Thread Number: 31796
Maytag A608 era |
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Post# 479563   12/5/2010 at 10:36 (4,861 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479618 , Reply# 1   12/5/2010 at 15:00 (4,861 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
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Post# 479824 , Reply# 2   12/6/2010 at 10:12 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Serial number is 618214-CX(though that could be Ox, difficult/rusty badge to read.)
Here are some pics, very happy to get this machine. And the $45 was reduced to $22.50 since I stopped by on last day of sale! So far, all I've done is one load of regular wash, one small load on PermaPress( which seems to WASTE TONS of water with all those cool down fills) This model is 2 speed, 4 wash levels, 4 buttons for temperature combinations( but so far with one small load, it seems as though PermaPress gives cold rinses, overrides the warm rinse in this cycle????) Also, the fill spray/rinse spray seems aimed at base of the tub, then gets thrown at only bottom row of clothes for the spray/spin/rinse, and the deep rinse comes up with plenty of soap and then no more spray rinsing or ability to opt for a second rinse. Anyhows, every model has good/bad points, what the hell. Does anyone know the age from that serial number? Here are some pics, and more comments as I post them all-- |
Post# 479825 , Reply# 3   12/6/2010 at 10:14 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479826 , Reply# 4   12/6/2010 at 10:15 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479827 , Reply# 5   12/6/2010 at 10:17 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479828 , Reply# 6   12/6/2010 at 10:23 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Some thread here said 608 is one step below TOL. I know the very top line was all pushbuttons, but can't exactly figure what else is missing from this, seems relatively TOL to me, 4 temp buttons, 2 speed, 4 water levels.
It says HEavy Duty right on it, and the Agitator has 4 slots x 4 sides for the lint removal system, which I think means deep tub/extra capacity instead of 3 slot models. As you can see, control panel is one-piece with no lights, and I don't think there any tub light----Correct me if wrong, a light would be fun. And I'm gonna leave the $45 price tag, actual was $22.50 last day of sale, and it worked the instant I plugged in/hosed in. The paint and sides need some work, sounds like a mid-winter quiet evening project for me, cool. |
Post# 479833 , Reply# 7   12/6/2010 at 10:27 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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The lint filter was CAKED with crap, this picture shows it already through a Hotpoint dishwasher once, and a toothbrush cleaning too, but I think I need a gallon of vinegar and an overnight soak. Anyone know how well these did or didn't work?
Also, that little center-spin cup for softener-----I imagine it works on regular cycle high speed, but I bet it gets defficient on PermPress with all those extra spins, and probably not quite up-to-par for gentle speed? |
Post# 479835 , Reply# 8   12/6/2010 at 10:28 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479839 , Reply# 9   12/6/2010 at 10:39 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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My guess is I'll be on Regular for 99% of the time, sort of surprised it only has ten minutes. And that missing chrome piece in the center there is the only missing thing I've noticed, so far. Lots of stuff is pitted and rusty, but it's there.
So, for my first Maytag, I'm glad it's a classic center dial and heavy duty, very impressed with its working abilities for its age and pricetag, slightly disappointed in rinses. But, since I already own an Easy SpinDrier, a Hoover Twin Tub #0519, and a 1940-s Speed Queen wringer washer, it's damn nice to have a vintage Maytag to accompany them instead of the 4 year old Admiral BOL POS I bought one penniless weekend at Home Depot. Actually, that dull machine has been entirely trustworthy and handles large loads, but it's just one speed and not a single bell or whistle at all. On sale for $270 in 07 or so, so not really a bad deal at the time. I believe the Home Depot "Admiral" is a privately labeled Amana, not 100% sure. |
Post# 479842 , Reply# 10   12/6/2010 at 10:55 (4,860 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
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When I get my Maytags, I always remove the front and watch for any leaks that may be causing the rust on the outside. Their jet spray nozzles are usually the cause. They ware out from the stretching of the outer rubber sock and can spray water everywhere. The other thing I look at are the sides of the inner shell for any oil that may be leaking and depositing on to it.If that's happening,and the machine is in good physical shape, I will replace its tub seal.Once all is ready to go, I run a real hot wash using either Spray-9 or meuratic acid to thoroughly clean and disinfect the inner and outer tubs and clean out all deposits that may have built up inside the tubs and pump. I put on a new set of belts,new hoses and refinish the shell with fresh glossy enamel paint.I use a brush,not spray.
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Post# 479850 , Reply# 11   12/6/2010 at 11:14 (4,860 days old) by mistereric (New Jersey (Taylor Ham))   |   | |
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The next stop up would have been an 806. You'd get to set speed for agitation and spin independent of each other, and also get to choose wash and rinse temps seperately. And a tub light and chrome trim strip on earlier models.
CX = December 1979 The lint filter in my 806 works pretty well (after having been decrudded. Its nothing earth shattering but works better than I'd expect. Enjoy the machine! |
Post# 479865 , Reply# 12   12/6/2010 at 12:11 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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MisterEric and Laundromat----thank you for advice and input, very much. Here's more pics inside:
I was AMAMZED at the amount of rust, but all these pics were taken during the third of 3 back-to-back washes, and not a drop of water anywhere. Check down the thread when you see the newer tub-to-pump hose, only new thing on this machine. So I believe the rust was from some era just before it got replaced, and no current leaks anywhere. I knelt right in front for 5 minutes during extra-large wash and top-speed spray rinse, not a drop anywhere, so I might leave well enough alone for a bit. |
Post# 479866 , Reply# 13   12/6/2010 at 12:12 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479867 , Reply# 14   12/6/2010 at 12:14 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479869 , Reply# 15   12/6/2010 at 12:17 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479871 , Reply# 16   12/6/2010 at 12:20 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Did I type 806 earlier? Sorry, it's pure 608
More interior rust. Also, the bleach dispenser----there's no solenoid or anything, I guess this just released bleach to the bottom of the tub, hopefully to mix with incoming water, instead of pouring on top and potential damage to clothes? I always thought there was a valve of some sort, didn't know it was just a bottom-feed tube. Picture--and me--are on our sides, sorry |
Post# 479873 , Reply# 17   12/6/2010 at 12:25 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Not best pic, but you can see the recent(not by me) new tub-to-pump hose, and the rusty original drain hose connection. Not a drop underneath, so I won't touch it for now. I'm getting together a short list of needs, fortunately quite short, and then will do a semi-tear-down/paint/hose/belt job this winter
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Post# 479876 , Reply# 18   12/6/2010 at 12:28 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479878 , Reply# 19   12/6/2010 at 12:33 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Ok, I take back ALL those little complaints I had as I learned this machine. No other automatic I've owned did this thick double-bed comforter without me pushing and pulling it down by hand for some minor turnover. This Maytag WONDERFUL HEAVY DUTY 608 took care of that beast wonderfully, I just watched and stayed dry. Gentle speed did nothing but shake it around, normal speed had continous turnover throughout the cycle. So, that is my ultimate test, and that one load there does beat my beloved Hoover Twin Tub and my Easy SpinDrier, I admit.
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Post# 479879 , Reply# 20   12/6/2010 at 12:35 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 479881 , Reply# 21   12/6/2010 at 12:44 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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The simplicity (and rust) amazes me. I'd love to learn the intricacies of a suds-saver model someday, but so far I'm getting more and more impressed with the stability and simplicity of this machine. I guess the excellence is all in the 2 speeds and the many buttons, the timer, wash levels, etc etc. The actual mechanics are pretty straight-forward and long-lasting.
I did a load of 4 throw rugs, heavy %#@*& things, and the machine just quietly stood there humming along, no difficulty at all, no knocks and small earthquakes like other machines. So, I am now Maytag convinced, glad to have it, and well worth $22.50, and looking forward to folks' advice and a de-rust/repaint project after the holidays! It's already white and I'm pretty color-blind, so white it will remain. Sure does also look like it's time to repaint that old basement floor, too, eh? |
Post# 479884 , Reply# 22   12/6/2010 at 13:07 (4,860 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 479887 , Reply# 23   12/6/2010 at 13:43 (4,860 days old) by mistereric (New Jersey (Taylor Ham))   |   | |
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Post# 479894 , Reply# 24   12/6/2010 at 14:47 (4,860 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
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Post# 479961 , Reply# 25   12/6/2010 at 21:21 (4,860 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)   |   | |
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a little cleanup needed,but a nice score for $22.50! (i got my '65 MT for $2.00-it had a seized pump,so i got a really good deal on mine LOL) Dec.'79 must be one of the very last center dials? Alot of the mess looks like it might be suds boil-over LOL |
Post# 479972 , Reply# 26   12/6/2010 at 22:56 (4,860 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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In removing the front and tilting up the top, it also turns out that in addition to the tub-to-pump hose being recent, the fill/air gap hose assy is newer and shiny too. With 5 loads now done and not a drop of water inside the cabinet, I'm guessing strongly that the rust problem from the 2 hoses is over, just needs cleaned and repainted. Also, the water level buttons are shiny pure white in comparison to all other buttons that are sort of yellowed with age. So, for a 30 year old machine, those are 3 minor repairs, not a bad service record at all.
Can anyone tell me year of production from Maytag A608 Serial #618214-CX? Thanks Mark |
Post# 479976 , Reply# 27   12/6/2010 at 23:33 (4,860 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
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Post# 480044 , Reply# 28   12/7/2010 at 07:50 (4,859 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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All the rust you are seeing is from chronic oversudsing where the suds foam up and just drool down over the tub. We have seen many abused machines like this over the years. I would enjoy it as it is and as Dan suggested look for a rust free donor machine, there are hundreds of good MTs being crushed every day that are in great shape. In fact we have a mid 80s large tub MT suds-saver washer at the warehouse now that needs a home the first $50 or more can have it, its in good condition and works.
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Post# 480055 , Reply# 29   12/7/2010 at 08:45 (4,859 days old) by beekeyknee (Columbia, MO)   |   | |
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Post# 480070 , Reply# 30   12/7/2010 at 10:26 (4,859 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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I'm not expecting I'll ever get this thing pristine, showroom new, that's quite OK with me. It's gonna work for me in a 94 year old basement with cobwebs and spiders. My plan is just to remove the cabinet entirely, sand it like hell inside and out, primer and 2 topcoats. That interior base will require a steel brush, etc, then primer and paint. I enjoy watching some of you guys with picture threads of perfect restorations, but my interest and budget will both live fine with a reasonable clean-up. Everything is intact and works perfectly, except that plastiChrome center of the dial.
For a $22.50 original investment, and probably more than that again in paint, it'll look far better than when it dropped rust on every step headed down to the basement. I've been on repairclinic.com and one other site, downloaded grainy diagrams of all the different systems in that machine, all I need is that chrome center and elbow grease from lots of elbows! And I never go crazy with cups and cups of detergent, that oversuds crap won't come back and overflow again. Thanks Mark |
Post# 480082 , Reply# 31   12/7/2010 at 10:50 (4,859 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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One question though-----belts look solid and fine shape, the agitator turns over very heavy loads, the spinning seems plenty speedy enough for average toploaders even when doing rugs and towels, and I've read various threads here about "belt clutch" and motor springs taking up the slack and designed to be loose, so:
Belts are looser than hell!!! That's expected? Is there a specific expected and measurable deflection, the way belt tension is measured? Like I said, she's running fine under any/all conditions I've loaded her up with yet!. Thanks Mark |
Post# 480083 , Reply# 32   12/7/2010 at 10:54 (4,859 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 480115 , Reply# 33   12/7/2010 at 13:14 (4,859 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)   |   | |
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loose belts probably caused by a seized or stiff motor carrage -might need "broken loose"and worked some to free it up... |
Post# 480171 , Reply# 34   12/7/2010 at 18:30 (4,859 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 480247 , Reply# 36   12/8/2010 at 01:29 (4,859 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
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If the belts look ok, they're probably fine. When the belts have a lot of wear, they'll emanate a "whine" (particularly the pump belt) that can only be experienced, not described. Proper operation of the motor carriage is essential to a happy and properly functioning Maytag, so replacing the rollers and springs along with cleaning/lubing the tracks with poly lube (please, don't use turbine oil. It will attract dirt and can also work its way to the belts) is highly recommended.
Here's a genuine Maytag kit with rollers, springs, and poly lube for cheap. CLICK HERE TO GO TO qsd-dan's LINK on eBay |
Post# 480266 , Reply# 37   12/8/2010 at 05:56 (4,858 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 480366 , Reply# 38   12/8/2010 at 14:41 (4,858 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Like any good member here, I always undo the lid switch first thing so I can WATCH WATCH WATCH. BUT, it seems like the Maytag A608 has both lid switch and unbalance switch as one unit? If my investigations are correct so far, then I will be safer and smarter and not jumper wire around the switch, I will leave it as is and use my 1/2 clothespin "Excellence in Engineering" fix to be able to watch the action. Some expert please confirm this?
Also--thanks to Dan and Combo52 and alr2903 and other helpful folks----Motor carriage rollers, springs, poly lube are coming in the mail, but I checked already and motor moves easily approx 3/8 inch and springs right back. During cleanup and derust/repaint, I will most assuredly clean up the 2 part carriage and install the new kit, it looks easy, but for now all still seems well with belts/motor movement, etc During continued watching while running and flashlight inspection with the front removed, it certainly looks like TONS of previous owner oversudsing went on for ages and ages, all down the sides of the outer tub. Now wiped clean and will stay that way, no inches of suds on top of water for me! So, newer tub hose and fill hose were installed at some point, and no more excess suds, it now looks as though my horrid rust CAUSE is over and done, just needs cleaned up and repainted. Ummm, how dumb can some folks be????? Still amazed at how perfectly well she operates with all that rusty damage through the years, takes a licking and still keeps ticking! |
Post# 480821 , Reply# 39   12/10/2010 at 19:49 (4,856 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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MT used an inferior plastic material for thier motor rollers and lid hinge balls in the 1960s and as a result all of the original rollers and lid balls crumbled and broke. They changed to a much better material in the 1970s after this time motor rollers no longer would break. Originally they thought the reason for the breakage was due to the fact they used regular petroleum grease on the rollers in the 1960s. So they recommended using only Polylube on the rollers which is better for plastics, and if you have Polyube handy I would use it. But turbine oil works just fine on any MT rollers that are still in use, we have been using it for over 30 years without any problems what so ever. Turbine oil will no more likely seep through the steel base plate of the washer and get on the belts than PL nor will it be anymore likely to attract dirt, sometimes I don't know where you come up with things Dan.
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Post# 481424 , Reply# 40   12/13/2010 at 15:02 (4,853 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Well, when motor carriage parts arrived, I dug further into my A608-----wire brushed inside the cabinet, vacuumed, wiped down, dried overnight, then Rustoleum inside and out primer then 2 topcoats, but I put it all together again before I remembered camera, sorry no interior shots.
I continued washing clothes during some portions of this weekend project, seems to be 2 drops of water from the fill/water gap doodad every other load or so, I don't think that's the total breakdown of that cheapie plastic item I've heard tell of, so I just closed the top up and will ignore temporarily. Anyhows, not at all a complete restore job, but very spruced up and no rust inside or out, new motor carriage rollers/springs/lube, 2 new tinnerman snaps for front, check up this thread for rusty before pics, here's 2 after painting. I still have half a can left, my guy has better eyes for color and will advise another coat or not. There's tons better restoreres out there, I'm learning the task and sticking within a budget. |
Post# 481426 , Reply# 41   12/13/2010 at 15:05 (4,853 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 481491 , Reply# 42   12/13/2010 at 20:23 (4,853 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 976855 , Reply# 45   1/4/2018 at 15:39 (2,274 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)   |   | |
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I'm no expert, but I can tell you with assurance that an A608 would have far more cycle flexibility than the new Maytag. You actually get to select the water level on the old A608, the new MT has only two options, Full Fill and Automatic load Sense. If you have the space to store the new A608, I say get it, you have nothing to lose.
As something final to say, I have my doubts about what the Sears Technician said, in today's world, sadly, many service men just make up a bunch of rubbish just to get out of servicing an older machine. What is exactly wrong with the transmission? If it is just leaking a little oil, you could probably get a few more years out of it. |
Post# 976865 , Reply# 47   1/4/2018 at 17:09 (2,274 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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DianaM: Transmission would cost $726+tax = $800 + $450 installation + $200 more for gearcase and some other part.The transmission is sometimes referred to as the gearcase ... there's nothing else "gear"-related on a 608 other than the transmission, so seems a mystery what your servicer meant regards to the two separate items. Maybe the tub brake assembly? (which may not be needed). Your 608 has what's called a "pitman"-style transmission. New replacements are NLA (but it can possibly be repaired depending on what's wrong). The substitution is the newer "orbital"-style transmission which has a shorter/faster agitation stroke. I find $238 at one online source. |
Post# 976868 , Reply# 48   1/4/2018 at 17:29 (2,274 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
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Post# 977253 , Reply# 50   1/7/2018 at 01:18 (2,272 days old) by askolover (South of Nash Vegas, TN)   |   | |
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Post# 977282 , Reply# 52   1/7/2018 at 08:38 (2,271 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)   |   | |
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Post# 977283 , Reply# 53   1/7/2018 at 08:39 (2,271 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 977327 , Reply# 54   1/7/2018 at 14:33 (2,271 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)   |   | |
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So you already ordered a new washer?? By the way, that CL Maytag is an A710 (one model below the TOL A810), my mistake. |
Post# 1015901 , Reply# 58   11/26/2018 at 20:18 (1,948 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Any large capacity Maytag washer tub (with bleach dispenser if needed) made from 1966 up to the point where they changed to a plastic tub cover (early 90's ?) will interchange with your A710 machine. |
Post# 1015905 , Reply# 59   11/26/2018 at 20:51 (1,948 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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