Water testing my "new" Maytag A700

[revvinkevin]

As some of you have already seen, I was lucky enough to search Craigslist at just the right time and stumble across this beautiful and exactly matched pair (both built Dec. 1962), the A700 and it's DE701 mate.

I brought them home Wednesday and was able to test the washer Friday afternoon to see what condition it was in under it's pretty face.

 

[revvinkevin]

The first thing was to move the A700 next to it's 806 cousin. As you can see they were quite happy to be next to each other!

 

[revvinkevin]

I removed the front panel to see how it looks inside and it actually looks pretty good!! Even has the original bleach dispenser reservoir!

 

[revvinkevin]

I turned on the water and let it fill. After a few minutes I realized I had a water leak, but it turns out the hoses were not completely tight at the mixing valve!

 

[revvinkevin]

Once the water level reached the setting, the motor turned on and it started agitating…. though VERY slowly. Since the front panel was off I reached in and moved the motor around to see if it was stuck. The agitation speed picked up to normal, but motor moved around too much! The plastic guides are missing in the motor carriage, so I will have to find some new ones.

 

[revvinkevin]

It drains and spins fine too! Everything works as far as the water level, the timer, temp switch. Just the tub light does not work, but I assume it's just a burned out bulb, I'll have to check it later.

Also the hot water flows at just a dribble, I assume the mixing valve is clogged, so I will have to see if I can find one of those too!

It also turns out the 700 has a tear down is it's future because the pump is noisy and I believe the tub seal is leaking because it was flinging drops of water off the transmission as it was spinning... BUT I am NOT deterred because I am still so excited to have these machines!!!!!

 

[appnut]

YAY KEVIN!!!

 

[swestoyz]

Lookin' good Kevin! Glad you are taking this on with confidence. Get a copy of the Maytag Helical Repair manual (1962 copy, red cover), a tub nut wrench, some standard wrenches, nut drivers, screw drivers, and a box full of parts and have yourself a fun weekend! Plus, just post here if you have any questions.

BTW - the fill valve may be a bit dirty, etc. Take it apart, clean everything up, and hopefully that clears the issue. The three temp Maytag/Dole valves are my favorite; I've got them in everything!

Ben

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Beautiful, simply beautiful! I have a set of 900's listed on my wish list but I'd sure as hell settle for a set like yours. As I have a decent number of people in my household, my MAH4000's would stay my daily drivers but wow this set would seriously try me on that!

Remember to check your damper assy. I saw some dark areas where the damper meets the base. Is that just shadow or , God forbid, ground aluminum? As far as the tub light, I'd consult with Toggleswitch. Judging by his and Gary's posts, he seems to have some experience with the light on his 806...

RCD

 

[toggleswitch2]

First, do no harm.

The tub-light in the A806 (if I am reding the wiring digram correctly) is energized when the lid is open, otherwise the rest of the circuits are energized. (SPDT [single-pole, double-throw] toggle switch!) However, it looks like even the tub-light stays "off" when the timer knob is pushed in, even when the lid is open.

 

[revvinkevin]

Questions.....

Ben - you suggested taking apart the water valve to clean it, is this something that disassembled more then just removing it from the machine?

RCD - the darkness at the base, no it's not ground aluminum, looks to me more a residue from grease or something. I have not tried cleaning it yet so I'm not sure what it is yet.

THANKS!!!
Kevin

 

[mayguy]

Fill me on how this bleach system suppose to work? I've never seen such thing on a top loader.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Maytag Pair

Congratulations Kevin, you must be so thrilled, look a FAB pair, Ohhh spinning power units, thank goodness for the safety warning!!!

How many now?? and counting!!! (one becomes two, two becomes!!!...Lol)cheers, Mike

 

[turquoisedude]

Looks great!!

Very nice machine there, Kevin! I am sure that you'll resolve the valve and agitation issues quickly. Have fun and keep us posted!!

 

[rickr]

Wonderful looking Maytag set Kevin! This style of Maytag is just timeless.

 

[swestoyz]

Kevin - first check to make sure the screens are clean. You mentioned a dribble so I'm thinking that it is more than likely the valve itself. It may be a solenoid. You should be able to take the valve out of the machine, swap a solenoid from the cold or warm side, put it on the hot side, and if you get the same result, the rubber diaphragm may need to be cleaned inside. If the hot starts flowing, I can send you a replacement solenoid.

Does the tub move back and forth with ease? If so the pads should be in good shape. IIRC some Polylube can be added if needed - someone let me know if I am incorrect.

Jay (mayguy) - about a year or so ago I posted a page from the 1962 Service Manual that describes how the bleach injection system work. Here is a copy below. The link to the thread goes into great detail. Enjoy!

Ben

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2008/17938x14.htm

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Ben, I agree. Checking the health of the damper is kinda like getting that 'rubber glove' check. It's simple, easy to do and ALL Maytag Dependable care washers should get it regularly! If caught early, a little polylube on the pads sure beats a ground up damper or worse.

Just remove the panel, remove the two top screws so it can lift up, undo the three tub springs and tip the washer back. Take two 2x4 blocks and tape them together to make a bigger block. Put it under the drive pulley and set the washer down. This lifts the whole mechanism up just enough to allow you to lube the pads with Polylube. Not too much. Reassembly is the reverse and adjust the tub springs so the tub is centered to the lid opening. Takes about 20 minutes and saves a ton of grief and money.

RCD

 

[revvinkevin]

Ben and Andrew.... THANK YOU!!!

Thank you both so much for this info!!! It will be a tremendous help when I tear into the washer (so to speak).

Having this connection here in AW.org is just incredible for the loads of information available and new friendships it brings, plus being able to share our interest in washers & dryers (and other appliances) with others! THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE!!!

 

[pdub]

Ben and Drew

Thanks for the valuable Maytag info on the damper pads and the timed bleach system. I enjoyed the reading and will put this to good use.

Kevin- Beautiful score on the set. Enjoy them in good health.

Patrick

 

[bpetersxx]

explains it better than I can

But I`m still am idiot thou

 

[redcarpetdrew]

But I`m still am idiot thou

No such thing, here. As long as you have enthusiasm and are willing to offer help or support here, you've got what it takes, bpetersxx!

RCD