New to Group with New to me Maytag E2L

[crazieeddie]

I'm new to the group AND excited to have found a working Maytag E2L! I've downloaded a manual, but would like some advice on the best way to clean it up and get it in shape to start doing some laundry.

In particular the drum looks a bit rough, there's a bit of oil down the leg under the wringer arm and the rollers look grubby.

This is my first vintage appliance, and I'm not really mechanically inclined, but I have a good selection of tools and I am willing to learn...

Many thanks!

Pat

 

[launderess]

Let me be the first to welcome you to our little world.

If you use the search function and keywords "Maytag Wringer" pages and pages of excellent advice on these machines will turn up, including various restoration tips from those that have "been there and done that".

As you'll find out from reading various archived posts, a trail of oil on the rear left leg can mean a leak.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?53620

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?21996

 

[crazieeddie]

Thanks Laundress, I had a quick look at the link on leaks and it's just what I needed!

 

[launderess]

Good to hear

You can also do a search for the name and contact information of various suppliers of spare parts. Phil, in Ovid, NY is highly recommended. You can thus begin tracking down new rollers.

 

[bradross]

Rejuvenating old rolls...

Hello Pat,

And let me extend a welcome to you as well! I have an E2LP also - a little newer than yours (1977), so my rolls are still in great shape. However, I have rejuvenated very old rolls for two of my 1935 Model 30s. As long as the rubber is in basically good shape and hasn't got major nicks or cracks, after cleaning, you may consider sanding them lightly with 80 grit sandpaper. Often the harder bottom roll will have a "crusty" surface that can be smoothed beautifully with sandpaper.

Regarding shining up the tub interior, SOS pads and a lot of elbow grease can do wonders. If there is significant oxidation, 120 grit fine sandpaper works beautifully, followed by a buffing with Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish (which is great for the crown also.) Avoid sanding the crown unless there is significant damage or corrosion. If so, only use a very fine, wet sandpaper, followed by Mother's.

I've attached a pic of mine, showing what an amazing shine can be achieved.

 

[bradross]

Note ... perhaps Robert (webmaster) can change the tag...

from "Vintage Automatic Washers" to "Wringer Washers".

 

[stan]

Hi Pat

Welcome aboard.
The oil down that leg is not un common with these old machines. Sometimes they'll leak a little when their transported
(Up right or on their side)
If you have to transport on its side, it's best to lay it face down (MAYTAG logo down)
You could clean up the leg and the crossbar underneath near the weep hole, and run the machine and see how it goes.
You may want to check and see if your agitator comes off and goes back on properly. Check your lint screen, then fill it with hot water, and see if the tub holds water, check to see if the tub to pump hose is leaking, pump works, and drain hose is O.K.
Hopefully she's good to go!
Let us know how it goes from there.