Thread Number: 52957
New Member: Just bought a Maytag Wringer Washer and wondering what I've gotten myself into |
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Post# 753064   4/27/2014 at 09:08 (3,623 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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So I've loved the idea of wringer washers forever. They were all my grandma ever used and I just think they're so neat. While browsing around at one of my favorite thrift stores a couple days ago I came across what I believe is a Maytag E2L circa 1939-1941 for $35 and I just couldn't pass it up. Ideally I would like to use it for at least several loads a week if not a daily driver. So far I have given it a good cleaning and removed the agitator which came off fairly easily. The inside of the tub is intact with no rust and doesn't appear to leak however I will need to get a new hose before I can leak test it properly as the old one split during cleaning. The belt, gearbox and motor are all present but the cord has been cut. My father is planning to rewire the cord in the next couple of days so we can test the motor. One thing I do notice is that there is some dried oil drips on the bottom of the gear box and the agitator only wants to make a partial turn and then stops so I'm wondering if the gears may be gunked up? Does anyone know of any appliance repair places in northeast ohio that might be able to service a unit like this one and what I might be looking at cost wise to get it running? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
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Post# 753117 , Reply# 1   4/27/2014 at 13:16 (3,622 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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There are lots of wringer fans here, and some detailed threads on the restoration process which can be found by using the "Super Search-a-lator" on the main forum index page. A small oil leak may not be a big deal -- yet -- but if the oil you're seeing is the last of what was in the case, then you could run into some trouble.
You might have a tough time finding a repair person, but you can try calling Larry at Modern Parts in Parma. He could perhaps know someone in your area who still works on these. |
Post# 753147 , Reply# 2   4/27/2014 at 15:05 (3,622 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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homesteadgal, on your cool maytag wringer washer buy!!!
it sure does look like a neat find!!! i hope you can get it up & running with little effort or cost!!! it's a good thing your dad knows how to rewire the electric cord. that is too cool!!! you be sure to keep us updated on your progress!! keeping my fingers crossed for you to get this maytag wringer up & running easily & soon..... ;o) |
Post# 753190 , Reply# 5   4/27/2014 at 17:20 (3,622 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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I did download the manual for my washer and read through it today. Just for curiosity sake what should a new hose cost and where would be the best place to get one do any stores carry something similar, maybe sold by the foot? Also what would I be looking at cost wise if I need to replace the motor? Lastly if I end up needing the gear box and wringer taken apart, cleaned and oiled what would be a fair price for the service?
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Post# 753216 , Reply# 6   4/27/2014 at 18:54 (3,622 days old) by epixstar128 (toledo)   |   | |
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Home depot should have the hose or a auto parts store. What part of ohio are you from good to see more members from ohio. |
Post# 753433 , Reply# 7   4/28/2014 at 13:09 (3,621 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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epixstar128, I'm in the Akron area.
I was able to find a length of hose at a local appliance shop that fits the machine. The only problem is that while the outer diameter is the same, the inner diameter is a bit bigger than the old hose. I did cut the hose to size and try putting it on with a hose clamp but after about five minutes a very small amount of water wanted to drip out over the top of the hose. On the bright side she seems to hold water otherwise, which is nice since I wasn't able to do a leak test prior to buying. My first thought is to try and have my husband get the hose clamp a bit tighter. I'm figuring if that doesn't work perhaps I could apply some waterproof caulk around the top of the hose. Thoughts? Also in the works: my brother in law is going to media blast the casters and adjustable leg extensions for me and my father is planning to reattach the electrical cord so we can test the motor. I should have a better update on Wednesday after both are done. |
Post# 753434 , Reply# 8   4/28/2014 at 13:27 (3,621 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 753450 , Reply# 9   4/28/2014 at 14:33 (3,621 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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good idea rp2813!!!
if not electrical tape, maybe some of that thin rubber "plumbers" tape? or if you have some of them thicker, wider rubberbands??? but i'm sure those would work for a certain amount of time before starting to disintegrate??? maybe you could get some of that silicone gel sealant and carefully coat the inside of the end of the hose, that fits over the stem/port?? i would think maybe coating the inside of the hose end, with a popsicle stick or something similar and after you've gotten the inside of the hose coated with the silicon sealant gel, just let it dry completely. and then put it on the drain stem/port?? and you can use a hose clamp on those hose as well to make sure it is a solid fit too. that's what my "learning" mind comes up with? another way you could go is to try some bubblegum that has been chewed alot so that almost all of the sugar/flavor is out of the gum. that could also be another solution. i think i've seen "macgyver" use gum in some of his "solutions"?? hm hm hm....... good luck!!! and if i think of something else, i'll reply again... ;o) |
Post# 753499 , Reply# 11   4/28/2014 at 18:08 (3,621 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)   |   | |
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Post# 753501 , Reply# 12   4/28/2014 at 18:10 (3,621 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Larry, the agitator does behave like you describe however upon closer inspection it's apparent that just about every moving part has been leaking oil. Currently she's completely opened up. The power unit is off and on its way to a machine shop to be fully disassembled and rebuilt. On Wednesday my father is going to redo the motor. Other than that we just have to remove the rest of the part that goes up to the wringer and rebuild it. We decided that since I want this machine as a daily driver we will just do a full restoration. It might take a couple of weeks but hopefully we will get many good years out of it after. I'm very excited to get this all done and I'll post pictures and updates as they come up.
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Post# 753529 , Reply# 13   4/28/2014 at 19:26 (3,621 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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Post# 753550 , Reply# 14   4/28/2014 at 20:05 (3,621 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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I read through part of that thread in my earlier searches. I'll have to go back and check it out in its entirety. The part of it I did see definitely inspired me to go ahead with the redo upon finding out that I had bitten off more than I had originally thought. Also thanks to everyone who has given me advice and encouragement so far. I did become a bit discouraged at one point but I really think it'll be worth it in the end.
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Post# 753593 , Reply# 15   4/28/2014 at 22:27 (3,621 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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I always recommend that thread to anyone who's taking one of these beauty's apart. He has detailed photos of the electric motor rebuild your Dad may want to see, along with the entire machine apart, cleaned, re painted and ready for re assembly, pics of new gaskets, seals, showing how, and where they go. He did a fantastic job polishing up the aluminum tub.
He originally did not have a pump model, but did add one. Yours probably has the pre made holes in the cross bars for you to add one if you want. Phil in Ovid N.Y still has many of the parts, including the pumps. Of course these parts are not made any more, including the "tub to pump hose" If you decide to add a pump...that hose is a bit difficult to replicate because of its shape... So if you think you want to add one.. Better get while the getting is good. Keep us posted with your progress (we love pics) |
Post# 753882 , Reply# 16   4/30/2014 at 15:25 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 753883 , Reply# 17   4/30/2014 at 15:26 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 753884 , Reply# 18   4/30/2014 at 15:27 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 753885 , Reply# 19   4/30/2014 at 15:28 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 753886 , Reply# 20   4/30/2014 at 15:29 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 753897 , Reply# 21   4/30/2014 at 16:11 (3,619 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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how exciting homesteadgal!!! a total rebuild?? it'll be like getting a brand new wringer washer!! how cool is that??!!
i'm afraid i can't answer any of your questions, cuz i don't know anything much about washer, let alone wringer washers. but hopefully i'll be getting my own wringer washer real soon too!!! anyway, i just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on getting your wringer washer apart & cleaned up. and GOOD LUCK with the rebuild!!! i'll be keeping up with this thread to see how your rebuild is coming along!!! thanks for sharing your adventure with us.... :o) |
Post# 753898 , Reply# 22   4/30/2014 at 16:17 (3,619 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)   |   | |
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Post# 753965 , Reply# 24   4/30/2014 at 21:07 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 754030 , Reply# 26   5/1/2014 at 00:23 (3,619 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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Post# 754080 , Reply# 27   5/1/2014 at 07:00 (3,619 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 754175 , Reply# 29   5/1/2014 at 14:16 (3,618 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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Post# 754189 , Reply# 30   5/1/2014 at 14:59 (3,618 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Yep. I forgot to upload a picture of the serial number yesterday but I can add one when I get home tonight. I know it's around 100,000 from when I looked up a serial number chart with ages but I'll get the exact one this evening. Now I feel better about not having the maytag letters if they were never there to begin with.
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Post# 754198 , Reply# 31   5/1/2014 at 16:14 (3,618 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 754226 , Reply# 32   5/1/2014 at 17:38 (3,618 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)   |   | |
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January, 1958 S/N. If I'm not mistaking. |
Post# 754259 , Reply# 33   5/1/2014 at 19:46 (3,618 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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And believe Larry is correct on the date!
So...it probably had the MAYTAG decal on the front, but the script may have been a little different than mine, not sure. If Geoff comes by, he will know. If it the same as mine I might be able to hook you up. The NOS decals available on line are just too old, and nit worth the time. IMHO. Larry, how's your tub? Have you figured out what you can and can not use, to keep it from darkening ? I give up! I just S.O.S mine and use 2000 grit when I'm tired of looking at it! |
Post# 754341 , Reply# 35   5/2/2014 at 01:47 (3,618 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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Post# 754553 , Reply# 36   5/2/2014 at 20:58 (3,617 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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Post# 755827 , Reply# 37   5/8/2014 at 22:56 (3,611 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )   |   | |
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Post# 756048 , Reply# 38   5/10/2014 at 06:51 (3,610 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Well I've hit a bit of a slowdown waiting to get the power unit back. My brother in law tells me it's almost done so hopefully I can reassemble the old girl soon. I did intend to sand and paint the body of the washer yesterday but it was storming off and on and I'm not thrilled with the idea of trying to spray paint in the house. I'm hoping I can at least get her sanded and primed tomorrow if the weather cooperates. I'll post more pics as soon as I can get started on the painting. Glad to see you got your washer too.
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Post# 756297 , Reply# 40   5/11/2014 at 12:00 (3,608 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Finished priming and painting the body of the washer. I used the appliance epoxy as well and I must say it went on very smoothly and it covers very well. I still have to do the wringer but I'm gonna wait on that until tomorrow. As far as the legs and wheels I'm waiting to see what they look like after being media blasted. I figure if they're still a bit pitted then I can always paint them but if not then I can save a step. Also I'm supposed to get the power unit back today so I could be doing my first load of wash soon :)
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Post# 756298 , Reply# 41   5/11/2014 at 12:02 (3,608 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 756336 , Reply# 42   5/11/2014 at 15:31 (3,608 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 756388 , Reply# 45   5/11/2014 at 21:12 (3,608 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Thanks for the info about the oil and grease. I'm thinking I'll just get the ones you mention from the auto parts store and ace rather than order them online. Also I did email Phil about gaskets. I looked at the listing you mentioned on ebay but I wasn't sure if that set included the gasket for where the power unit meets the tub or not as I couldn't tell from the picture. Thanks for all your help. I'll post updated pictures in the morning since I just finished putting the wheels and legs back on.
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Post# 756487 , Reply# 47   5/12/2014 at 10:20 (3,608 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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I went ahead and bought the gasket set Phil had on ebay as I need all of those gaskets too but I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with the gasket for where the power unit meets the tub. I did search a bit online and I found that autozone sells the gasket material that can be cut to size so I may just end up getting a pack of that as well and making the round gasket that I need.
E2l-arry, what did you do when you reassembled yours? Did you replace that gasket? |
Post# 756577 , Reply# 48   5/12/2014 at 17:42 (3,607 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)   |   | |
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Replace the tub gasket. Phil sells them. Maybe not on EBay but he sells them. It's the tub gasket, part number 15641. It was $2.50 last time I bought one. |
Post# 756673 , Reply# 49   5/13/2014 at 04:25 (3,607 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 757010 , Reply# 50   5/14/2014 at 20:32 (3,605 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)   |   | |
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Phil's got one on Ebay today. Same low LOW price of $2.50 as last year. |
Post# 757102 , Reply# 51   5/15/2014 at 04:29 (3,605 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 757205 , Reply# 52   5/15/2014 at 17:35 (3,604 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)   |   | |
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I had to buy a special gulmite wrench to get the old ones out but I replaced them with the 1/2" with washer and rubber gasket from Phil as well. |
Post# 757529 , Reply# 53   5/16/2014 at 19:11 (3,603 days old) by homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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Post# 784131 , Reply# 55   9/16/2014 at 23:23 (3,480 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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This thread kind of died, didn't it? I wonder if the OP ever finished her machine? Anyone know? |
Post# 784950 , Reply# 56   9/21/2014 at 16:26 (3,475 days old) by stan (Napa CA)   |   | |
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Post# 803692 , Reply# 57   1/12/2015 at 17:34 (3,362 days old) by Homesteadgal (Ohio)   |   | |
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So we technically "finished" the washer (cleaned everything out, redid all the seals, added oil and grease to the appropriate places and she still won't agitate faster than a crawl. At some point we're gonna try to tear apart the power unit fully and rebuild it but we've had so much overtime at work over the past few months that we honestly haven't gotten anymore done. I did buy another maytag wringer washer that works perfectly as is and just needs the cosmetics fixed up so I've been using that as a daily driver in the mean time.
Here's a link to that thread: www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/T... And here's another thread with a more thorough update of the problems with miss e2l: www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/T... |