New Old Stock Maytag E2L

[mr-maytag]

I just found and purchased a new old stock Maytag E2LP. The paper is still on the wringer rolls and everything. I haven't decided if I should use it or just keep it (kind of exciting to think of getting to use a brand new one, but also neat to have a mint, never used one)...any thoughts or suggestions? I am wondering if I do decide to use it...should I do anything with the tub seal before putting water in the tub? I'm afraid of water leaking into the transmission if the seal has hardened or something. It's a 1983 model that was ordered by a store and never sold.

 

[washernoob]

Well first of all.... you have to post pictures!

Congrats on your fantastic find....

Honestly even if its new, I personally would get bored with it if I couldn't use it! I probably would never wash a full load of major clothes in it. Just light shirts or something.

 

[combo52]

NEW MT WRINGER

You should use it, fill it up with some hot water and detergent to protect it from corrosion damage  and use it. The seals will be fine the belt may have a slight flat spot but will probably be OK after it runs a while. The rubber parts will deteriorate more if not used, rubber parts need flexing to last as long as possible. Enjoy and these are very sturdy machines don't baby it.

 

[polkanut]

When that machine was new, a Maytag wringer actually cost more than an automatic machine.  The reasoning was that these were considered a special order item.  That was the case when my mother-in-law bought her last wringer (Model E2LS) in 1981 from Wausau Furniture Co.  Your 1983 machine should be a Model E2LPS.  The "S" signifies that it came with a little rubber ball on the end of a piece of tubing that activates the wringer with air pressure.  You can bypass this by removing the tubing, and placing a bolt in the hole where the tube attaches to the machine.

 

I picked up a Model J2 (red trim) yesterday, and will post the serial no. later to decode its manufacture date. 

 

[mr-maytag]

Yeah...I think I'll probably use it. Thanks very much for the info about the seals! I'll post a picture or two soon. Yes - it's an E2LPS...the rubber ball at the end of the tube is cracked, though, so it will be an E2LP soon... I also have a red trim J2L, Polkanut...it's just like the one my both my grandmothers had - made in Feb 1964. I have that list of serial numbers and dates if you would like a copy.

 

[polkanut]

Ted,

Could you please send me the serial no. & date list via the AW.org email system?  I would greatly appreciate it, thanks.  When we brought my mother-in-laws machine home (2001), the rubber ball was completely disintegrated from sitting down in a damp basement.  At that time I was able to order the ball and hose, but it did take awhile, so they are probably NLA now. 

 

[mr-maytag]

Tim,

I sent the list to the email you have listed in your information here. ([email protected]). I don't know how to work the email on AW.org, I guess...sorry.

 

[swestoyz]

Tim, serial numbers for Maytag wringers can be funny.

Right now the dates are fuzzy in my head, but sometime in 1954/1955 Maytag went to the 123456XX style serial number on all Newton production products, including wringers. Prior to that date, only the automatic washers and dryers followed what we consider to be a normal Maytag serial number.

Prior to that date, wringers used a X123456X style serial number, which requires decoding sheets depending on what model the serial number came from, E, J, N, E2, J2, or N2.

If your mother-in-law's Maytag uses the earlier numbering convention, let me know and I'll see if I can dig up the papers on the earlier serial numbers.

Ted - congrats on the NIB Maytag! As John said - just use it. The belt might be flat but otherwise vintage appliances are just like collector cars. They need to be used/driven periodically in order for the rubber to not dry out.

Ben

 

[mr-maytag]

Thanks very much, Ben! The decoding information I have says that the 123456XX started in 1949 and then changed somewhat in 1966. I don't know for sure that it's right, but I did get it from a retired Maytag repairman.

 

[mr-maytag]

Ben...sorry...the information I have is from 1949 and on with automatics and 1954 and on with wringers.

 

[qsd-dan]

Would love to see some pics! A video camera, whether analog or digital, would be a must to commemorate its first wash.

 

[polkanut]

Ben,

I foolishly sold my MIL's E2LS in Feb. 2002, before I knew about AW.org.  She bought it in 1981.  Thanks to Ted "Mr. Maytag" I discovered that my J2L was built May 1962.  I found it on the Wausau CL for $60.  The serial no. is 50766RJ.  I plan on keeping this machine for quite sometime, unless a reasonable E2L comes along.

 

[qsd-dan]

I plan on keeping this machine for quite sometime, unless a

You may want to keep the J2L in addition to the E2L since one must be careful what detergents and additives are used in the E2L, in order to prevent damage to the stainless liner. That's not an issue or concern with the porcelain lined J2L or N2L models.

 

[combo52]

NEW MT WRINGER

Note the tub in your machine is aluminum not Stainless Steel, be sure you rinse the machine out after you drain the soapy wash water and it will be fine, it will not corrode in the time you are washing clothes.

 

[polkanut]

Dan,

Thanks for the advice regarding the use and care of the aluminum tub.

 

[polkanut]

Well I've come to the conclusion that practically nothing can kill a Maytag wringer washer.  I gave my recently acquired J2L a little bit of a workout today by doing 2 sets of bed linens.  Now mind you, this machine I was told hadn't been used for at least 15 years.  After a little bit of work cleaning it up, and a little trouble at first getting the rollers to lock together, all is well.  I washed each load for 8 minutes using Ariel w/ Oxianillos, Bluette, and ammonia, wrung them out, and refilled the washer for the 3 minute rinse for each load using some Fluffy Apple Scent, courtesy of Mattywashboy.  Each load came out sparkling Maytag clean thanks to the famous Gyrafoam washing action.  Gotta love them wringers made in Newton, IA!

 

[mr-maytag]

Here's a picture of the washer:

 

[mr-maytag]

...and one of the tub:

 

[washernoob]

That is PRISTINE! HOLY MOLY!

What a find. You are so lucky!
That is definitely my favorite color combo for E2 machines.