New confused E2LPS owner

[k9s4hire]

I just picked a Maytag wringer up. I am planning on using it mainly in my shop for shop towels and greasy clothes. I tried reading the code threads and just got more and more lost trying figure out what I have so I can order parts. For instance the on off switch is missing so I have to plug it in to turn it on and unplug it to turn it off. I am posting two photos. One is the machine and the other is the Maytag sticker on the side of the unit. Any help identifying this would greatly be appreciated.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Beautiful machine

There is no on-off switch with this machine. When it is plugged in the motor runs. You pull out the navel knob to engage the transmission and start agitation and push it is to stop agitation. The roller water remover as Maytag called the wringer is activated by turning the lever at the top of the column holding the wringer in the direction in which you want it to go. In the middle position, the wringer is off and can be moved into the position you need in relation to rinse tubs or laundry basket. The wing at the top of the wringer locks the rolls into the tension for wringing water out of fabrics and the turquoise bar across the rollers, is the emergency release to release tension on the rolls in case of emergency or if you were cleaning the wringer rollers at the end of use. They must never be allowed to be stored wet and together.

 

[k9s4hire]

Thanks

Your input was very useful and appreciated. I would also like to know how old my machine is and where to get parts. Also two more questions.
#1. Can I place a power strip on the power cord and use that as an on/off switch?
#2. I have read that there may be a prefered laundry soap for these old style machines. What is recommended? I was thinking about using Borax soap for all my shop towels and coveralls.

 

[jeb]

Maytag

During normal washing there is no need to turn off the motor. at the end of the wash day unplug it. Since it will only be used once in a while I don't see the need to leave it plugged in unless the outlet is hard to reach. It was designed to be unplugged most of the time but I don't think it would hurt to be plugged into a power strip. Jeff

 

[ea56]

Your Maytag is from the late 60’s to the early 80’s. My family bought one like this in 1969, and it was the first year that they used the “S” in the model number I believe. The “S” designated that it was a safety machine equipped with the pedal that the user needed to step on to keep the wringer on. The dealer we bought ours from suggested that we have him bypass this feature, as most of his customers disliked this feature. To do this he removed the rubber tubing from underneath the machine that the safety pedal was connected to and plugged the hole with a stove bolt, problem solved.

You can use any kind of detergent or soap that you like with this wonderful Maytag wringer. Some people say to not use chlorine bleach in the aluminum tub model, claiming that it will discolor the aluminum. We always used bleach, and I can’t recall that it ever discolored the tub. But it’s a washer afterall, if the bleach discolors the tub a little, it’s not the end of the world, unless you plan on selling a pristine machine at somepoint. Otherwise, enjoy using it.

Eddie

[this post was last edited: 3/18/2019-18:28]

 

[swestoyz]

Serial code YS = August 1976

Beautiful Maytag! Looks to have been well cared for and probably used sparingly.

Ben

 

[tomturbomatic]

Unless your water is super soft, I would use detergent. Make sure that you rinse the tub and wringer after use. Remove the Gyrator. Put a dab of petroleum jelly on the transmission shaft. Store with the Gyrator in the tub, but at an angle so it's not on the transmission shaft. Leave the lid ajar possibly resting on the towel-covered wringer head which is popped open so the rollers are not touching.

 

[stan]

Borax Soap?

Didn't think they made Borax Soap anymore.
Maybe you mean Borax with Laundry soap?
Roy, you can download a owners manual as well as a service manual for your machine here on the site.
The owners manual can be helpful if you have never used a wringer before. It explains how to operate the wringer rollers, tension, as well as how to seperate the rollers so they don't touch when machine is not in use. (This prevents flat spots)
I see that your machine is a pump model, but no goose neck on the end of your hose?
If your planing on using your machine outside where you can gravity drain, then you don't need one.
Let's us know how it works out, and if you need help with repairs or parts.

 

[k9s4hire]

Thanks everyone

Great responses and tips. While trying to follow one tip on greasing the agitator I failed. The agitator will not budge and I'm afraid I'm going to damage it. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

 

[tomturbomatic]

No, it was just left in place instead of being removed after use and now is probably there for the duration.

 

If you go on eBay and search Maytag wringer washer parts, you should find the site of a great guy in upstate NY, I think, who knows all about them and has all kinds of parts.

 

[abcomatic]

Roy, Welcome to the world of wringer washers! Maytag made a ton of them and you won't be disappointed when using this. It looks like it is in excellent shape? Maybe you can use it in the house as your regular washer and get an older one for the garage? Just a thought. Gary

 

[ea56]

I recall Hippiedoll (Christina) posting about having this problem in the past with her Maytag wringer agitator. If I recall correctly she filled the tub ( not all the way, just enough to cover the bottom of the agitator) with the hottest water possible, ( some boiling water ) and let it sit in an attempt to loosen the corrosion on the shaft that was freezing the agitator to the post. She had to do this a few times I believe, but she was ultimately successful in getting the agitator freed from the post.

I’m sure when she reads this thread she will offer you some helpful suggestions. She is a wealth of knowledge about Maytag wringers.

HTH,
Eddie

 

[launderess]

Despite fact Maytag clearly and expressly warns

Owners to remove agitator after use and also grease the stem; some didn't do one or both. Leaving the thing sitting for months might not be an issue, but years is another matter. What can and usually does happen is the agitator becomes "glued" to the stem.

Happened to one, and here is how got the thing off: https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?67108

 

[k9s4hire]

You guys are awesome

Per your suggestions, I boiled a couple buckets of water yesterday and poured them into the washer and turned on the agitator. I let it run for about 40 minutes. I drained it and reached in and on my second pull the agitator came right off. OMG! For a machine that looked so clean, what I found under the agitator was disgusting. I pulled off the lint screen too. Everything cleaned up quite nicely except the metal on the lint screen looked pretty bad. It may need to be replaced if the part is for sale out there somewhere.

 

[e2l-arry]

The LINT SCREEN

Isn't essential for operation. Only pump models came with them. These were not so much for lint as they were to keep loose change, paper clips or anything else inadvertently left in pockets that would wreck the pump if they got it. So you can just be very careful that nothing gets left in the pockets ad go without or do what I did. Take the existing screen and sand it down and paint it and use as is. It would be totally effective in preventing the above mentioned items from entering and ruining your pump.

 

[k9s4hire]

Thanks E2

It is only rusted/corroded on the edge and spindle in a few areas so sanding and painting is a very good idea. Would you recommend a rustoleum type paint or something else?

 

[e2l-arry]

I sanded it, primed it, then spray painted with Gloss Black Rustoleum. 6 years later, it doesn't look brand new,it's a little chewed up around the spline, but it's OK and it functions as intended. And I know what you mean about what you find under a stuck agitator, Mine even had 2 razor blades under there! Besides the usual GROSS gunk!

 

[k9s4hire]

Paint job completed

I did a primer, then sprayed plasti-dip and then a final black gloss. Hoping this slows the rust and damage. Looks like there were some pretty hard stuff hitting the edges of the strainer.

 

[e2l-arry]

Nice Job

That's about how mine came out. Looks pretty good for it's age and will be fully functional. I was going to tell you they do pop up from time to time on Ebay. But I couldn't justify buying one when I already have a working one. Other than for cosmetics. But who sees it under the agitator anyway. Except, of course when you're not using it and the agitator is properly removed from it's shaft.