The Maytag bug has bitten... And they're coming in twos!

[dustin92]

I posted a threa a while back about picking up a "decent" LA308, and just last night I couldn't sleep and was browsing nearby Craigslist posts. Well, I came across a "Free 40 year old Maytag washer, working condition" in Ann Arbor (45 minutes or so from Jackson) so I sent an Email at about 1:45 this morning. I wasn't expecting a reply, but got a reply about 9:30 with their phone number, asking to call. I called and got the address, and agreed to be there at 3pm. The guy was very friendly, and sounded glad to get rid of it. Sounded a little skeptical when I said I'd be loading it in my minivan, but still glad to have it gone. I never saw a picture of it. Didn't go into details on the phone about where it came from or why he was getting rid of it. Around 2 I picked up a friend to ride along, set the address in Mapquest, and we were off. Got there at 3:11 (was about 15 miles farther from our house when I picked up my friend, needless to say I was doing slightly over the speed limit) and as I pulled in the driveway, a guy in his 30's or so came around the corner of the house. Looked like an older farm house, quite large. There was 2 or 3 old but very well kept garages behind the house. He led me to one of them and showed me the washer... Looked to be in pretty decent condition, although dusty from being stored. He said the house was previously owned by an older widowed lady, who kept everything in perfect condition and had all the appliances and heating systems serviced every year. They bought the house recently and said they wanted a new washer. Needless to say after getting it home and giving it a very quick wipe down, it is in excellent condition. Even had written instructions on a 3x5 card taped to the control panel, which ended in "Turn faucets off". Not a scratch on the top or controls, tub is gorgeous with only minor rust staining at the top. A few scuffs and minor scratches on the right side panel, other panels are nearly spotless. Seems to run pretty well, only ran a quick load tonight though. Inside the cabinet is 100% leak and rust free, just dusty. Obviously a very low mileage machine. Only pictures I have aren't the greatest, but do show how nice it is. Will most likely be replacing the A308, which I'll offer on here.

 

[dustin92]

Inside, SHINY! Softener cup is missing though. Still needs a scrubbing, filter looks pretty good, only had a thin layer of lint on it.

 

[delaneymeegan]

Excellent !

 

And just in time, too.  As it continues to get colder, any water in the machine could have froze and damaged the pump or inlet solenoid.

 

It's beautiful. 

 

 

[jetcone]

That I think

is one of the prettiest most "Maytag" models! It was on "Lets Make a  Deal" many times 

 

 

[appnut]

Is beautiful.  Looks brand new!!  Too bad there wasn't the matching low-mileage dryer.  I think this is std. capacity vs. the 308's large capacity. 

 

[dustin92]

I guess I was getting tired when I posted this last night... It's an A207, and according to Appliance411's age finder, was made in November of 1974. It is the Standard capacity, which is fine with me because we have a larger capacity front loader hooked up in the basement for blankets and larger items. I will probably give it a good scrubbing today, then move it upstairs.

 

[dustin92]

Cleaned it up a bit more today, it looks even better now! Washed 3 loads today and it works great, aside from the same issue I'm having with the A308- slow agitation for the first few minutes, then it's fine. Sounds good, quiet. Spins smooth and fast. Did find a bit of surface rust on the base plate, and one side is a bit scuffed up from being next to a dryer, so not 100% mint, but darn close for being 41 years old! I can't find any wear on anything, the tub looks wet it's so shiny. Top and controls are in excellent condition, no wear or fading on the buttons or knob. I washed a load of whites in Hot water tonight and the agitator popped right off- a little crud under it but easily cleaned. I'll take a few more pictures before I install it upstairs tomorrow, and will also be listing the LA308 in Shoppers Square- it's in decent condition but has some scrapes and wear. I'd rather have it go to someone here than end up with someone who could care less- it's still a vintage Maytag!

 

[dustin92]

Installed... Worked great yesterday, but needed to be leveled. Decided on leveling it this morning before starting a load. Started a load and got in the shower. As I was getting out of the shower, I heard water splashing... Uh oh... I think I made the 10 feet between the bathroom and laundry room in one step. The drain hose had come out of the drain. Stopped it and ran for the carpet shampooer. Pulled about 2 1/2 gallons out of the laundry room carpet. Ugh. I went downstairs to see if any water had made it through to the finished basement, and water was running out of the cupboards and above the bathroom door. As I was starting to set out rags to soak it up, I hear water running upstairs again... Sprinted up the stairs and stopped it for a second time. Same thing. I cleaned it up a second time, then tied the drain hose to the faucets with string.... Let's see that come out again! Anyway, it's working well now. Picture taken pre leveling and flood... The cardboard has been removed fron the front leg.

 

[dustin92]

[No message]

 

[dustin92]

And... Two generations of Maytags!

 

[delaneymeegan]

Nice looking machine.

Is it literally sitting on carpeting? That's a no go.
You can carpet UP TO the edge of a machines, but they aren't to be sitting directly on carpet.

They need a solid floor for balancing. You're just inviting a disaster like this.

 

[stan]

Very nice

Machine!
I had one like that, don't know what year or model it was. It was a brownish color, sort of two toned.
I do remember agitation starting out slow. What I did then, was to fill the machine on low water setting, no clothes, and let agitation begin. After a min or two, I stopped it, re set water level and added clothes. I also remember how strong the pump was! Mine drained into a sink, and I had to tie the drain hose down.

 

[dustin92]

Yes, they are on carpet, but we've had several machines in the same space, and only one ever had balance issues, a Kenmore DD. It's a long pile but very thin carpet (ie: cheap) and there is no pad under it. I'm just thrilled with the washer, it's in such good condition it feels like I'm using a brand new machine. Now to find a matching gas dryer....

 

[hippiedoll]

WOWZERS!!

That cleaned up nicely! It sure is purdy!
)

I'm glad you got the popping out drain hose problem tied down!
;o)

 

[goatfarmer]

I wouldn't worry about the balance issues, as much as I'd worry about the spinning belts underneath being on carpet.  Just sayin'..........

 

[ken-n-nancy]

Wow! We've looked at this thread a few times over the last few days and are still incredulous about the condition of that 40-year old washer.

Great find!

Guess it isn't always a bad idea to pursue those Craigslist ads that don't include a picture...