New Member with a new Maytag Model N2L

[ketronj281989]

Hello everybody,

I just recently picked up a Maytag model N2L wringer washer for 40 bucks. I have never had exposure to a wringer washer before being born in 1989. I am now hooked on them. I did not know any better at the time but put the washer on it's side for transport. I discovered after I went to take the washer out of the car, about a cup full of oil spilled out. I think the oil came out of the breather hole shaft that comes out of the power unit. The washer has set upright now for two weeks and no oil has leaked out. I did purchase a service manual and was planning to take off the agitator to add oil to the power unit. The agitator is stuck on and I have tried everything from heat to pull on the shaft part. It would seem I am in need of a agitator puller tool #38323.

Overall the washer is in great shape. I did plug it in after a bit of cleaning up. If I heard grinding in any way the plan was to shut it off immediately. BUT THE MACHINE RAN AS QUIET AS A MOUSE. After cleaning the tub I even ran a load of laundry through it! The wringer works great as well, the rollers are in mint condition. Everything works as it should. I had the machine running for over an hour and 1/2. Everything still sounded quiet. The electric motor was hot to the touch though.

*I am trying to find a exact production year for this model.* I have looked at the Maytag serial number sheet explained on "Dave's Repair.com" I still cant find a exact year. The serial number on the tub reads: 71504XL. There is a stamped date on the electric motor housing: 8/65. Any idea's?

 

[stan]

Hi Jon

I believe your machine was made Dec 1965.
It's a pretty major job to add oil to the power unit. The tub has to be removed and detached from the power unit. After adding or replacing the gear oil, you'd need to replace the gaskets as well. Since it's running good now, I'd leave well enough alone. You will eventually need to remove the agitator. Lint or a coin or something might get under it and block your drain, and the only way to clear it is to remove the agitator.
Try letting it sit with hot water in the tub, drain, while everything is still warm, get a 2 by 4.. cut to be a little longer than the width of the top of the machine, then wrap a length of rope under two sides of agitator and tie to the board. Start turning the board so that it causes a upward pull on the agitator.
Don't get to aggressive because that looks like the original agitator.
If you do brake it.. You can get a new one but it won't be black.
The motor being hot to the touch is normal.
Your machine is a gravity drain, but it should have pre drilled holes on the cross bars underneath that
are there if one ever want to add a pump kit.
Be sure and separate your rollers when not in use so you don't get flat spots.
Hope this helps!

 

[ketronj281989]

Stan Thanks for your guidance. This unit has a gravity fed drain. I have seen units with pumps as well, pretty neat. I figured I will have to perform maintenance sometime in the future. There was an agitator puller tool on eBay recently, but it is missing parts within the set. These N models are part of the economy line as I understand. Thanks for pinpointing a date of manufacture. I will head all your instruction.

Jon

 

[wayupnorth]

Jon, I have the exact twin to yours but after moving it into my shed where I had put a tub and hooked water up, something locked up inside so nothing will work other than a motor hum and shuts the breaker off. I'm not up to doing a rebuild on it and hope I can find another wringer or old automatic without a siphon break so I can get every drop of water out to prevent freezing and ruining the pump.

 

[stan]

Tim

That's too bad about your machine! Sounds like gears in the P.U locked up.
Jon, the N model was the economy model, but only because they held a couple of gallons less water than than E model. The E has aluminum that hold heat a bit better.
Is rather have a N because the E tarnishes with use of bleach, and powdered detergents. N models are easier to keep clean.
Instead of rope as I suggested above...maybe moving straps !

 

[ketronj281989]

Will do Stan.

Sorry to hear about your machine wayupnorth.

I just started a load for the second time in this machine this morning. I already hung a clothes line and am trying the machine for the second time. So far So good.

Jon

 

[ketronj281989]

Stan, thanks for the advice on the agitator. I will eventually have to perform maintenance as we all know. This washer is amazing. It has washed clothes better than any automatic I have ever used growing up. It is more work and took me about an hour to wash two loads (I did not have a rinse tub, so it took longer) but fun at the same time. There is almost and art to using a manual washer.

I think I'm hooked.

Jon

 

[ea56]

Jon, since you don't have a laundry tub you can use the bathtub for rinsing instead if you have enough room in your bathroom for the washer. This is what I used to do in the early 70's and it worked out very well for me. This way you can easily do 4 loads in about 1 hr. I always liked using a wringer washer, and if I had the set up for one I would gladly use one again. I find the whole process almost relaxing. I had a Maytag like yours only it was the square, porcelain tub model. I think it was a model J and it had a pump, which was handy. As for your stuck agitator, maybe with just continued use it will eventually loosen up enough to remove it. When you do finally get it off the post, put a thin coat of vaseline on the post to lube it. Then when you are finished washing, remove the agitator, rinse the tub and store the agitator off the post.
Eddie

 

[wayupnorth]

Jon, I was hoping to doing same thing with mine in my shed with water to a laundry tub and a drain now hooked up but it decided not to work when I got it moved in and ready and then nothing. Good luck keeping yours going for a long, long time. Mine will go to anyone here that wants it for free cause I am not into a rebuild. I would love another wringer or even an old automatic without a siphon break that works so I can get every drop of water out of it and it can stay in the unheated shed in below freezing temps, which we certainly have here.

 

[bradross]

Welcome to the "world" of wringer washers!

Jon, I love what you said - "There is almost and art to using a manual washer." The thing I love about using a wringer washer can be compared to making and kneading bread by hand - you are an active part of the work. There's something to be said for the satisfaction that comes with being actually involved with the work at hand. And I also think it's true that wringer washers do an amazing job - better than a lot of front loaders for really dirty clothes.

Enjoy your "new" old machine!

- Brad

 

[ea56]

Brad,
Your analogy of bread making and using a wringer washer is probably one of the best descriptions of how the whole process feels to me that I have ever seen. The satisfaction of hands on work as you put it is very fulfilling. And you are so right, nothing gets laundry cleaner than a wringer washer.
Eddie

 

[ketronj281989]

Thanks guys for checking out my topic. Nice to me you all. I agree with you Brad, it is an art all on it's own.

I would say this machine is content for now. I will be running it again on Tuesday (wash day). I have just been cleaning on the machine, that is all that is needed for now. Hopefully it will not need any maintenance for many years to come!!

Of all things I just recently picked up what is to be a Maytag model 90 this past Tuesday. That's two wringers now!

Thank you all for the help on understanding the model N2L.

Jon