Removing the agitator

[777littlebit]

I'm hoping someone knows a trick that will help me to get the agitator off of a machine I inherited. I've put straps (o.k. webbing type dog leashes) under the agitator and tightened the assembly .. left, right & repeat. I moved the straps and did the same. Sadly it hasn't budged. On the up side it has broken yet either. I've left it under tension and added vinegar to see if that might help dissolve some of the particles helping to hold it in place.
I'm including pictures of how I've got it rigged.
I don't own the proper tool for removing this. I'm not sure it would do any better than my rigging. If one of you has used the proper tool and has input, I'd be delighted to listen. Or if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate those too! Thanks to all of you.

 

[ozzie908]

Whilst its under pressure

Would filling the tub with really hot water help?

Just a thought as have read this on what others have tried

Good luck !

 

[777littlebit]

Thank you

I'll give it a try... can't hurt and might help

 

[ea56]

One of our AW members, hippiedoll (Christina) has posted about this in the past a few times.  She filled the tub with very hot water and let it soak for quite some time if I recall, and was able to get the agitator loosened from the post.   You are on the right track with vinegar I believe, as it should also help to loosen mineral deposits and any rust.

 

Once you do get the agitator off, be sure to coat the post with a light film of Vaseline, this will prevent it getting stuck again.   Also, each time you finish doing laundry, after draining and rinsing the tub, check to see if you still have a coating of Vaseline on the post, reapply as needed and ALWAYS leave the agitator OFF the post and lean it side ways in the tub for storage.

 

Eddie

 

[yogitunes]

your on the right path....sort of....I recommend boiling a few large pots of water and pour in there....you can pre-heat the unit with hot water from your faucet, drain and then pour in the boiling water....

try a 2x4 over the top....then use ratchet tie downs in a criss-cross under the agitator and over the board.....and keep apply tension pressure bit by bit until it pops off.....

 

[rp2813]

$.02 more

As has been stated, you've got the right idea. I've never had to do this, but have read about this same issue in past threads.

To answer your question about a special tool, I'm fairly certain there isn't one. Maytag advised as Eddie did above to remove the agitator after use, so if that advice was followed (I'll assert that only a small percentage of owners ever did), no tool would ever be needed.

The good thing is that your agitator is a later type that's more flexible than brittle like its bakelite predecessors. Boiling water seems to have provided success for most of the problems like this from what I've read here.

 

[qsd-dan]

I've seen 2 different agitator pullers for EJN Maytag wringers. The factory tool is in the link below.

Maytag Wringer Washer Repair Tools

Difficult to find repair tools for vintage Maytag Wringer Washers. We carry Amish new replicated Maytag parts and tools to remove such parts as the agitator, agitator spline, tub bolts, and wringer head to keep these old vintage Maytag Wringer Washing Machines churning along. Maytag wringer...

www.cottagecraftworks.com

 

[777littlebit]

Thank you so much for your suggestions

I struggle to find how to reply to posts, so if I don't, it is not for lack of wanting to.
I have not won yet, but I will try the very hot water and see how that works. I have also discovered a small hole down low on curve that I think might allow me to shoot WD40 or liquid wrench in there to dissolve the deposits holding it in. As a child my Mom always pulled the agitator and stowed it on its side in the tub until the next use. Once I get her free I'll clean her up good, put vaseline on the shaft and ALWAYS store her off the stem between uses. I'm enjoying learning the mechanics of these magnificent machines. Thank you all.

 

[bradross]

The little hole is a vent hole,

that releases air under the agitator upon filling the tub with water, which helps to prevent the agitator from floating. But this hole is situated on the outside of an inner "cup" that acts as an air-lock, preventing water from touching the drive stem. Only the turquoise polypropylene agitators had this enhanced feature. So...squirting WD-40 in that hole won't help the problem.

 

[777littlebit]

Thank you for the picture

I upgraded to ratcheting strap, but didn't get any results so far. After seeing your picture, I drilled a small hole on an angle just above the factory hole. I then squirted liquid wrench into the cavity that should house the stem. After a few days of soaking I cleaned the agitator up and put a quality caulk in the hole I created.I've also used hot water a couple time. Today I ran the first load of wash in her. Hoping the agitator working may help it loosen.
If I ever get this bugger loose I will remove it at the end of energy wash day! With vaseline on the shaft, it should keep this fromm ever happening again.

 

[neptunebob]

One other suggestion.....

Try pouring the boiling water On Top of the agitator and see if that doesn't help.  Also, keep the rig applying pressure over night and through the days, one day you might find it just popped off. 

 

[777littlebit]

So Far The Agitator is

Very agitating! I've tried all the suggestions, but it's still stuck. Im running laundry in her too, in hopes that might kick it loose. One day I'll succeed. But not today.

 

[dermacie]

Mine took several attempts, but it did come loose after one night, about an hour of washing a lot of clothes it pulled right off.

 

[777littlebit]

Thank you

For your words of encouragement. I'm just going to use her for now and see what happens. Who knows hore long the poor thing has been out of service. Outside!