New guy who picked up a Maytag A512

[db130]

Hi, everyone.

My Electrolux/Kenmore front loader from the mid 2000s that I rebuilt back in 2007 recently suffered a fatal cracked spider bracket. I've had my fill of front-load washers so I decided to give top-loaders a chance. I found a Craigslist ad for a free working Maytag washer that was one town over from me. The ad had no picture but the seller offered to send pics if I asked for it... so I asked for pics.

When the pics came, I liked the fact that the washer was already out of the guy's house and in the driveway. I googled for "Fabric-Matic" and found a bunch of posts on this website. I liked what I saw about how this model is well-regarded unit. Eventually, I was able to determine that it was likely an A512. 3 days after I saw the ad, the washer was still available so I went to pick it up.

Other than the washer being dirty, the cabinet was in good condition. I brought it home and cleaned up the years of dust/dirt.

I even got rid of the paint splatter on the console by using a clay bar (used for automobile detailing). It came out very presentable.

A512 Series 4 Serial number 110430 TG -> would you guys know the year of manufacture?

 

[wayupnorth]

Mine is a slightly older LA511 that has been working perfectly since 1984 that looks quite similar but does not say its a Heavy Duty. I figured Maytag did not have to brag about it when I bought it and every brand said that already. Only one repair and it still hums like new. And the Fabric-Matic delicate is intermittent soak and agitate because it is a one speed motor, not a slower 2 speed.

 

[jetcone]

Nice find- its 80's vintage -

that machine is durable for sure. Welcome to the club and thanks for posting!

 

[whirlcool]

We had the next model up from the one you have here. We had it for about 6 years. It never broke down and worked each and every time. I just didn't like the slow agitation Maytag uses in their washers. I'm more of a Whirlpool direct drive kinda guy. You'll have good luck with it! Just make sure you clean the lint filter!

 

[db130]

Thanks, guys.

I should have taken a "before" picture of the lint filter. It was completely plugged up and some of the holes required "mechanical" cleaning using a paper clip.

Adding a picture of the tub (I am learning the ways of this site).

 

[rp2813]

Welcome to AW.org!

Trying to imagine the number of machines made after 2000 that your mid-'80sMaytag has already outlasted would boggle the mind.  Your machine may only have one speed, but it has the big tub (four slots in the agitator) and will handle everything but the largest of items, such as king size comforters or mattress pads.

 

Now that you've been bitten by the Maytag bug, I'd wager there's a vintage top of the line 806, 710 or 712 model in your future!

 

[tomturbomatic]

Congratulation on acquiring a good, solid performer. If you have hard water consider using STPP with your detergent. Google it and you will not only find out what it is, but where to buy it and you don't need food grade.

 

[db130]

rp2813, there was an ad for a working HA806 for sale near me for a very reasonable sum ($40)... except i have no need or room for two washing machines.

the ad has since been pulled so i assume it was purchased by a like-minded individual.

 

[hippiedoll]

hi there & welcome db130!!

I looked up your maytag with the information you gave & it says:
Brand: Maytag
Type: Clothes Washer
Model: A512
Serial: 110430TG
Manufactured April of 1987

 

[db130]

hippiedoll, thank you for the manufacture date info!

I've run about 6-7 loads with it so far.. The agitator doesn't move as much as I'd like. I checked the belt tension for both belts and they look like they are old and stretched out. Since I have to get new belts, this will be an opportune time to install the 50 hz pulley. I saw the "How to Hot Rod your Maytag in 4 easy steps..." post from 2009 and saw the part numbers:

Pulley: Y202496
Drive Belt: 211948
Pump Belt: 211451

211948 equates to a generic A41 belt which is a 1/2" x 41" ID belt. It also cross references to a 4L430 belt = 1/2" x 43" OD belt. Generic equivalents can be found for under $10.

I could not find a generic belt number for 211451, but a vendor on Amazon lists an aftermarket 211451 belt for $3.11 + $4.49 shipping.

The pulley Y202496 appear to be NLA (no longer available) from the major parts vendors, but I was able to find in the Southwest region that indicated that one of their warehouses had 1 in stock. A phone call was made to verify that they actually had it (they do), it is now en route!

I hope to have updates in the near future.

 

[johnb300m]

I would not recommend getting a generic belt unless it has the "slipping" properties of an OEM belt.
Otherwise 'not-good' things could occur.
The motor needs to slide and the pully needs to slip with the Maytag setup.

 

[DADoES]

 
As johnb300m says, a "generic/lawn-mower" belt of equivalent dimensions cannot be used as a substitute on Maytag two-belt washers.  The motor->transmission belt is the spin clutch and must slip on the motor pulley while water drains and the basket gets up to speed, otherwise the motor will be stressed, overheat and shut down.

 

[rp2813]

The belt is supposed to feel loose, and this can give you the mistaken impression that it's stretched out.  The motor is on glides, so belt tension will vary.  I doubt the belts need replacing unless they're seriously cracked and hardened.  As others have stated, if you pursue replacement, only genuine Maytag belts will do.  Just don't be disappointed if the new belts feel just as loose as the old ones.

 

If the agitation starts out slow and then gains speed, particularly if the machine is located in a cold room or garage, etc., that's a common behavior that has been discussed in past threads.  Unless it's really bad, it's just something to expect/anticipate during colder months.

 

[db130]

Thanks, everyone.

I decided to do it right and have ordered new Whirlpool/Maytag branded belts.

 

[wayupnorth]

But keep your old ones as a just in case spares. When my repair guy put the motor pulley in mine last summer and replaced the belts he said to put the belts away if one should ever break. A member posted a link video of a 906 inside and underneath while running. I know it is on You tube as Maytag 906 extravaganza. You should watch the video and you will see just how all Maytag washers of that era operate, since they all are essentially the same.

 

[db130]

It looks like my belt adjustments have helped a bit since my last post. I've uploaded a video. Would you guys mind looking at it and see if the agitator action is up to par for an A512?

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsvgJC_O-fc&feature=youtu.be

 

[wayupnorth]

My 511 will start agitating slower with a big load like that and speed up just like the video did when the turnover starts. Older Maytags never had fast agitation.

 

[akronman]

well

it looks like it works quite well

 

[db130]

eh, didn't take long to pick up washer #2

I bought a Maytag A610 washer last night from a CL seller for about the price of a large gourmet pizza. It was supposedly still working when it was removed from service in favor of a front loader. It had a sticker in the back from the original dealer that said the washer was sold on August 1980.

Its front panel was in much better shape than the A512's so I swapped out the panels.

Comparing the 2 washers, The A610 has an extra temperature setting/soak cycle/timed soak but no sliding water level lever. I should be able to swap out the entire control panels as well, I think?