

first, Welcome to the club.....

second, that's a super nice set....congrats.....

keep us posted as to your progress....

 

[moparwash]

Ballast...

Hardware stores have them...I used a GE one for $13 for my project to add a lighted console to my DG 108 and current W Laundromat project

 

[hippiedoll]

806 lint filter...

YOWZERS BigTerKC!!!

unfortunately that's how alot of lint filters come to those of us that get maytags. you can pull off most of that impacted lint off and then give the filter a good soak in hot water and after a few minutes of soaking, some of that stuff you might be able to rub off with a gloved hand. and what you can't rub off, i used a denture toothbrush and that worked really good for me.

how's about a picture of the tub, what some of us call "the money shot".

i look forward to reading your progress & seeing pictures. i'm cheering for you on this side & sharing in your excitement.
and keep us posted!
hm hm hm...
)

 

[beekeyknee]

Terry,
Is that the set from Gallatin that Phil posted on here last year, by chance? I get to KC sometimes. Maybe we could meet sometime. I would need to visit John (oldskool) McWhorter when I come, too.

Brian

p.s. Another member from Missouri. Cool.

 

[bigterkc]

Location

I bet it is! It was located in that area, really nice guy. I really lucked out that he still had them and had taken a screenshot of the ad.
I'd like to meet you and John too

 

[beekeyknee]

Sounds good, Terry. I'll contact you later on this spring. I'll send a message to John, too. He's nice. Send me a message anytime you like. Nice Maytag set. Glad you got them.

As far as the chrome goes, if it's pitted, I doubt there's much that can be done with that. Some Flitz might make it look better. The gold strip can be repainted, but that requires disassembling the machines. There's lots of other things that can be done to the machines.

In the super searchalator search field, type in Maytag. Then type in my screen name in the narrow search to specific user name and click Search. It will show every post I've made to AW with the word Maytag in it. You can do this with any subject and/or user name. Very handy feature for contributing members of Automatic Washer.org. You can thank our most excellent web master, Robert, for all the wonderful features you will find here.

Brian[this post was last edited: 2/15/2016-14:23]

 

[tennblondie78]

Congratulations!

You will LOVE them! I have an identical 806/808 set from September 1976. If you have any questions about your set, please feel free to ask me. I drove from Bowling Green, KY to Anderson, Indiana to get mine. The old couple I bought them from thought I was insane driving that far to buy that old washer and dryer... LOL!

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?53560

Maytag Update...

I thought I would share an update with everyone on my Maytags. I have named them: The washer is Ethel and the dryer is Fred. Those names just seemed fitting for some reason. I have had Ethel running; she has done 6 loads of laundry flawlessly so far. She is so smooth and quiet! Not a hint of...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[oldskool]

Welcome

Really glad to see another member in the KC area. Welcome to the club. Looking forward to meeting you and catching up with Brian.

And congratulations on the new set. 806 is my favorite Maytag unit, hands down. And the particular model you have, as I think someone else has already said, was nearer the end of production - fantastic. From the pics it appears to be Almond? I've got an 806 pair in the garage that I purchased from a lady in Shawnee Mission a couple years ago, and still haven't connected to see how they run. Been too busy with work. Looking forward to seeing more pictures of your set.

Also, Marcone is a great supply house in our area that still carries most parts for the older Maytags and other brands. Sears Parts Direct sometimes beats their prices and also will surprise you with items that other companies say are no longer available. The best thing about Sears is everything is shipped by UPS, usually low cost or free and turnaround is fast. I always shop for price. I'll need to try Fleapay (Ebay) as Launderess and some other members call it.

We need to think about getting some of the other Mid-West members together and having a "Mid-West Wash-In".

Again, really glad you're here.

John "oldskool"

 

[beekeyknee]

Hi Stephanie,

How have you been? Haven't seen you post in ages. Now we just need to hear from Drew. Stephanie is our Kentucky darling.

Brian

 

[tennblondie78]

Awww, thanks Brian! I'm doing good, just working a lot. That's why I haven't been posting like I used to. We have gotten slammed with jobs here at work which is good, but makes free time and personal life harder to come by.