Update on Maytag A112 saga, also feeling a bit reflective

[ryner1988]

Hi all,

So, I shared my Dropbox link elsewhere, and the general consensus is that it's likely the transmission or tub baring going bad due to age, so it would probably be best to just run the machine as is until it dies, and then replace it. My wife and family, both blood and in-laws, are firmly in this camp as well. No one feels it would be worth it to call for service on a 30-year-old machine. So, I will just enjoy using the Maytag while I can, hopefully it can chug along like this for a while yet, and then I guess it's back to the drawing board for a new machine from a stupid big-box store that works half as well which hopefully I'll be able to use in an accessible way.

Honestly, this brings up some complicated feelings for me. I've been researching both on here as well as other places online, and the thing is, if I were sighted, I have the utmost of confidence that I could overhaul the A112 myself. I understand the instructions perfectly. On an intellectual level, it all makes sense to me. I know what parts I would need, I have a really good idea about what to look for as far as the improper noises go and how to work on correcting them, I understand the preventative maintenance steps that would need to be taken to keep the machine in service long-term. I am mechanically minded and the whole thing just clicks in my brain. What is more, the process actually sounds fun and intriguing, restoring this great old machine to like-new condition. What an accomplishment that would be!

All that being said, I also am aware that I can't execute any of this myself. There are too many dangers lurking that I can foresee. What if I mess around and get oil everywhere and can't clean it up properly? What if I cut myself on a sharp piece? Also there's the aspect of knowing academically what to do and which part is where, and actually putting that into action. I could mess that up pretty easily without vision.

Earlier this evening, I was trying to help my wife set up a printer on our wireless network. It requires an app to work properly, and the whole thing just made me want to run away. It's not dangerous though, so everyone thinks I should be good at computers and things like that. And I do enjoy technology to a degree, but I hate setting it up. I just want someone else to do that crap for me and it just work. But I've always known, off and on through my life, that I have a passion for the vintage and restoration, but I've just never given it a lot of thought, probably because A, I think I knew that it's like driving a car or being a firefighter in the realm of what is possible for me and my situation, and B, I think it's related to how my family pushed college on me, because no one who is disabled can get anywhere without an education; no one even discussed the long-term viability of a possible trade with me. I feel that I might have done really well in trade school. As I said though, college one out, and so I think my passions got pushed to the back of my mind. However, when the 1980's washer arrived in my home, it sort of brought to the forefront of my mind the fact that I'll probably never be able to follow through with that passion, because it's too difficult to engage in non-visually.

Sorry for the downer post, guys. I suppose I just had to get this crap off my chest, because I know I'll never be able to do the work you guys do and I suppose I'm belatedly grieving that loss in a way. I do hope you all have a great night, and I hope this post wasn't too out-of-bounds or inappropriate.

Maybe I'll do some laundry in the old machine tomorrow to feel a little better. LOL

Ryne

 

[good-shepherd]

to feel a little better.

Give a new home to a vintage Maytag on Craigslist or Facebook market place and you'll feel better.

Here is a standard tub long stroke model (for $40 bucks!) in your area.

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/app/d/lebanon-maytag-washer/7483984438.html

 

[repairguy]

I agree with reply #1 although I wouldn’t give up on yours until the time comes. These old machines were tough and could take quite a bit of abuse. These washers are still so plentiful if you have a little time to find one that it’s not always worth going through the trouble of rebuilding unless it’s a special model or something of that nature. A lot of us have a little room for spare machines so that helps too. Not everyone can do that. I hope your situation works out for the best.

 

[ryner1988]

Thanks guys...

I'm not sure why I was on the pity trip last night. That's not usually me. I guess just because I can't really rebuild doesn't mean I can't have. This washer still works fine, it just makes a noise that might indicate trouble down the line, but not right now, so what I'll probably do is just look for another good condition older machine to replace it with when the time comes. My family, including my wife, really feels I should just buy new when it's time, but I may just have to tell them that is not my desire to do. The main thing I struggle with is that new machines are not only usually crap, but the ones that are worth anything, i.e., a good front loader, are all digital and therefore inaccessible to me. So I stick with the older style not just because of preference, but for accessibility reasons as well.

 

[ozzie908]

@ryner1988

Is there anyone near you who would be willing to strip down and rebuild a mechanically controlled machine for you?

And out of curiosity would it be impossible to buy a reconditioned one from Lorain Furniture am sure Eugene would sort you out he is a superb engineer.

Do you have room to get a spare machine and get yours fixed up as and when it needs it?

Austin

 

[robbinsandmyers]

The time is NOW

To start looking for an older machine. They are still getting scrapped and tossed daily so the supply slowly is drying up. You'll want a very clean low mileage one for sure you can use many years with little to no issues. Thats gonna be hard to find unless you go 90's machine and not older as most of those have lots of time and abuse on them. I prefer the older pitman trans models. Took me years to find my perfect set of 806 machines. I would start looking now and when the time comes you find exactly what you want you get it then sell the old one here or elsewhere. Thus avoiding panic mode when yours dies and family puts pressure on you to buy new so they have clean clothes.

 

[good-shepherd]

I would start looking now

This.

If a Vintage Maytag like the one I posted comes along, grab it now, ask questions later. Especially at a give away price of $40.

Things have a nasty habit of breaking down at inconvenient times. Not always, but when they do you'll be kicking yourself for not preparing beforehand, I know I have.

As for rebuilding a MT washer thats a big job even for an experienced DIY'er without disabilities. Plenty of people have come on the site asking about whats involved and then disappear.

 

[qsd-dan]

It sounds like the belt is slipping on start up. A clean/lube/possible replacement of the rollers/glides on the motor carriage would fix that. Maybe a new set of belts if they're original. Lube the damper pads and this machine would probably outlast at least one new modern washer.

If you can't repair your own machines, it would be best to just buy new. A Speed Queen TC5003 if you want a top loader or an LG4000 series if you want a front loader with a heater. You can fork out big money for a Speed Queen front loader but I personally don't think they're worth the price tag until they put a heater in them with multiple temperature selections.

 

[ryner1988]

Thanks all for the encouragement

I appreciate the responses.

I did look at the SpeedQueen TC5 and that would be my ideal if I was to go new. The only thing is from what I can tell when I've seen them in action on YouTube, the cycle modifications and start button are based on lights that indicate that you've pressed them. Perhaps someone can either confirm or refute this.

The LG looks like another good option, but again, I'm not sure how usable the controls would be from an accessibility standpoint. If the control knob just has cycles in a set place around it, and you just turn it to the cycle you want, I could learn where each cycle is located on the dial and memorize. If, however, the cycles change as you turn the knob, that could prove problematic.

I do agree with the above comments that perhaps getting another machine to put on standby so I have one to put in service if the Maytag dies is a good idea. I don't have the room in my one-bedroom apartment to do this, but maybe a family member could store one for me. I'll look into perhaps snatching a 90's Maytag or even a Whirlpool direct drive so I have something ready to go when the time comes, as suggested. It's not quite the same as these old 80's Maytags, but it would still be leagues better than the top loaders of today, and would still have the mechanical control knobs that are accessible to me.

I wonder what it would cost to see if a service tech could come do the glides, belt, and damper pads for me. I've spoken to a few techs in the area and they all advise just replacing the machine.

I'll keep y'all posted.