Work on the Maytag WU601 begins...

[kenmore71]

I dug into the 1977 Maytag WU601 last night and the report is generally good.
I have posted pics of the exterior and a tub shot in an earlier thread that is listed below.
I knew that the pump was locked up so I took the belt off and began running the machine through some cycles to see what did and didn't work. The rapid advance timer seems to be working correctly, the motor runs in both directions, the water solenoid buzzes at the correct times, the heating element works, and the rinse dispenser sounds like it works. The detergent dispenser, however, is not releasing. Cosmetically there is one small spot of surface rust in the tub right by the pump assembly.
Here's a pic of the interior of the tub. Nothing here that some elbow grease won't take care of.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?36590_7

 

[kenmore71]

The small rust spot. This is surface rust, the metal underneath is sound.

 

[kenmore71]

I took the pump apart to just for kicks. Ben is bringing me a box of donor parts next week that includes a working pump. This is filthy inside but otherwise is in nice shape. It's just the bearing that appears to be bad.

 

[mixfinder]

If Its Small It Tries Harder

I am surprised to see such small undulations on the impeller given the amount of water velocity Maytag dishwasher create. 

 

[bwoods]

good luck Mark

That tub is in good shape for the age, and you can easily repair that rust spot, Mark.

The detergent dispenser works with a little bimetal strip that heats up when a low voltage is applied. On mine, the bimetal strip burnt out. You might still be able to purchase the replacement cup kit online, I think it was about four years ago I ordered one.

It looks like the lower wash arm is of a slightly different design than the WU202 that I own.

Have fun with the rebuild!

 

[whirlcool]

You may want to try POR-15, a rustproofing paint type product that seals rust. Or maybe sand down, epoxy prime & epoxt paint the rusted area.