Timer repair on Maytag A612 washing machine

[soniabella]

Hi Vintage Appliance lovers,

I have a 1985 Maytag A612 washer with a new motor... but the transmission is dying. In the process of dying, it has damaged the timer that was already reconditioned by an old man, who passed away last year.

I love my washer and use it a lot, as I am environmentally sensitive, and so I need to wash my clothes A LOT, with a lot of detergent and also some javel water.

My fear about replacing this gem is that I won't find anything as good as this. But if I repair the transmission (which would cost me 1000 $, but I'm ready to do it), is that the timer might be too damaged (it still works for now, but sometimes stops at bad number, but works fine 95 % of times).

Is there still ANYBODY that can help with this in the world? Here in Quebec, it's no longer possible, but I'm really in love with my appliance. Like an old sister for me. The most loyal character in my life, really (Kiddin' but not kiddin')

So should I keep, or should I replace?
And if I replace, with what?

What is really reliable nowadays?

Thank you ♥

 

[turquoisedude]

Welcome to Automaticwasher-Land, Sonia!
There is a company in Scarborough, Ontario called Turner's Timer Repair who will be able to rebuild your timer. They have repaired three timers for me in the past few years (2 dryer timers, 1 washer timer - all 3 1950s models) and all 3 machines are working reliably. If you can't find them on Google, please let me know and I will post a link.

 

[lowefficiency]

It shouldn't cost anywhere near $1k to repair a transmission, by the way.
You could make it real cheap if you found a parts donor and just did a transmission/tub transplant as one unit. But even rebuilding yours shouldn't cost THAT much.

 

[good-shepherd]

just did a transmission/tub transplant as one unit.

Even a transmission swap involves disassembling most of the washer plus the usual tub bearing/stem seal replacement and other items that should be serviced.

Unless you're an advanced DIy'er or know some who is and would be willing to tackle a major job like that you may want to think about a replacement. (Maybe thats where the $1000 transmission bill is coming from?)

Might want to diagnose the problem for sure before deciding.

 

[yogitunes]

how about shop around for another used one....maybe a Dependable Care set...

this may be more cost effective....

 

[lowefficiency]

>> plus the usual tub bearing/stem seal replacement and other items

That's why I mentioned that the easiest way out would be to pick up a donor machine, and skip separating the tubs or removing the transmission from the tubs at all - transplant the whole thing as a unit.

No pulling the agitator, no disturbing the tub cover seal, no hammering or cutting off the big nut, no taking the transmission apart, no stem seals to disturb or replace, and no re-centering of the inner tub needed.

You still have to disconnect the fill and drain hoses, and remove the belt, brake, and the three big springs. But everything else can stay together.

It would still be a fair amount of work of course - but it skips both the hardest and most expensive steps. So if the machine is sentimental, it might be worth looking into before dropping $1k on repairs....