Oh No! Black grease spots in drum of Maytag LA408

[joybell]

I have always owned Maytag washing machines, and only two 70's models since my first one at age 27 when I bought my first house. They were both bought used. I got my present LA408 together with a dryer at an auction for $100 for both, about 20 years ago! I live on a dairy farm so the washer gets a lot of use.
I noticed dark grease spots on my whites, so I put bleach in the empty tub and ran a cycle. There were two dark grease spots on the inside of my drum. I called my appliance repair guy and he said "too much work, get a new one". No way. I looked on youtube and of course there is a tutorial on how to replace a transmission oil seal (which I am guessing is the problem). Could I do this (it does need two specialist tools which I would have to buy)?

 

[good-shepherd]

replace a transmission oil seal

A leaking mounting stem seal and/or worn agitator shaft would be letting oil into the tub not the lower agitator oil seal.

Couple of threads going on right now about this job. Hopefully water didn't get into the trans, that would be more work to correct.

 

[ragnboneman]

Could it just be grease tracked form something into the machine thats migrating around?
Maybe grease off some work clothes, it happens a lot here in the industrial plant where I work.
Other depts come and use the electrician's washer, bring in grease and our fire proof work clothes are unfit to use....

There are special cleaner to remove grease, but I just get a can of contact cleaner and damp a rag and wipe everything before use.
a blob of grease in the machines workings might return and leave a spot again until you clean it all out.

Hassle I know...

Coleman white gas also works wonders for cleaning and removing grease.
JUST BE CAREFUL around sparks arcs and open flames...
Open window to allow fumes from any solvent or de-greases used to wipe out washers and driers before use.

This will not burn its very safe but expensive
https://eezee.sg/product/crc-non-flammable-contact-cleaner-400g-2017-1ed12e75f2

This is very flammable and will create huge scary fireballs in presents of spark and open flame.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/CRC-R-Contact-Cleaner-2000-R-Precision-Cleaner/PRD3QYZZNCXUVPV

If this solves the problem great!
Otherwise it might really be a bad seal, best to try and clean first.

 

[combo52]

Grease spots on clothing from a Maytag washer

Can’t find that model number something is missing there however, it’s not that likely it’s a mechanical failure of the machine that’s not one thing that Maytag are known for is leaking foil onto the clothing it’s possible but more likely it’s a buildup that has just come loose or been spread around by the washing process.

Take the agitator out and look for signs of leakage from the agitator shaft. You would also see spots on the bottom of the agitator flying outward from the shaft if it’s a machine failure.

John

 

[joybell]

UPDATE: Maytag LA408 Leaking Oil

My repairman has taken the machine apart at his shop. There was water in the transmission, and the transmission is "loose". He is looking at replacing the transmission or at least some parts. We are having a hard time finding parts, or a complete transmission. Where is a good place to look for parts?

 

[combo52]

Look for an entire donor washer with much lower mileage you’re going to need a complete transmission, an A4 08 is a 70s machine the L threw me off I guess it’s almond color, a machine that had that much use that you got 20 years ago for $100 has done its job I would look for another machine or the very least a low mileage machine take all the parts from the low mileage machine to resurrect your machine if you care about the looks of your machine or it matching the dryer.

John

 

[joybell]

Thanks John. Yes we are looking for an entire unit now. So rare. I just love that old washer and yes I have a matching dryer. I have old cast iron sewing machines too. Love the simplicity and the style of old machines.